If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd...

teen-sex · Jul 7, 2011, 01:40 PM

Do I have to go buy the full version of Windows 7, or is there a way I can still use my upgrade discs?

Tyrsonswood · Jul 7, 2011, 02:04 PM

If the drive with the installed upgrade version is still in the machine you can do a clean install to that drive, not sure about another drive. I did this when I switch from 32bit to 64bit....... No issues. This only works with a "custom, clean install" as far as I know.

If it won't let you put it on another drive why not do an Easus disc copy of the existing to the new drive first and then clean install on top of that. After you are done mucking around and have it working do a "system image backup" Win7 really would rather you use that method instead of going back to the original discs...... It does have limitations though.

If you are thinking of some kind of dual boot deal, I doubt it........

Takaharu · Jul 7, 2011, 02:42 PM

You can install Windows XP then use the upgrade disc to install 7. During the installation you can choose to perform a clean install, which will wipe XP.

**synthesis204** · Jul 7, 2011, 04:01 PM

You can put the 7 upgrade disc in and install it regularly (on a blank, unformatted or formatted HDD or SSD). Halfway through it will ask you to "verify that this is an upgrade" by quickly removing the 7 disc and putting in a copy of Windows 2000/XP/Vista then taking it out again. So yes, you can basically do a full install using upgrade, you just need a physical copy of XP/Vista/2000 (you can pirate the .ISO and that works too).

Tyrsonswood · Jul 7, 2011, 05:27 PM

I know that works for Vista and earlier, not so sure that works for Win7. From what I've read it needs to see an installed and activated OS.

Tipstaff · Jul 7, 2011, 06:17 PM

I haven't tried it since SP1, but does the old "double install" trick of installing Windows 7 with the upgrade disc, without inserting the key, and then doing an "in place" upgrade from within Windows 7 still work?

Edit: Just a note. During the first "install" make sure you leave the product key field blank, pick the OS install based on the version you have, uncheck the option of automatically activating, and be sure to choose a "Custom" install instead of choosing the "Upgrade" option.

OldBuzzard · Jul 7, 2011, 07:23 PM

My first Win 7 install was a "clean" install using and upgrade version.

I just did like Tip said, and when it was finished I just activated it with no problem.

Other folks had to do the "double install" thing. There was also a Registry fix that would get around having to do the "Double install".

EDIT:

Here's a link to a very good page with info on using an Upgrade disk to do a "Clean" install:
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/...-upgrade-media

Jul 7, 2011, 01:40 PM	#1
teen-sex thank you for smoking... Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Baltimore Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd... Do I have to go buy the full version of Windows 7, or is there a way I can still use my upgrade discs?

Jul 7, 2011, 02:42 PM	#3
Takaharu I can fart in 7 languages Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,850 Rep Power: 113 System Specs	Re: If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd... You can install Windows XP then use the upgrade disc to install 7. During the installation you can choose to perform a clean install, which will wipe XP. __________________ I don't get paid to know the answer, therefore I'm far more likely to give you a straight and honest answer. Mods Rig, Box Mods Rig, Folding details

Jul 7, 2011, 04:01 PM	#4
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd... You can put the 7 upgrade disc in and install it regularly (on a blank, unformatted or formatted HDD or SSD). Halfway through it will ask you to "verify that this is an upgrade" by quickly removing the 7 disc and putting in a copy of Windows 2000/XP/Vista then taking it out again. So yes, you can basically do a full install using upgrade, you just need a physical copy of XP/Vista/2000 (you can pirate the .ISO and that works too). __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Jul 7, 2011, 06:17 PM	#6
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	Re: If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd... I haven't tried it since SP1, but does the old "double install" trick of installing Windows 7 with the upgrade disc, without inserting the key, and then doing an "in place" upgrade from within Windows 7 still work? Edit: Just a note. During the first "install" make sure you leave the product key field blank, pick the OS install based on the version you have, uncheck the option of automatically activating, and be sure to choose a "Custom" install instead of choosing the "Upgrade" option. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Jul 7, 2011 at 06:42 PM.

Jul 7, 2011, 07:23 PM	#7
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	Re: If I want to install Windows on a brand new drive or ssd... My first Win 7 install was a "clean" install using and upgrade version. I just did like Tip said, and when it was finished I just activated it with no problem. Other folks had to do the "double install" thing. There was also a Registry fix that would get around having to do the "Double install". EDIT: Here's a link to a very good page with info on using an Upgrade disk to do a "Clean" install: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/...-upgrade-media __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY Last edited by OldBuzzard; Jul 7, 2011 at 07:40 PM.