How to install the Upgrade version to blank HDD

[sephiros]

• Downloaded the Student offer. (Pro x64 in my case)
• made an iso following this guide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/30470-make-bootable-iso-student-d-l.html
• Boot from DVD
• Choose Custom install when prompted.
• Go to Options, format the hard drive.
• Skip the CD-KEY
• Choose to NOT download updates
• Let the OS install
• Once done, Go activate Windows with your CD KEY
• Wait 5 mins. Tadam, Congratulations, your copy is activated.

That was tested on VMWare, after numerous other trials. Going to do that live now!

 

[gregrocker]

Worked also for me booting from Upgrade disk and formatting before install, but I put my activation key in upfront.

Looks like they have shipped retail keys with the pre-ordered Upgrades. Thanks, MS

 

[sephiros]

Ok...now i feel retarded.

Since i activated on a VM, it won't let me activate on live!!!!

Is there anyway to get around this or I'm should go bang my head on a wall right now?

EDIT:

IF it happens to you, use the phone automated system to activate. It will work!

 

[djjaeger82]

Hi sephiros,
I ran into the same issue. I had to let it install with a blank key during setup, and then run the install a 2nd time (was able to do clean install 2nd time). I think setup scans somewhere on the PC for a partition with windows (activated or unactivated didn't seem to matter).

Take a look here if you're curious on what I tried:
http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...l-upgrade-windows-7-version-7.html#post323460