Solved Verification: Windows 7 Upgrade Retail Disc on new HDD

[chadh89]

I have found several posts from 2009 that have mentioned the possibility of installing Windows 7 on a new/empty/formatted HDD with an Upgrade edition. I have not, however, found anything recent on this. I have an unused, full retail version of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Upgrade handy and am going to be building a friend a new PC, custom built. My question is, can someone verify that it is still possible to do a full and new installation of Windows 7 using an Upgrade disc on a brand new HDD?

Any help on this would be appreciated, and I do not mind telling him that he needs to purchase a new OEM or retail version if it comes down to it, being that it is his money

 

[TwoCables]

Yes:

Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media | Windows 7 content from Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows



I've done this myself about a half a dozen times, and I've recommended it dozens and dozens of times and it always works. There are 3 methods discussed, and Method #3 is usually the one that needs to be done.

 

[chadh89]

Thank you kindly for the quick response! That is actually one of the articles that I found, and the date is noted to be from 2009. I just wanted to make sure that this method still worked, so that I can have a fully functional and legal version of Windows 7 ready when I get the PC built.

I will go out on the ledge and give this a try, which should be sometime this weekend. I will then mark this complete if the method works as mentioned.

Thanks again!

 

[gregrocker]

Under the EULA it would still need a require copy of XP or Vista which is not used during the time is is being used to qualify for Upgrade version, even though the qualifier doesn't need to be installed: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

Otherwise I'd take advantage of the price break for retail Builder's OEM since it is meant for exactly this situation.

 

[chadh89]

Thanks for the reply gregrocker. I was actually looking at the OEM version, but being that the Upgrade version of Windows 7 is more expensive and already available to me, I feel like Windows is technically still getting their money's worth out of this. I just wasn't sure that the Upgrade version would work as a clean install, and it still may not for me. I am not really familiar with their EULA regarding this, but I can see where it would be morally wrong regardless. But as I mentioned, I feel it is almost justified since the Upgrade version costs more than the OEM version.

 

[gregrocker]

It's best to go with OEM for a PC you're building for someone else, so that they can reinstall easily without running afoul of EULA which has been skirted. So you are correct that it is the ethical thing to do, regardless of the amount of money which goes to MS. It is also the legal thing to do.

 

[chadh89]

Thanks for the advice, I originally was heading in that direction anyways since I'm not the one spending the money. I suppose if I can get my hands on XP or Vista for cheaper than the 7 OEM, I could then use my Upgrade and still be within the EULA. Otherwise, I will probably go ahead and wait for him to grab an OEM version.

 

[gregrocker]

You might ask him if he has retail XP or Vista as that would qualify for his using Upgrade version, as long as he doesn't use it while it's serving as qualifier.

 

[chadh89]

We settled on him just going ahead and getting the OEM version of Windows 7 Home Premium. One question I have about that regarding the replacement of parts though, is what parts can and can't be replaced without triggering an error with the activation? I know this locks to one specific computer, but is it the MOBO, HDD, etc. or just all of the PC components? I'm worried that if he needs a part replaced down the road, he may have trouble with this version. Thanks again for your help gregrocker, it is much appreciated.

 

[gregrocker]

It requires a combination of hardware changes to trigger reactivation so it can recalculate and record the Hardware Signature, however the only part which replacement by any other than the same model will cause it to fail reactivation is the mobo.

 

[chadh89]

So the only issue would be if he were to replace the MOBO with a different model? Any other part or an identical MOBO would be fine?