Windows 7 Upgrade Path

First off, I apologize for having to start a thread like this where I'm sure the question has been answered before..but I have yet to be able to enter in the right keywords to find the answer when using the search function.

I bought my HDX16 in late July/August, and it has a cd key eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 7. However, I foolishly did not create a backup for vista when I installed a Windows 7 RC right after I received the laptop. I was unable to activate the RC for the 1 year trial run with the key I got from microsoft.com earlier in the summer. I think it may be because there was a time frame where we could use the key. Thus, the RC expired after 30 days and I have since reinstalled it and am down to 8 days before it expires again.

Now that 7 is officially released, I've been meaning to actually install the real version. I am wondering if it is possible for me to upgrade to windows 7 from this RC or do a clean install of Windows 7 with the vista key that came with my laptop. Or would I have to get a hold of an oem 64bit vista disc (my laptop came with 64bit home premium) and do a clean install of vista followed by an upgrade of Windows 7?

Thanks,

-jaykay

 

I qualified for the Win7 upgrade program too so the disc i received was the Upgrade version not the retail full version.

During my migration, I also upgraded the firmware on my SSD which basically wiped off my Vista installation. I simply popped in the Win7 upgrade CD and instructed it to perform a clean installtion (upgrade from vista option greyed out). I then entered the Win7 key and about 10mins later, I had the new OS up and running.

In short, I was essentially installing Win7 upgrade on a blank SSD and it allowed me to do a clean install.

 

Sorry for the delayed response, thanks Hello Moto. I'm assuming your Upgrade version disc came from your notebook manufacturer/microsoft. I currently have 6 days left before my rc expires. Would it be possible for me to use a Windows 7 Upgrade disc from my University and use my oem cd key? or would I need to use the disc that HP/Microsoft send me?

 

You CAN do a clean install with Windows 7 UPGRAGE. Microsoft did this ON PURPOSE, for crappy manufacture which doesn't provide you with the official disk.

If you have a Windows already - Run the setup form Windows, and click on "custom install" (clean install) when asked instead of upgrade.

If you have no Windows (blank HDD), simply boot from the disk, and install WIndows by doing "Custom install" (clean install). Once done, and if the activation fails perform the following Microsoft provided trick:
- Open regedit, and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/
- Change MediaBootInstall from 1 to 0.
- Open the command prompt (CMD) as true admin (Start > type: cmd > right click on the found result, and select "Run As Administrator"). Once done, type in slmgr /rearm, and hit the ENTER key. Wait... wait some more until a dialog box appears. Once it appears click on OK, and restart your computer. Now activate Windows.
Source: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp (see method 2)

 

Ok thanks a lot, Goodbytes!