Windows 7 Upgrades (Clean Install)

[Scotty J.]

If you're running a "LEGAL" copy of Windows XP or Windows Vista, you only need to buy the upgrade version of Windows 7 to do a clean install.

I've held off from changing from windows XP forever, my hesitation wasn't helped by a Toshiba Laptop that I bought that had Vista on it and no XP drivers were available for it.

About a year ago, my wife and I upgraded our personal Laptops and they came with Windows 7 on them. I upgraded mine to 4 gig of RAM, but her's still has 2 gig. I have to admit that Windows 7 runs as good as XP with all the neat shit that Vista had. I highly recommend it, but I would consider the age of the computer, the processor and memory before taking the plunge.

Ok, I did the Toshiba Laptop. I booted on the Winderz 7 CD, told it I wanted to install, I chose custom. This allowed me to delete the primary partition and format it for the clean install.

The install went slow, but well. After a reboot it asked for the Product Key. I typed it in and it said it was invalid.

Here is the workaround, and it is acceptable with Micro$oft. Leave the product key blank, it will allow you to finish the install with a 30 day license. Boot to the new Winderz 7 install and cycle the cd in and out so that it autostarts. This time choose "Upgrade" and let it do the installation again, essentially upgrading the upgrade. It will now accept the product code and you can finish the upgrade.

Keep in mind that this is a "CLEAN" install. Meaning if you follow these steps, you will lose EVERYTHING in Winderz, all your files and settings.

I like Winderz 7, I was hesitant, but it didn't take me long to be impressed.

Oh, if you have a Toshiba Laptop, do NOT do the BIOS upgrades on their website, it will set an arbitrary password at boot up and you will have to pay to have it fixed after December 10th, 2010.

SJ

 

[v-8power]

I wonder if this would work for my comp. I have a educational version of XP Pro.(unlimited licenses)

I would like to upgrade to see what 7 is all about, just not sure if I can.

 

[Scotty J.]

Sure, it should go without a problem. If you're planning on installing the 64 bit version, be SURE to check that 64 bit video drivers are available through the vendor's website. I ended up having to reinstall the 32 bit version on the Toshiba because Toshiba didn't offer 64 bit drivers for it's video (not only for 7 but for Vista as well).

I upgraded my gaming PC, it scores a 6.8 out of 7.9 for video, memory and Processor. The lone hold back was the speed of my hard drive. It's an i5 with 4 gig of ram and a invidia 9800 GT with a gig of memory. In contrast my laptop with 4 gig of ram scored a 3.3.

 

[Jaymz9350]

I wonder if this would work for my comp. I have a educational version of XP Pro.(unlimited licenses)

I would like to upgrade to see what 7 is all about, just not sure if I can.

It's easier (and right now cheaper at newegg) to just buy an OEM copy of 7. You get a clean install from a blank hard drive and as far as I've seen it still can be moved to a different PC later (but still only 1 at a time).

 

[Scotty J.]

Don't get caught...

This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows.

Just pick up THIS and you'll be set for not only your laptop, but 2 other computers.

 

[v-8power]

Thanks for the info. I'll check into it.

 

[igiveup]

Hello

Oh, if you have a Toshiba Laptop, do NOT do the BIOS upgrades on their website, it will set an arbitrary password at boot up and you will have to pay to have it fixed after December 10th, 2010.

SJ

Why? I just did my new lap top a couple of weeks ago and no password showed up.

igiveup

 

[mjonesjr]

If you are going to install 7, make sure to get the Ultimate version. It is by far the best of the 3 versions.

 

[AllanD]

Don't get caught...


Just pick up THIS and you'll be set for not only your laptop, but 2 other computers.

Be aware that the Holiday three pack is for win7 HOME edition.

If you have any older applications that need Win7-Pro's "XP emulation mode" to operate they might noot work in Win7 Home.

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[Sparkz]

You CAN do a clean istall (RAW DRIVES) with a windows 7 upgrade disk,, yes it can be done windows dont like it but it can be done

good site to start with is Sevenfourms
I have a few machines all white box machines and run 7 on them

XP needs a full install for a raw install fresh install


shout if you need more


Sparkz

 

[v-8power]

I ended up getting win 7 ultimate 64bit. Had my daughter buy it at school. only cost 20.00

 

[AllanD]

Most of the "Upgrade" installers will allow you to do a CLEAN install

I recommend that you save your Docs, music itunes stuff has different issues) and files
(browser favorites) e-mail to an EXTERNAL drive.

You'll probably need specific advice for preserving any files in your iTunes library
(Atleast for the "protected" *.m4p files)
and you'll also need specific advice on extracting the CoA for your Microsoft office
(if you have and use it)

Then with the installed disc take the "Advance drive options" and DELETE all partitions on the drive

ESPECIALLY any "Factory restore" partition, because you don't really want a "Factory restore" that jumps you back to your old OS do you?

when times come to format the "Raw" drive select approximatly 60-75gb for the Partition
where you want the installer to install windows 7 (leave the rest of the drive "unpartitioned" until after the intallation is done, use that as a DATA partition later
and make it a point to store all your music and video on that partition..

this tends to make the OS partition less "cluttered" and less prone to fragmentation (which leads to the "slows" later on)

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