win 7 upgrade disc won't install as clean install


  1. Posts : 76
    windows 7 home pre 64 bit
       #1

    win 7 upgrade disc won't install as clean install


    I have read the tutorials on here about using a win 7 upgrade disc for a clean install, but let me tell you it don't work for me!

    I bought a new hard drive and win 7 upgrade disc (I do own a copy of win 98 and win xp upgrade so thats all legal) I put the win 7 upgrade disc in and it started to install it gets right to the bit where you need to put your product key in and then its says INVALID LICENCE KEY I ve tried and tried but thats all it will say (and yes I did un check the activate windows on line)

    So I then tried installing my xp upgrade disc after it scans the hard drive it says please put your copy of win 98 in the disc drive to see if you are eligible for the upgrade (not exact words but you get the drift) after it checks it then it says put you xp disc back in the drive. but it wont install it just keeps going round in a loop doing the same things as above and wanting to re formate the drive all the time and asking for the win 98 disc.

    I am now thinking of having to install win 98 then xp upgrade then win 7 (I want to use the 64 bit disc too) seems a bit long winded but I don't know what else to do. Its a bit of a pain because win 98 disc won't recognise my cd drive I assume because its SATA, anyway I have an old ATA/IDE cd drive which I ve just rigged up and win 98 is now formating the drive but its gona take ages.

    Any help ? or is my long winded way the only way ?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    If the key is indeed illegal, nothing that we can do. If it is lega
    When it asks for your key, do not give it. Untick the box allowing for automatic activation when on line.
    Then install programs, use the system when you are ready, but before 30 days, activate by phone.
    Activate Windows 7 by Phone

    If you key, for whatever reason, is not valid, this nor any other method will work.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #3

    Hello Ballie.










    Please have a look at this tutorial at the link below, you don't add the key when first prompted during the install.


    Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
       #4

    As Rich said, when it asks for the Key, uncheck and do not give it. My Win 7 was installed for about two weeks before I went back and put the Key in. Hopefully this will work.

    PS -- Where did you buy your Win 7 disk? Was it online from a legit website, from a local store or a site like Ebay? Thanks,
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 76
    windows 7 home pre 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks Guys,

    Its that simple I just left the key box blank and clicked next and I am now up and running. I will try and activate it over the next few days the key will be ok because I bought the upgrade disc from Ebuyer.com and it was sealed box, I might need to phone and give reason.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #6

    Hello Ballie.









    Glad to see you have it sorted and thanks for the update.

    Even if you have to make a robo-call to MS to activate that's no big deal.


    How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    You do not want to pro-actively call MS to activate as they are no longer supporting clean install with Upgrade by all reports. You should not have to make the call anyway when you activate, or at most have to make a robocall to number they provide. Calls to a MS agent are so rare I've never had to do on in hundreds of installs.

    Insert Product Key at Control Panel>System link after doing one of the workarounds in the tutorial posted: Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

    If you don't want to set a Restore Point to do the registry changes, then within Win7 put your DVD in and run the Upgrade over itself and it should accept the key up front.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 76
    windows 7 home pre 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Hi guys,

    I had to do the reg edit and change the value to 0 it then registered just fine.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #9

    Hello again Ballie.







    Glad to see you found a solution and thanks for the update.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #10

    As BFK said thanks for the update. You have, now, helped others in the same way that you have been helped. Come back any time.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 13:40.
Find Us