Will downloaded Windows 7 backup disk do a clean install?

[benellard]

We have to wipe the disk on my daughter's Viao because of various infections. She does not have a backup disk for that computer. So before speaking with me she ordered Windows 7 through the discount program at the school where she teaches (nice discount too!). But as you can see from the capture below, she ordered a Win 7 upgrade, which I doubt will install on a clean disk. However, she also ordered the backup disk that doesn't mention "upgrade" in the title. What are the chances I could download that backup disk, burn it, and do a clean install? Or will the upgrade version actually do a clean install from an external drive or disk?

 

[Kaktussoft]

I don't know what Backup Disc means in this context. But there is "Backup Disc Information".
You can use the upgrade disc to clean install win7. See http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[benellard]

Unfortunately it appears a clean install using the upgrade (which calls it a custom install) cannot be done on a wiped disk, probably because upgrade needs to verify the legitimacy of the existing os. But thanks for the link.

 

[gregrocker]

Use the disk provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 with the Product Key which came with the Student version. The tutorial will also assure you get and keep a perfect install, based on tens of thousands we've helped with here.

If you've already wiped the drive then when you boot the installation media to install it will not see an OS and reject the Upgrade key. So leave it blank and then after install do the quick registry workaround in Option 3 of Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate on a new or wiped HD.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask back.

 

[benellard]

Thanks very much for the very thorough tutorials.

Question: In "How to Clean Reinstall a Factory OEM Windows 7", near the top of the page you refer to a "retail Upgrade Windows 7" with "retail" accented. Is it safe to assume the Professional version noted in my screen capture is indeed a retail version?

Also: Does the Window 7 Upgrade disk come with a product key or will I need to use the key from the OEM installed version?

Forgive me if these are stupid questions. And thanks very much for the work you have obviously put in here.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, that Student deal would be retail since it didn't come preinstalled on the PC. Unless it specfies it's OEM version then it can be moved to any other PC, and all Win7 can be reinstalled as often as you want with the same license key.

For that reason, what about the Factory OEM license which came with the VAIO? Why not use the key which came with that instead of waste it's $100+ value? You can use the Pro Student deal on any other PC you want.

 

[benellard]

Yes, that Student deal would be retail since it didn't come preinstalled on the PC. Unless it specfies it's OEM version then it can be moved to any other PC, and all Win7 can be reinstalled as often as you want with the same license key.

For that reason, what about the Factory OEM license which came with the VAIO? Why not use the key which came with that instead of waste it's $100+ value? You can use the Pro Student deal on any other PC you want.

Had my daughter scan the key on the bottom of the VIAO, It's totally legible, so that's what I'll try. Thanks again.

 

[benellard]

Use the disk provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 with the Product Key which came with the Student version. The tutorial will also assure you get and keep a perfect install, based on tens of thousands we've helped with here.

If you've already wiped the drive then when you boot the installation media to install it will not see an OS and reject the Upgrade key. So leave it blank and then after install do the quick registry workaround in Option 3 of Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate on a new or wiped HD.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask back.

Just one more question, I promis: Am I correct in assuming that if we use the OEM installed key on the VIAO that MS activation will match that key with the computer -- MAC #, for example -- we're upgrading? Is that how it works? It seems obvious now that I type out the question, but your confirmation would give me a little peace of mind. Thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you using the Product Key on the COA sticker attached the the PC, or the one which came with the Student deal? You said you bought the Student deal. But if you already own a license on the PC and can read the product key on the COA sticker attached the the PC, then you should use that Key since it would be wasting it otherwise. You can use the Student deal on any other PC. But you can only use the OEM license on the COA sticker on that one PC.

 

[benellard]

Actually the deal does not involve a student version, but a Win7 Professional Upgrade that I expect to install where there is now Win7 Home Premium. Can I still use the Home Premium product key?

I know I promised no more questions, but since I've already asked one, how about this: will the Win7 Pro Upgrade allow me to wipe the disk in the partition phase or must I do that first?

Feel like I'm taking advantage here Gregrocker, but you really seem to know what you're talking about. And if you're tired of this thread I understand -- and thanks.

 

[AddRAM]

The key or your COA will work to activate it`s version.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes you can use the Home Premium Product Key on COA sticker shown above to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

I would use Home Premium unless you know for sure you need one or more of the extra features in Pro because otherwise it is the same exact OS: Compare Windows 7 Editions - Windows 7 Forums

But if you know you want Pro for sure then you'll be abandoning the Home Premium which came with that PC and it will go to waste. If so you can indeed boot the Pro Disk to Delete all partitions to create and format new using the Drive Options pictured in Steps 7 and 8 of Clean Install Windows 7. The Upgrade disk will still allow use of Upgrade key during install since it sees the underlying OS when it is booted.

You don't need to worry about asking back as many questions as you want. That's what we're here for. But you will do yourself immense good if you study and follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which compiles everything that works best to get and keep a perfect Win7 install.