Upgrade on formatted drive


  1. Coast
    Posts : 2
    xp
       New #1

    Upgrade on formatted drive


    I have a fully legal, licensed, paid for etc. version of xp.

    I really want to format my hard drives (completely)....my question is:
    do I need to re-install my xp, get all the updates (SP2, 3, etc.) before running a clean install of Windows 7 Upgrade Version? Or can I start right from the Windows 7 disc and use my xp key/disc if required?

    I know I could do this when going from '95 to xp (yes I'm old).

    All info is appreciated, and I apologise if this has been asked and answered.
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  3. ignatzatsonic
    Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       New #2

    I clean installed from Vista, not XP, but as far as I know, if you have XP on the drive, you can just dive into the clean install by booting from your Win 7 upgrade disc.

    If you mean that you have an empty drive, but have an XP disc sitting in a drawer somewhere, I don't think that is a problem either. You are just not able to legally use the XP install after you install Windows 7. No need to install XP first as far as I know.
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  4. harpua
    Posts : 1,011
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail)
       New #3

    There's a recent article with instructions and a good discussion about the various ways one can Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media including without having the prior OS on the drive.
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  6. ddeen
    Posts : 40
    Windows 7 RC 7100
       New #4

    I can confirm that you can activate a custom installed Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Amazon Pre-Order to a hard drive that was wiped clean with Boot N Nuke prior to installation. I custom installed 7 and did not put the Product Key in until after the installation was finished and all updates were done. Then I activated with the Upgrade product key and after a few minutes my installation was activated. Don't know if it will work with yours but worth a try before you start messing around in the registry.
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  7. Coast
    Posts : 2
    xp
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks all for the info

    BTW.....love the Boot N Nuke!!!!
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