Ben the OCer

Not if you use the directions I posted. The upgrade version is just as easy as the full version if you know what to do. Here are the directions again.

Below is how I clean installed and activated my 7 Pro Upgrade:
In the beginning of the install, select Custom instead of Upgrade. Near the end when prompted for the product key, don't enter anything and click "Next." When in Windows, click the start button, right click "Computer" and click "Properties." Scroll to the bottom and click "Change product key." Enter your upgrade key and activate Windows.

Note: A second option is to actually upgrade your unactivated copy of Windows after the first install. Meaning you actually do the install over again but for the second install instead of clicking custom, you click upgrade. This time when prompted for the product key you can enter it instead of leaving it blank. Though the way I did it above is much simpler and much cleaner.

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Stable Validations:
CPU-Z: E8400 @ 4.2GHz 1.4v, PII 550 Unlocked @ 3.75GHz 1.475v, PII 710 @ 3.6GHz 1.475v, E2140 @ 3.2GHz 1.3v
GPU-Z: HD4850 @ 685/1010, HD3850 @ 810/909

(Forrest Gump referring to Apple Computers) "He got me invested in some kinda fruit company."

M3T4LM4N222

I need a full OS, is what you have in bold what I would do?

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Ben the OCer

What I'm saying is there really isn't much difference between the full and upgrade versions. Hence why you don't need the full version. You don't even need a previous version of Windows installed to install the "upgrade" if you follow the right steps. At no time does it verify if you have a previous version of Windows installed either. I think what's throwing you guys off is the name (Upgrade). You don't have to install it like an upgrade.
Are you talking about if you buy this $30 student version? If so, yes, the steps in bold are what you will need to do. Though there are some other things you'll need to do before that. You see when you download Windows 7 through this deal you don't actually get an ISO but you do get all the files needed to make an ISO. I won't go into it all though as that is quite involved. If you have a 4GB or bigger flash drive though there is an easier way. The easiest way is to run the .exe file you downloaded, then copy the contents of the ExpandedSetup folder into the flash drive (this is created when you run the .exe file), and then boot to the flash drive. One step I forgot is during install you want to select custom and not upgrade in the beginning of the install. I hope that helps.

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Stable Validations:
CPU-Z: E8400 @ 4.2GHz 1.4v, PII 550 Unlocked @ 3.75GHz 1.475v, PII 710 @ 3.6GHz 1.475v, E2140 @ 3.2GHz 1.3v
GPU-Z: HD4850 @ 685/1010, HD3850 @ 810/909

(Forrest Gump referring to Apple Computers) "He got me invested in some kinda fruit company."

verbatim81973

LOL, U guys need to listen to Ben the Ocer. He is trying to save you a lot of money!! I used the second option on my Vista upgrade, glad to know u can do that with Windows 7 as well. +rep to Ben!

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angrysasquatch

Just tried this, it's saying that the cd key I entered is for a upgrade installation. I'd rather not do option 2, it seems OS installs only last about 4 months with me, so the cleaner to start, the longer it'll stay quick enough that I don't axe it.

edit: found a fix. If ben's method doesn't work, use the last tutorial in here:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...7-version.html

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Ben the OCer

Did you follow the steps correctly? Did you enter the key in Windows and not during the install like I say to? If so, I'm not quite sure why you get that error. This method has always worked for me. So you have it installed but when you try to follow my steps to activate it you get that error, correct? What version do you have (Home Premium, Pro, so on), and is it OEM or Retail?

__________________
Stable Validations:
CPU-Z: E8400 @ 4.2GHz 1.4v, PII 550 Unlocked @ 3.75GHz 1.475v, PII 710 @ 3.6GHz 1.475v, E2140 @ 3.2GHz 1.3v
GPU-Z: HD4850 @ 685/1010, HD3850 @ 810/909

(Forrest Gump referring to Apple Computers) "He got me invested in some kinda fruit company."

Gemini77

Get the upgrade......I re-formatted my drive before the install and had no problems. The upgrade is just like the full version but at 1/4 the price!!!

homestyle

My school only sells the 32bit or 64 bit versions. But if I buy the Ultimate upgrade, doesn't that include the 32bit and 64 bit?

new001

Hmm... If I'm allowed to build my computer, I will definitely do this with my sister's college account. However, would it behoove me to get Pro instead of Home Premium?

Ben the OCer

It can really vary by school. Are they giving you a full retail box. If so I know the retail upgrade box from Home Premium to Ultimate comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit discs.
I would get it since you can, why not. The main features it has over Home Premium are XP mode and domain join.

__________________
Stable Validations:
CPU-Z: E8400 @ 4.2GHz 1.4v, PII 550 Unlocked @ 3.75GHz 1.475v, PII 710 @ 3.6GHz 1.475v, E2140 @ 3.2GHz 1.3v
GPU-Z: HD4850 @ 685/1010, HD3850 @ 810/909

(Forrest Gump referring to Apple Computers) "He got me invested in some kinda fruit company."