Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

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  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Premium 64 bit
       #261

    Whattf said:
    Is it possible to perform a clean install (on a blank hard drive) with Windows 7 Upgrade media?

    I tested this out today and Yes, this is possible.

    In short, boot your computer from the Windows 7 DVD select a custom install. Let it install on your system, when prompted for a serial number leave it blank and finish the steps in the activation wizard. This will allow you to use the software in a 30 day evaluation mode. Note at this point you will not be able to activate the software as it will return "Code: 0xC004F061 Description: The software licensing service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations." Then insert the DVD into your computer (if not already in there) and this time select an "upgrade." Once this reinstallation process has finished you should enter the serial number provided with the upgrade media and it will activate successfully!
    Hi,
    I have a problem. I had Vista 32 bit installed previously (original retail copy). I bought Windows 7 Premium 64 bit UPGRADE version, but I didn't knew that I need to have Vista already installed in my hard drive in-order to "Upgrade" to Windows 7. So, unknowingly, I had clean formatted my hard drive and installed Windows 7 upgrade version in my empty hard drive. Now, when I had that problem with activating online (cause I had no Vista installed now), I skipped the step, but I have only 30 days now to register. So, can you please confirm this that I can wait till the last day and re-install the software and can successfully activate my upgrade version without installing Vista again?

    P.S. If I cannot do this, then is it possible for me install Vista in my partition temporarily in order to activate Windows 7 upgrade version anyhow by not installing in the main partition with Windows 7? Thanks in advance.
      My Computer

  2.    #262

    You do not need to have Vista installed to use the Upgrade version. Use the workaround here: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

    If you don't want to do the registry workaround, then pop in your Win7 DVD to run Setup from the desktop to do a Repair Install which will reset activation to allow Upgrade version key.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 25 Jan 2010 at 23:17.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4
    W7 Home Premium 64-bit
       #263

    I have been hesitant to purchase my W7 upgrade (been on Vista Home Premium 64bit) only because the idea of an upgrade and not a complete "fresh" install doesn't fit right with me. I found this forum 2day, I purchased my upgrade this morning and followed the instructions to do a "clean install" and it couldn't have gone any smoother. Thanks and I am glad I found this place.....
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,797
    Windows 7 Ulti. x64
       #264

    omarone said:
    I have been hesitant to purchase my W7 upgrade (been on Vista Home Premium 64bit) only because the idea of an upgrade and not a complete "fresh" install doesn't fit right with me. I found this forum 2day, I purchased my upgrade this morning and followed the instructions to do a "clean install" and it couldn't have gone any smoother. Thanks and I am glad I found this place.....
    omarone, Wish you welcome to SevenForums. Glad that you found us and that your install was a success. Hope you enjoy the Windows 7 upgrade. We have lots of Good info in the tutorial section as you have seen.
    My favorite tut is the copy to folder tip for putting that in the right click commands. Maybe you would like it also here is the link.
    Context Menu - Add Copy To Folder and Move To Folder
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7
    Windows
       #265

    Just purchased my new computer from cyberpowerinc.com and chose to skip out on the OS in order to buy it for cheap here at school. Unfortunately, OSU does not offer a full version of any Windows OS and instead, only upgrades of Vista and 7.

    After hearing that a clean install of Windows 7 Upgrade could be done, I went ahead with the risk of failure and bought it. After reading many guides on clean installing W7 Upgrade, I have managed to get as far as completely installing and loading the OS. At the moment I am typing this on my laptop while my desktop sits at the main screen after the general log-in.

    What I did in the installation was take djjaeger82's suggestion of not typing the product key in while installing for the first time and it got me to where I'm at now. In order to complete his clean install suggestion, I need to re-install the OS Upgrade a second time, this time choosing the "Update Windows" option, followed by including the product key, at which point I will achieve success.

    What I'm stuck at is how to go about re-installing the OS without making a stupid error. I assume I don't wipe the hard drive of the first installation or else that would defeat the purpose of a second installation? Here is my thinking at the moment:

    1) Turn off the computer.
    2) Turn the computer back on.
    3) Insert the Windows 7 Upgrade installation CD for the second time.
    4) Re-install Windows 7 Upgrade on the same hard drive as I did with the first install, making sure to click "Upgrade Install" and typing the product key in. (As opposed to the first time when I chose "Custom Install" and ignored the product key box).

    I have no clue whether or not these are the correct steps.

    Thanks for any help/suggestions.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
       #266

    I wouldn't pick the Upgrade option. My understanding is that you can do a Custom install again. Windows will still see the original version of Win7 on your machine before it wipes it out, thus qualifying you for the upgrade, and then allow you to be able to activate it after that 2nd install.

    -HM
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows
       #267

    I wouldn't pick the Upgrade option.
    Any obvious downfalls to picking the Upgrade Install?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
       #268

    Theoretically no, especially if you've done nothing to your Windows at all. But I am always one for installing from scratch every time, to ensure no bad settings from the previous Windows get migrated over.

    -HM
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7
    Windows
       #269

    Good enough for me. I'll go ahead and give it a go. BRB
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2
    Win 7 Home Premium 32 bit
       #270

    Worked for me


    I own a PC repair shop and just recently have had to deal with Win 7 (outside of my own laptop).

    I used the upgrade CD to install a fresh copy of Win 7 on a customer's PC. He had Vista and purchased the upgrade, but his Vista was seriously damaged. Installing it like OEM worked fine and I was able to activate it with no problems after the install.

    Hooray! :)
      My Computer


 
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