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    Install Win7 without DVD or USB on C:(Vista)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by maf9k, Jun 13, 2010.

  1. maf9k

    maf9k Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I hope someone can help me here. The facts are, I have Windows Vista, an Ultimate key, no DVD drive and no USB stick or HDD. I read in some articles that it is possible, to download the Windows 7 ISO and mount it like for example with Virtualdrive or CloneDVD, then just run the setup, and it will work fine with complete installation after reboot.

    My question now is, because I read in a step by step guide, that I would need to install it to an CLEAN partition, I also got this out from an Youtube video. Is this really true? So I cannot just install a new installation to C :(or the current vista partition)? Doesn't the setup just copies all files into an TMP folder, and would rename the old windows to C:\windows.OLD?
     
    maf9k, Jun 13, 2010
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  2. deeastman

    deeastman Notebook Deity

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    To perform a CLEAN install you would have to boot the ISO image from some external device, not from a mount.

    You can perform an UPGRADE to Windows 7 from within Vista by just running the Setup file within the Win 7 ISO. Just unpack or mount the ISO to your internal HDD with any number of programs, i.e. 7-zip, Winrar, Magic ISO, etc.
    You do NOT do this on a clean partition, you need Vista installed for the in place update. A c:\windows.OLD folder will be created during this process.

    I assume the Ultimate Key you say you have is for Windows 7, not Vista? If you don't have the Windows 7 ISO file you can download it from here:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/mic...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

    Edit: A 4GB USB flash drive which would allow you to perform a CLEAN install can be had for less than $10 US, it is a good investment for many reasons.
     
    deeastman, Jun 13, 2010
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