Can you do a clean install from an upgrade dvd?

leftkidney · 13 Oct 2009

just install Windows 7 and dont enter the key code - then it will tell you you have to purchase it or it will stop working

then reinstall windows 7 again and the upgrade should work as it sees the windows 7 already on there as a copy to upgrate

this worked for Vista but I havent tried it with 7 yet - also you could go to a compute store and ask for a OEM copy of Vista you say you already have the key code you just lost the disc - someone should be able to copy the disc they have and you can install it without a key code again doint the same thing

pparks1 · 13 Oct 2009

leftkidney said:

jthis worked for Vista but I havent tried it with 7 yet

The primary difference now is that the upgrade requirements say that the previous OS has to be activated and you cannot activate without entering a key. So, now what?

Saltgrass · 13 Oct 2009

My question comes when you cannot do an upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Win 7 Professional. You have to do a custom install, which might mean wiping the drive first.

I got the following response from Microsoft, and I think I understand, but if anyone would like to say it in plain language, please do so.

"I appreciate the opportunity to assist you today, I understand that you would like to know that if you use the upgrade version of Windows 7 if it will render the Windows Vista you currently have installed un-useable.
Should you chose to use an upgrade version of Windows 7 over a copy of Windows Vista it will lock the previous copy of Vista un-useable as long as you use the upgrade version on that computer. If you wish to re-use your copy of Windows Vista you would have to purchase the full version of the product and perform a clean installation of Windows 7. Doing this allows the Vista to be uses for another PC in your household."

whs · 13 Oct 2009

Saltgrass said:

My question comes when you cannot do an upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Win 7 Professional. You have to do a custom install, which might mean wiping the drive first.

I got the following response from Microsoft, and I think I understand, but if anyone would like to say it in plain language, please do so.

"I appreciate the opportunity to assist you today, I understand that you would like to know that if you use the upgrade version of Windows 7 if it will render the Windows Vista you currently have installed un-useable.
Should you chose to use an upgrade version of Windows 7 over a copy of Windows Vista it will lock the previous copy of Vista un-useable as long as you use the upgrade version on that computer. If you wish to re-use your copy of Windows Vista you would have to purchase the full version of the product and perform a clean installation of Windows 7. Doing this allows the Vista to be uses for another PC in your household."

You are lucky. You got a clear answer. I asked the same question and got only bumm answers - even from their manager. They even suggested that I have to ask the manufacturer of my PC for the answer. What a bunch of morons.
But what you got says that the old Vista key can only work for either Vista or Win7 upgrade. If you want both to work, you need to buy a full Win7 version (which could be an OEM, I suppose).