Bare Disk (clean) install of Vista Upgrade Version still works with integrated Vista SP1

[RebateMonger]

I've been curious if a Vista SP1-integrated Install DVD could still be installed on a "bare" hard drive using an "Upgrade-only" license Key. Microsoft had acknowledged last spring that there was a way to do this with Vista RTM. The procedure, while not widely publicized by Microsoft, still works with SP1

Don't forget that the Microsoft Vista Upgrade EULA requires that you possess a legal license for a previous product (such as XP), and that license be permanently associated with your new Vista Upgrade. This isn't intended as a piracy technique, but, rather, a way of avoiding having to install XP before you can re-install Vista Upgrade if your hard drive has failed or you'd prefer a "clean install" of Vista.

I just used a 32-bit Microsoft-made Vista SP1 (Heroes Happen 2008 Launch) DVD to install Vista Business on a bare hard drive and to then Activate it with a Vista Business Upgrade Key.

For those who forget, here's the procedure:

Preliminary Install of Vista

1) Install bare hard drive on PC.
2) Insert any "retaill-like" Vista SP1 Install DVD.
3) Partition the hard drive, format the partition, and install your desired version of Vista
onto the partition. Pick the same version of Vista that your Upgrade License Key is for.
4) Use a BLANK License Key. You'll use your Key on the second Install.
5) Don't bother doing any upgrades or installing any programs to this installation, as you'll be deleting it in a minute.

Second Install of Vista (on top of Preliminary Install).
I suggest doing this immediately, so you know for sure if your Activation is going to work properly. No use installing lots of stuff and then having to start all over again.

1) Start Vista.
2) Insert the same Vista SP1 Install DVD.
3) Start the Install.
4) Select "Custom Install" and install Vista on top of your existing Vista partition. Your old Vista will be put into a special folder, for deletion later.
5) Use your "Upgrade" License Key for the install.
6) Let Vista install itself.
7) Check that everything is well. Install any desired hardware.
8) Activate online.

 

[j0j081]

do you really need to do all that or can you just install with the key from the start?

 

[nerp]

You really need to do two installations. Trying to install the upgrade version fresh with the key will result in a message telling you you need to be upgrading FROM something.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: j0j081
do you really need to do all that or can you just install with the key from the start?

As nerp notes, you'll be refused Activation if you try to activate the first install. I tried it again yesterday as part of my above testing of Vista SP1 Upgrade Activation. The error message is "You must upgrade from a previous version of Windows"....or something like that.

 

[DarkRogue]

I read about this a while ago. The reason you need 2 installations is because, as nerp pointed out, you must upgrade from something. Oddly enough, Vista Upgrade accepts itself as a candidate for upgrading from, so that's why it works and why you need to install twice.

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: DarkRogue
I read about this a while ago. The reason you need 2 installations is because, as nerp pointed out, you must upgrade from something. Oddly enough, Vista Upgrade accepts itself as a candidate for upgrading from, so that's why it works and why you need to install twice.

oh okay I thought I read somewhere else you could install the upgrade version just as if it was the full version. they didn't explain that part.