Can I perform a clean install from Vista OEM?

[Zinic]

Hi, I am new here and I would like to know if this is possible.

Can I upgrade/perform a clean install on my custom built PC that has Vista 64bit OEM?

Processor: Intel Core i7 (quad core) cpu @ 2.67GHz
Memory: 6GB RAM
Hard Drive: 500 GB (primary) and 640 GB hard drives
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit
Motherboard: EVGA X58 SLI

To get into more detail, I built my PC and installed Vista 64bit sp1 OEM. I want to do a clean install to Windows 7 Home Premium. Is this possible? If so, do I buy the Windows 7 Upgrade?

One last question. What is the difference between the full retail and the upgrade?

 

[garysgold]

Last one first. Supposedly the upgrade key asks for proof of previous windows, but I've seen reports here that this is not happening. It seems to install just like a full retail key. The disks are the same I believe, but the keys are supposed to be different. No prob for you as you can do either a clean or upgrade install with the upgrade disk since you have Vista already. Instructions here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

I always recommend a clean install.

Enjoy.

Gary

 

[zigzag3143]

Hi, I am new here and I would like to know if this is possible.

Can I upgrade/perform a clean install on my custom built PC that has Vista 64bit OEM?

Processor: Intel Core i7 (quad core) cpu @ 2.67GHz
Memory: 6GB RAM
Hard Drive: 500 GB (primary) and 640 GB hard drives
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit
Motherboard: EVGA X58 SLI

To get into more detail, I built my PC and installed Vista 64bit sp1 OEM. I want to do a clean install to Windows 7 Home Premium. Is this possible? If so, do I buy the Windows 7 Upgrade?

One last question. What is the difference between the full retail and the upgrade?

Upgrade can do a clean install of win 7. MS announced it in a round about way and its being done successfully. The difference between upgrade and retail is almost moot. Get the upgrade but CLEAN install

You will like it

Ken

 

[Zinic]

Since no one mentioned that I cant perform a clean install from an OEM, I suppose I can.

So, now the next question is, will Windows 7 validate my vista key automatically? Or do I have to have my key at hand?

 

[Cando777]

Clean install

Last one first. Supposedly the upgrade key asks for proof of previous windows, but I've seen reports here that this is not happening. It seems to install just like a full retail key. The disks are the same I believe, but the keys are supposed to be different. No prob for you as you can do either a clean or upgrade install with the upgrade disk since you have Vista already. Instructions here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

I always recommend a clean install.

Enjoy.

Gary

I have always done a clean install from the Boot up . Win 7 Upgrade is saying you do it from the Windows Desktop ??? Which is it ?

 

[Brink]

Since no one mentioned that I cant perform a clean install from an OEM, I suppose I can.

So, now the next question is, will Windows 7 validate my vista key automatically? Or do I have to have my key at hand?

Hello Zinic,

I found it best to activate after finishing the Clean Install. You will need to type in your product key number during the installation of Windows 7.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Brink]

Last one first. Supposedly the upgrade key asks for proof of previous windows, but I've seen reports here that this is not happening. It seems to install just like a full retail key. The disks are the same I believe, but the keys are supposed to be different. No prob for you as you can do either a clean or upgrade install with the upgrade disk since you have Vista already. Instructions here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

I always recommend a clean install.

Enjoy.

Gary

I have always done a clean install from the Boot up . Win 7 Upgrade is saying you do it from the Windows Desktop ??? Which is it ?

Hello Cando, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You can do either one with a retail Upgrade Windows 7. See the tutorial below for more details on this.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn