Windows 7 Upgrade!

JW1993 · 10 Jan 2010 at 13:27

Is it possible for me to legally perform a clean install of windows 7, on a blank HDD, on a custom built PC, using an upgrade version of Windows 7?

A website stated that to use the upgrade version I must have:

1. a previous Windows OS (XP/Vista) currently installed on the computer or laptop, or
2. the serial key from a previous Windows OS (XP/Vista) which must be entered in order for the upgrade DVD to install the full version of Windows 7 onto a blank harddrive.

If so can anyone tell me how this is done?

Thanks

robinbredin · 10 Jan 2010 at 14:36

Is it possible for me to legally perform a clean install of windows 7, on a blank HDD, on a custom built PC, using an upgrade version of Windows 7?

Yes, you can do a clean install from a upgrade Windows 7 version. See HERE.

theheyes · 10 Jan 2010 at 16:00

Just to be clear - you do need a pre-existing license to legally use an Upgrade version - you can't just whack it on a new build with no Windows OS.

JW1993 · 10 Jan 2010 at 16:17

This laptop i'm using has a windows vista home basic. So can i use the product key from this and would it qualify for the upgrade on a different machine. I'd be buying it from student website, i'm not sure if this would make any difference?

Thanks for the help

theheyes · 10 Jan 2010 at 17:01

Nope, the upgrade would be valid for the laptop only. You'll have to pay the little bit extra for the full retail version.

JW1993 · 10 Jan 2010 at 17:13

So what is this about? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Thanks for the help

theheyes · 10 Jan 2010 at 18:17

You can do a clean install with a Windows 7 Upgrade disc on a blank disk but you may not if the machine is not already licensed. If you followed that guide and stuck your laptop Home Basic key in it would more than likely work, but it won't be "legal".

My advice would be to go with a full version - it's not that much more expensive, you will be correctly licensed and it will be more convenient and straight-forward.

JW1993 · 10 Jan 2010 at 18:21

Oh right thanks

It's just I can get the Professional upgrade for £36 and the Ultimate upgrade for about £60 but if that's the best way then i'll do that.

Thanks

theheyes · 10 Jan 2010 at 18:48

Sorry, I overlooked the "student" bit but what I've said is still valid. The student upgrade deal is good if you already have a copy of Windows but if you don't the full retail version is probably your best bet at current prices.