Is the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD the same as retail?

HughShaw

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I made an ISO of my genuine Windows 7 Professional upgrade DVD and then downloaded a genuine Windows 7 Ultimate ISO. While I was deleting the ei.cfg file, I noticed that the folders and files are all the same. So is there any difference between the upgrade DVD and the retail DVD?
 

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Same installer.

It is the key which is version specific.

The same was true for Vista. Once you unlock all-versions you can use the DVD to clean reinstall retail copies, factory installed OEM's, etc.

They will often auto-activate if you audit the OEM key from the mobo using Belarc Advisor, otherwise the batch keys now on the license stickers can be sorted out in the robocall to MS activation.
 
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