Clean Install of Windows 7 with upgrade disk

Doing a Repair Install to activate Upgrade version keeps everything exactly in place, reinstalls the OS and reconfigures the boot. It only clears some custom visual effects settings and clears activation for your Upgrade key to be inserted. In fact, you should be able to insert your key at the first prompt since it will see your underlying OS as qualifying for Upgrade version key.

Or do the Paul Thurrot workaround which is quicker.

gorillathebino said:

Guys my first post and I have looked at the tutorials just wanting to clear up a few things. I have Windows Vista Home 32 Bit and upgraded to Windows 7 Pro 64 bit. I installed a new HDD at the time as I wanted Windows 7 on that instead of on the Vista drive. That has left me with the little issue of the product key not being valid, as I didn't install on the top of the older system. Now I will need to activate it at some point and have just come across the forum and your excellent tutorials, now you have linked to Paul Thurrott's guide and he mentions a double install method which is supported by Microsoft. I would prefer this route as it looks easy, and less likely that I will do it wrong. My main questions are when I installed Windows 7 I stupidly clicked the Activate Online thing. Will double install or any of the other methods still work? Will the double install lose all my upgrades I have had to make to get all my devices working? not to bothered but would prefer this not to happen as it took me 3 days to do my drivers and various other installs to get back to being able to run fully. Anyway so far I am very impressed by Windows 7 and well Vista will never be used again and once I have this little issue sorted I may well be getting rid of vista of my other HDD. Just one final question how much RAM can I install now that I am running Windows 7 64 bit, I currently have 2gb (1gb per channel for processor). I know what type to get but what is the Maximum it will take for the OS. Anyway I know it is Christmas and not to fussed if I get a reply tonight or tomorrow, I hope some one can help me. Finally I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

I agree with Greg, you should not have a problem, but if you do it will be minor. You will have to activate by phone, and if that does not work you will be speaking to a tech., who is trained to be understanding and he will activate you. MS, does not want to create ill will and will bend over backward to accomodate someone like your self, who has a "special situation". The only time you would have a problem with a rep, is if your facts indicate that you are not entitled to be activated or if they feel that you are lying or you try too many activations. You are not in any of those catergories.

So my final advice is hava a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy the greatest OS out there. Take care.