Windows 7 upgrade version

DJ_Martin

DJ_Martin

DJ_Martin

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My friend told me he could get me a cheap copy of windows 7 for a computer I am planning to build through an education discount or something like that. I obviously accepted the offer but now it has been purchased I have found out it is a Windows 7 Upgrade version. Made for upgrading Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7.

Obviously the computer I build will have no operating system so I asked him about this however he assured me that it would work. Well I'm just asking if anyone else has attempted to do this? I would like to know so that I can possibly see if he can get a refund and I could buy the full WIndows 7 disc or if it will actually work?

From this I have found that it apparently can be done but is not fully licensed, does this really matter? and would I have to do anything extra to get it to work?


If you have any experience with this then please share it?
 
Will it work - yes.
Is it a legal copy according to Microsoft - no.
Will you get all the updates and will windows behave as genuine - yes.

The funny thing about these upgrade licenses is that you can't upgrade to windows 7. You have to a 'special' upgrade process where you back up programs and files, do a clean install then restore the programs.

The difference is that when you already have a windows os on the computer the new install sets a registry key that says an os used to be there, therefore upgrade.

If you install on a clean hard drive the registry entry reflects this and the key is rejected as being for upgrade only. Of course many people tried the 'upgrade' which failed first time. The install subsequently works but the registry says clean install, what to do.

Answer change one registry value and run the slmgr rearm command and the key is accepted. I'll leave you to decide whether this is acceptable to you and if so I'm sure you'll find articles detailing the registry entry and full slmgr command.
 
Last edited:
Excellent answer!

I am just in the process of putting together a system and want a clean install of windows 7, dont really want to pay £80 for it though (yes I am cheap lol) but looks like I am going to have to!
 
For me, I just went for Clean Install first, but unticked activation box and didn't put in product key, just selected version of Win7 - make sure no internet connection.
Then, when installed (which is really fast up to here !), run the Upgrade part from the Win7 disc.....this takes loads longer....put in product key, ticked box to allow online activation and plugged internet back in.
Hey presto - fully installed and activated from an upgrade disc :)
 
So this means as I have a previous version of Windows I can get the upgrade disk but still do a clean install!! Awesome!

that is what you are saying isnt it?
 
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