Clean Install With Windows 7 Upgrade

[SomebodyDead]

Hey,

I did a reformat of my hard drives, completely clean, recently, and reinstalled my copy of Windows 7 without problems. However, the activation did not go smoothly, my key is a Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit UPGRADE key, and it told me that it couldn't be used.

I have read the other threads on this subject, but couldn't figure out if there was another way or not to deal with this situation, other than buying another copy of windows, or wiping again, installing xp or vista, and then upgrading.

If possible, I would prefer to not have to reinstall windows, or move my files around, because I was borrowing the external drive I used to reformat the first time, and I'm currently in college.

Thanks in advance,
SomebodyDead

 

[DustSailor]

Somebody, welcome to Sevenforums!

Follow this tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html (by Brink). The tutorial mentions many methods, but I do not believe there is any other way (other than what the tutorial lists).

Good luck!