Upgrading from Vista to 7 using the MSDN AA

Hey guys,

I thought this would have been asked before but I've done a search and turned up no results! Forgive me if I've just missed it though...

Basically, I've currently got Vista 64bit. I'm an IEEE member so I've downloaded the Windows 7 x64 Professional iso file from the MSDN AA and burned it to a DVD and got a serial number too.

Now I'm wondering what the best way to move from Vista to Windows 7 is. I'm not sure, but I assume the serial number/iso is for the full version and not the upgrade.

I thread I read here says clean install is better than upgrade. So assuming I want to completely get rid of all traces of Vista, I do the following:
1) Back up all files on my C: (pretty much no documents since I have everything on other drives/partitions)
2) Make a list of all programs/serial numbers
3) Put the Windows 7 DVD into my DVD drive and change my BIOS settings to boot from DVD as 1st priority
4) Hit the key to boot from DVD
5) I hope there's an option to format the current Vista partition (C: )?
6) Format the partition and install Windows 7 on the partition
7) Reinstall all programs I need

Does this sound good to everyone? Essentially, I just want to confirm that I can completely format the current Vista partition during Windows 7 installation and that the serial number/iso I got from the MSDN AA is the full version and not the upgrade.

Computer specs: Q6600, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 8800GT, P35-DS3 motherboard

If you require any other information just let me know.

Thanks in advance!

It would work as an upgrade. But you're right, doing a clean install is going to be the best.

You're probably already done by now (14 hours later). If not, yes you can format the Vista partition using the Windows 7 DVD.

OK cool thanks! Nah, I haven't installed Windows 7 yet since I have a test and an assignment due for Uni on Monday, so I will most likely install it on Tuesday.

I will let you know how it goes :)

DocBrown said:

You might want to read the tutorial on Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

for files, programs & settings.

I have used it several times to an external HD. :)

Thanks for the link, that's a really good guide!

I know that when I upgrade the firmware on my phone or modem they recommend manually re-entering all the settings rather than a backup and restore of the settings.

Just wondering if it's the same for computers going from one OS to another? Like could I have settings/files from Vista being transferred onto Windows 7 that are just useless?
I don't really have any files at all on the drive with Vista installed. I've got a 1TB drive for media storage and a 500GB drive as well. The 500GB drive is partitioned and the partition with Vista has all installed programs too, and the other partition has all my documents, etc.
I figure by formatting my OS/programs partition all I need to do is re-install the programs.

So I think I'm leaning towards formatting/installing 7 and not worry about restoring my Vista settings. What do you think?

7seven said:

So I think I'm leaning towards formatting/installing 7 and not worry about restoring my Vista settings. What do you think?

Yeah that's how I do it. Because I don't store any critical data on the Windows partition, it makes it easier to format and reinstall.

It might be best to create a backup using the easy transfer wizard just in case. You don't necessarily have to import everything back into Windows 7. But it's probably not a bad idea to have it just in case you find something missing.

sup3rsprt said:

It might be best to create a backup using the easy transfer wizard just in case. You don't necessarily have to import everything back into Windows 7. But it's probably not a bad idea to have it just in case you find something missing.

Yep that's what I ended up doing. Formatted & installed Windows 7 yesterday. All went well and I haven't had any issues so far. One thing that was pretty surprising was the format. I always remember formats taking really long but during the Windows 7 installation it asked what drive I wanted to install to so I selected my drive and clicked the format button. It instantly went down to 0GB used?? I assume that it just deleted the MFT file to "forget where the data is" instead of erasing all the data. I don't think this will actually effect the performance at all though.

So overall, very happy. Thanks for the help guys :)