Windows 7 clean install from upgrade?

[CaptCanada]

Hi all

Just wondering if it will be possible to to a clean install of Win 7 from the upgrade disc just like it was possible using the Vista upgrade disc to do a clean install.

Thanks


Moved to Operating Systems.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Yes.

 

[LongTimePCUser]

Yes. Choose advanced options.
It may insist on an empty partiton and format your c-drive. There have been mixed opinions on this point.

And, remember to run Easy Transfer before and save the files to a 2nd hard drive or network drive.

Also: backup, backup, backup first.

 

[DefRef]

The more important question is can the Win 7 upgrade disc perform a clean install on a BLANK HARD DRIVE? Most of what I've seen online indicates that unlike previous versions which allowed you to pop in the disc for your old OS as proof, Win 7 requires an INSTALLED AND ACTIVATED copy of a prior OS before allowing installation; otherwise a full retail (or OEM) copy is needed. This could really hose people like me who bought the cheap pre-order copies back in June. I built and shook down my new rig with the Win7 Enterprise RTM and was planning on nuking the drive (data's already backed up externally) and installing fresh. Now I'm afraid I'm going to have to scrounge up a old copy of something, spend an hour installing that before being allowed to install Win7.

 

[Scotteq]

Originally posted by: DefRef
The more important question is can the Win 7 upgrade disc perform a clean install on a BLANK HARD DRIVE? Most of what I've seen online indicates that unlike previous versions which allowed you to pop in the disc for your old OS as proof, Win 7 requires an INSTALLED AND ACTIVATED copy of a prior OS before allowing installation; otherwise a full retail (or OEM) copy is needed. This could really hose people like me who bought the cheap pre-order copies back in June. I built and shook down my new rig with the Win7 Enterprise RTM and was planning on nuking the drive (data's already backed up externally) and installing fresh. Now I'm afraid I'm going to have to scrounge up a old copy of something, spend an hour installing that before being allowed to install Win7.

It requires a valid licence key from the (earlier) product. If it doesn't detect one then it will ask you to input it. If you don't input one, then it goes into Trial mode (full functionality - time limited) until such time as you go to the computer screen (Control Panel - Computer) and input one.

As pointed out above, you absolutely can do a fresh install from an "Upgrade" disc.

 

[brunell8]

OK, so my plan is to install Win 7 on a new hard drive, while leaving XP intact on an old hard drive until 7 is complete. I will THEN transfer my files, etc. to an external drive, wipe the original drive to use a download drive, whatever. This should be feasible based on what I'm reading above, correct?

 

[imported_Shaq]

I'm wondering about that also. I originally wanted to be able to keep XP and 7 with the upgrade version. Now I don't care so much about XP. I now want to be able to dual boot a 32-bit and 64-bit version of 7, but I don't know if you can. It looks like Newegg is shipping Windows 7 today as I got a credit card charge notice from them.

 

[rivethead]

My understanding is that the upgrade versions have both 32bit and 64bit installations....you get to choose.

My question:

Can you first upgrade from XP to 32bit Win 7 and then later change to 64bit Win 7 if you upgrade hardware?

 

[RebateMonger]

All these upgrade questions should be answered within a day or so once folks get ther Win7 Upgrade Pre-Orders. Some have already received them today (Wednesday).

 

[LongTimePCUser]

I asked this question in a different thread.
The answer was that win 7 32 --> 64 bit required a clean install.

Originally posted by: rivethead
My understanding is that the upgrade versions have both 32bit and 64bit installations....you get to choose.

My question:

Can you first upgrade from XP to 32bit Win 7 and then later change to 64bit Win 7 if you upgrade hardware?

 

[stuman74]

So here's what I am hoping to do. A month ago I ordered my in-laws a Dell PC. It came with Vista Home Premium 64-bit which for them is all they need. I registered for the free upgrade from Dell for Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Do I then HAVE to install it onto that machine? Does the upgrade disc know? I don't intend to upgrade their machine and would rather use it on one of my own Dell 530 machines that also have Vista Home Premium on them. Or better yet, install it onto a partition of my Mac Mini and access it via Boot Camp? Thanks!