Clean Windows 7 Install on HP Without Disks?

I have searched this forum and not come up with a definitive answer, so - Is it possible to do a clean install of Windows 7 on a dv6000 laptop that currently has Vista Home Premium? I know it is possible to do an in-place upgrade but I will want to do a clean install. From everything I have read, it sounds like Win 7 will require you to have a set of original Vista install disks as verification. No actual preinstalled disk came with my HP laptop. There was a partition with a copy of the backup files but that was deleted when I created my HP backup disks. I would not be surprised if the backup disk was rejected by Windows 7 if I tried to use it for verification.

Thanks!

 

Start installation within working Vista, just as you would do an upgrade. When you are prompted, choose clean installation instead of an upgrade.

Windows XP upgrade used old discs for verification. That was changed few years ago when Vista came out and verification is done by starting the installation within working OS. Win7 is similar to Vista.

At least one reason that was changed is that you could "verify" with the same upgrade disc you were using in the first place. Just open and close the cd tray...

 

Thanks. That is good to know I won't need any other disks to do a full clean install.

 

http://windows7news.com/2009/10/22/how-to-clean-install-from-windows-7-upgrade-media/

 

Do these upgrade disks that HP send come loaded with crapware or are they fully clean install disks?

 

So how does this work the next time you want to do a fresh install. By that I mean, you upgrade from within Vista to Win 7 and then some time later you decide you need to do a fresh install. Would you then do it from within Win 7. What if you have to replace the hard drive? Somewhere along the line do you get a new reuseable Win 7 license key?

Just asking... the last time I did an OS "upgrade" was from 98 to XP.
Thanks.

 

License-wise:
You need to install the original OS that entitles the upgrade and activate it first. In case of hardware failure or recovery partition wipe... of course you made the original recovery cd's? Right?

In action:
Somebody should just test: pop in normal Win7 install dvd and give the upgrade key during install. Will it continue or not?

Also after installation, just re-enter the Win7 upgrade disc in Win7, does it allow to "upgrade" existing Win7. Practically simpler way to reinstall system.

Those I cannot test myself, because I don't currently own suitable licenses.

As far as I know, Upgrade key is as reusable as normal Retail key: no limits on how many installs, as long as only one is in use at a time.

 

Having to use the recovery disks and then upgrade again would be a major pain. It would certainly be nice if they would just let you use an "Upgrade Key", but (like you) I have to wonder if that would work. Otherwise it's a one shot deal and there won't be a way to ever really do a clean install. Not so good.