[SuperSite] Clean install with Windows 7 Upgrade media - Overclock.net

Beric · 06-26-09

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...rade_clean.asp

Quote:

Clean install with Windows 7 Upgrade media? What about x64 upgrades?
I've gotten a ton of questions about the Windows 7 retail pricing stuff, as expected. But the number one question, by far, is an oldie but goodie:

"Can I use a Windows 7 Upgrade version to perform a clean install of the OS?"

This is becoming particularly antsy for people because they want to take advantage of the time-limited Windows 7 presale, which starts tomorrow.

So, what the heck, I asked.

The answer, I'm told, is ... Yes. You can perform a clean install of Windows 7 with the Upgrade media, as you could with Windows Vista.

The second most common questions regards "upgrading" from Windows Vista or XP (32-bit) to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. (You cannot do an in-place upgrade between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.)

Yes, it's possible. The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically (preferably through the presale and directly from Microsoft). If you do so, you're given the choice to download the x64 bits. So if you qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade--i.e. you own Windows XP or Vista--you can buy the Windows 7 Upgrade version of your choice, download the x64 version, burn it to disc, and do a clean install. (Per the previous question.)

Hope this helps.

Of additional interest is the post at this link, which details the process so everyone can understand, from computerforum.

Quote:

This means you can do a fresh install with an Upgrade disc.

The Upgrade disc allows you to install the OS, and if you don't
enter your CD key, it should ask you what version you want to
try. Chose the version you paid for, and the installer will finish.

Then, while in the OS, navigate to the disc and click the Setup.exe.
Run the installer again and this time enter your serial. Voila

Basically saves you $100 on the Premium and Ultimate versions.

The same is true for Vista Upgrade media.

Quote:
"Can I use a Windows 7 Upgrade version to perform a clean install of the OS?"

The answer, I'm told, is ... Yes. You can perform a clean install of Windows 7 with the Upgrade media, as you could with Windows Vista.
http://community.winsupersite.com/bl...-upgrades.aspx

Ps. This is not illegal, and Microsoft knows about it, but I think the assumption is
that so few people will go through the effort to install this way, that they just don't care.

Outcasst · 06-26-09

So, can you use the upgrade disc on a clean, new hard drive with no OS? Or does it scan for other versions and then unlocks the clean install option

Beric · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outcasst

So, can you use the upgrade disc on a clean, new hard drive with no OS? Or does it scan for other versions and then unlocks the clean install option

According to the sources above, you can do a clean install on a fresh hard drive, but you will have to install Windows a total of two times.

If you already have a version of Windows, and are upgrading to Windows 7, you will only have to install it one time.

Basically, with the method above, and installing it on a fresh hard drive, you can save yourself $100.

Souness · 06-26-09

I was thinking about jumping on this pre-order for the Professional edition but I think I'll wait to see the prices of OEM disks. Anyways, the RC runs out in a year; more than enough time to wait and see how things go. I also wish they had some sort of family pack. I have at least 3 computers that I personally own that are running the RC right now. Not sure what I'll do if I need to buy an individual license for each. Not really worth it for the netbook or the old laptop.

Beric · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souness

I was thinking about jumping on this pre-order for the Professional edition but I think I'll wait to see the prices of OEM disks. Anyways, the RC runs out in a year; more than enough time to wait and see how things go.

The OEM is going to be more expensive than this pre-order version, even a year from now. No doubt about it. Now is the time to buy. Look how steady the Vista OEM disk prices have held.

Outcasst · 06-26-09

Well since the EU isn't allowing the upgrade version to be sold.. this is great. Because we get the full retail product for the same price as what the upgrade copy would have been.

Beric · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outcasst

Well since the EU isn't allowing the upgrade version to be sold.. this is great. Because we get the full retail product for the same price as what the upgrade copy would have been.

Exactly why I searched and found this information. Because US customers get the full version with the upgrade version. So we all save money.

Stealth Pyros · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beric

The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically

So... I don't get it. If you pre-order the physical copy you can't get the version that lets you upgrade to 64-bit?

Beric · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealth Pyros

So... I don't get it. If you pre-order the physical copy you can't get the version that lets you upgrade to 64-bit?

It's saying if you have the 32-bit version of a previous version of Windows, you can upgrade direct to the 64-bit version of Win7 if you buy the electronic copy. But that's all rendered pointless if you follow the instructions from the second link.

K3VL4R · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealth Pyros

So... I don't get it. If you pre-order the physical copy you can't get the version that lets you upgrade to 64-bit?

Go ahead and pre-order if you want to. They are pre-ordering the retail disks as upgrade disks so both x86 and x64 will be included.

Quote:

This product includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

http://store.microsoft-ppe.com/micro...oduct/8BB1A4B4 scroll down to "Reasons to buy"

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[SuperSite] Clean install with Windows 7 Upgrade media

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