Installing upgrade version of Win 7 on new SSD

[Hanzou]

So I have reinstalled windows 7 many times but never on a brand new drive. I would always just wipe the partition and install clean. Now for the first time I am installing on a brand new SSD and I am unable to activate it. I get the error that the version is for upgrade only, no clean installs.

What's the easiest way for me to fix this? I can't install XP first as I have no idea where the disc is and don't want to waste the time. Do I have to call them and explain my situation? I did not format my old drive with the OS on it, will doing that somehow allow me to validate this copy?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Billb2]

Legally, you need to buy a Full Install version.
Google is your friend.....

[Hanzou]

So your saying that microsoft expects you to reinstall XP and then upgrade to 7 every time you reinstall windows?

That sounds ridiculous. How did MS know before I was "upgrading" before when I would format the delete the partition, create a new one and then make a clean install? Because that has worked in the past. What I am doing right now is essentially the same thing.

[Tsavo]

Just call them. The automated phone activation won't work, so connect to a live person that will lead you through it and you'll be activated in no time.

Takes about 5 minutes total.

I've done this a dozen or so times with legitimate versions of upgrades installed fresh and have had zero problems with MS.

[Tsavo]

Originally Posted by Billb2

Legally, you need to buy a Full Install version.
Google is your friend.....

Ermagerd, eelegul, call the perleese!

[postmortemIA]

common trick is: install win 7 once, run upgrade from itself, and it will activate. that is what "google is your friend" means.

[chucky2]

Install Windows 7.

Install Windows 7 again (you can even nuke the partition and re-partition if you'd like).

Problem solved.

[x26]

Originally Posted by postmortemIA

common trick is: install win 7 once, run upgrade from itself, and it will activate. that is what "google is your friend" means.

Thank You--You Are not only a Scholar; But a Gentleman as Well.

ETA: I learned that here a few years ago--Saved me from great Anguish!!

[kbp]

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then open an elevated Dos command (Start > Run > CMD (right click Run as Administrator)

slmgr /rearm

[sze5003]

Originally Posted by kbp

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then open an elevated Dos command (Start > Run > CMD (right click Run as Administrator)

slmgr /rearm

Same thing MS does when you call them and say it won't activate. Works like a charm.

[SimMike2]

On the first install, don't enter the CD key. Be sure to install the version you have, Home Premium, etc. Once it is installed and fully updated, which might take a couple or maybe three reboots, pop in the disk and "upgrade" your copy, this time entering the CD key.