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    When did W7 decide you can't do clean installs with upgrade versions?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Chango99, Jan 20, 2012.

  1. Chango99

    Chango99 Derp

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    I bought W7 pro upgrade from a student promo a few years ago and I wanted to install it on my new laptop but I can't register it because it is an upgrade version. When did this happen? It worked fine back then... I'm thinking SP1?
     
    Chango99, Jan 20, 2012
    #1
  2. Syberia

    Syberia Notebook Deity

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    Install it without a key, then from within the (inactivated) installation, run the installer again, chooose upgrade, and this time enter your key.
     
    Syberia, Jan 20, 2012
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  3. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    Peon, Jan 20, 2012
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  4. Chango99

    Chango99 Derp

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    I've clean installed so many times I don't remember if I've had to double install anymore. I just recall it worked just putting in the product key, but not this time.

    Can I get a bit more clarification on the easiest way to get this done? I already have a bunch of software I would like not not redownload and reinstall again.

    I did not enter a product key and disabled auto update when I installed. That was about 2 weeks ago and I have done windows updates and the like. Windows key is prompting for activation now.

    Do I have to reinstall from a w7 drive via an upgrade?
     
    Chango99, Jan 20, 2012
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  5. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

    The registry key trick, I've used it many times on customer computers here.
     
    KLF, Jan 20, 2012
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  6. Chango99

    Chango99 Derp

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    Chango99, Jan 20, 2012
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  7. Syberia

    Syberia Notebook Deity

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    Microsoft doesn't apparently know what their own license terms are. There are also posts from people who supposedly work for Microsoft providing technical support in a supposedly official capacity stating to use the double install trick.
     
    Syberia, Jan 22, 2012
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  8. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    Actually, that's what the link says - the double install trick is perfectly legal as long as you have a license for a full copy of XP or Vista lying around somewhere that's not installed on any other computer - it doesn't necessarily need to be installed on the PC in question.

    This non-DRM approach to licensing is definitely ironic though, since activation is what's necessitating the double install trick in the first place.
     
    Peon, Jan 22, 2012
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