How do I reload Windows 7 with what I have to work with?

[riktoven]

So I just got my computer to a point where I have regained control of it, and would now like to do a clean install of Windows 7 (64 bit Home Premium).

Here's my issue:

1.) I have a Windows Vista CD Key, and a Windows 7 Upgrade Option CD Key
2.) I DO NOT have a Windows Vista Install CD, only some recovery tool from the computer supplier, which did help, but I do not seem to be able to re-load Vista and reformat my drive with this disk.

I am not computer illiterate, but after a full day of reading up on this issue, I'm stumped.

Microsoft is very blunt about me needing to reinstall Vista before my upgrade CD can come into play.

I have the Vista CD key on the side of my tower, but I don't have the disk to install Vista.

Catch 22.

Any suggestions as to how I get from Point A to the Point B with the tools I have? It would be ideal to just download and burn a Vista installation CD, and use the code I have, but frankly, I'm not sure that's legal or safe.

Any help the forums can provide is greatly appreciated.

 

[gregrocker]

Boot the latest official installer for your licensed version provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and follow those steps to get a perfect reinstall.

The installer will see an OS on the HD - even if you go on to correctly delete all partitions and create new as you wish in Steps 7 and 8 of Clean Install Windows 7 - allowing use of the Upgrade version key during install. If not, leave the key blank and afterwards do the quick registry workaround Option 3 found in Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate Upgrade version on a blank or wiped HD.

Have your network driver in the backup so you can get online if its not provided by installer, then run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3).

 

[riktoven]

I'll try this as soon as I get home from work, thanks!

 

[theog]

1.) I have a Windows Vista CD Key, and a Windows 7 Upgrade Option CD Key

Is Windows 7 upgrade from the PC OEM manufacturer?
which would with a DVD in the upgrade kit.

2.) I DO NOT have a Windows Vista Install CD, only some recovery tool from the computer supplier, which did help, but I do not seem to be able to re-load Vista and reformat my drive with this disk.

What make & Model?

 

[riktoven]

The Windows 7 Upgrade disk appears to be direct from Microsoft, but yes, I purchased the computer with Vista and a coupon for a free Windows 7 upgrade, but the coupon info would have been entered on Microsoft's website to have them send the upgrade disk.

The PC is a CyberPowerPC.com product. The disk is labeled as a Cyberpower product, and says that it is to be used only for backup and recovery of m PC. It did get me to the point where I have beenable to actually log in to Windows, but I can't seem to install Vista from it despite the disk being labeled as Windows Vista Home Premium SP1.

Edited to add: The Make and Model is likely outdated by now, but the recovery disk says "SW-160-125"

 

[theog]

The Windows 7 Upgrade disk appears to be direct from Microsoft, but yes, I purchased the computer with Vista and a coupon for a free Windows 7 upgrade, but the coupon info would have been entered on Microsoft's website to have them send the upgrade disk.

Will the Windows 7 upgrade DVD boot?

 

[riktoven]

No, the Windows 7 upgrade DVD will not boot.

Also, should I be concerned that the product key on my Windows 7 upgrade DVD only has 17 characters in it?

The Windows Vista Home Premium sticker on the side of my computer has the full 25 character key, but the upgrade dvd only shows 17 characters and is not prefaced by the words "Product Key" like the sticker on my PC is.

 

[riktoven]

nevermind, found the 25 digit key.

 

[gregrocker]