Windows 7 Clean Install from Upgrade Edition?

I know the legality and the non legal workaround on how to install the upgrade edition of Windows 7. I'm looking to install it legally if not i'll buy the Retail version.

Here's my question, I have a legal copy of Windows XP Pro on CD. Can I install Windows 7 upgrade without XP being on the hard drive? I have read some info on the subject and the answer appears to be yes. Would having the Windows XP CD in the second DVD drive tray (I have two DVD drives) be sufficient?

edit: Oops I forgot to mention that I also have legal copies of both Vista Ultimate 32 and 64 bit which I was given by MS for being on their feedback program.

 

Yes, you can. However it will not let you activate it unless you have a previous Windows installation (doesn't have to be an activated one), so you'll have to either install W7 twice or use some tricks to fool it (YMMV, these never worked for me):
Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

 

Thanks, Paul's workaround is what I was referring to. I didn't mention it because mods didn't like that discussion on these boards.

It'll be interesting to see if the Upgrade version validates on an XP dual boot config as one of my drives always runs XP Pro.

 

I had clean installed Win 7 Pro with the upgrade disc in a new hard drive. It didn't activate at the first time, but followed the registry hack mentioned in Paul Thurrott's site, and it worked perfectly for activation.

The upgrade disc should be able to see XP in your dual boot setup.

 

Thanks I know about the hack but want to avoid doing that. It's good to know the upgrade version will find XP Pro on a dual boot system. Amazon was selling Retail Home Premium Upgrade today for $89.99, haven't seen it any cheaper.

 

The registry hack works very well. I used it last January for a clean install....had no activation problems since then. Personally I have no moral qualms with any method. I have copies of windows I could install and then "upgrade" from, but it's simply easier to do a clean install.

If you're a college student or have a college email address, you can get a copy of Windows 7 x86 or x64, Home or Pro, for $30. It's an upgrade key, but you can't beat the price.

 

Yeah neither do I since I literally own legal copies of Vista Ultimate 32 and 64 bit (free from MS) and Windows XP Pro (Retail). I just don't want MS shutting down the key because of one registry change.

But it should work even without the registry change since XP Pro will be on HDD 1 already activated and Windows 7 Upgrade will go on HDD # 2.

 

The registry hack is to change the method of install to boot or clean install from the DVD. You can always change it back after activating. I did it and have no issue till now.