Windows 7 Upgrade : Othor Games

» Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:01 pm

Okay so I've got an upgrade disc for Windows 7 and I was wondering if I can actually format my computer and then upgrade or do I actually need to have vista installed, and if that can't be done can I just format Windows 7 with the upgrade disc after I finish?

I'm not quite sure about that and I haven't really found a straight answer about it on the web so I came here.

I have loads of crap on my computer that I don't need anymore and it will actually make my life easier to just wipe it all off, thanks in advance.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:40 am

I don't know much about my computers, but one of the reasons why I bought my laptop is I would get Windows upgrade for free. It came installed with Vista 64bit, and when Windows 7 was released I installed it. I am asuming Vista has to be installed since it will look for it and the codes you have to enter. I don't think you can reformat and then do a fresh install since the disk yu have is an upgrade.

So why don't you just to a factory reformat or what ever it's called with Vista, then you should have a clean slate and then install Windows 7. Also, where did you get the upgrade disc? If anyone else activated it, then I don't think you can use it then. Not sure on how that part works though. I will not let anyone use my disk just for this reason, I don't want to be locked out of my computer.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:06 am

1. You need a valid copy of Windows to use an upgrade. It doesn't need to be installed (can authenticate from inserting the old install disc, or at least you could with XP)

2. One of the options when installing the upgrade is to format and install. You don't have to do a true upgrade if you don't want to (I advise formatting and installing anyway)

3. Don't forget to make an image of your hard drive after installing Windows/all the updates/your favorite software for easy restoration (VERY important when you install an upgrade copy of Windows so you don't have to fuss with first installing the old copy then installing the upgrade)

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 6:23 am

I might have been unclear but my question was actually if I can format the computer after upgrading using the Windows 7 upgrade disc.

Yes I have a valid copy of Windows Vista but I don't want all my software and such, I want a completely clean install for Windows 7, but, from my understanding custom install is only available from XP to 7, and Vista to 7 only has a straight upgrade...

I think I'll check it out myself and be done with it

Also, does upgrading to Windows 7 actually nulls my Vista license? is it really an "upgrade"? see, I've never used an upgrade before I always bought retails.

» Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:22 pm

1. You need a valid copy of Windows to use an upgrade. It doesn't need to be installed (can authenticate from inserting the old install disc, or at least you could with XP)

2. One of the options when installing the upgrade is to format and install. You don't have to do a true upgrade if you don't want to (I advise formatting and installing anyway)

3. Don't forget to make an image of your hard drive after installing Windows/all the updates/your favorite software for easy restoration (VERY important when you install an upgrade copy of Windows so you don't have to fuss with first installing the old copy then installing the upgrade)

Reinstalling all the software is the funnest part of a reformat. At least to me lol

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 3:44 am

So you want to reformat your Hard Drive and then use the Windows 7 to install without Vista. I think you can't do that at all with an upgrade.

» Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:52 pm

No. You can't. It doesn't work like that. You'd need a full copy of Win 7 to reformat. The upgrade disk is just that, an upgrade disk. All it does is uogrades. Basically, you still have Vista with a Win 7 skin and some of Win 7's stuff.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:22 am

I might have been unclear but my question was actually if I can format the computer after upgrading using the Windows 7 upgrade disc.

Yes I have a valid copy of Windows Vista but I don't want all my software and such, I want a completely clean install for Windows 7, but, from my understanding custom install is only available from XP to 7, and Vista to 7 only has a straight upgrade...

I think I'll check it out myself and be done with it

Also, does upgrading to Windows 7 actually nulls my Vista license? is it really an "upgrade"? see, I've never used an upgrade before I always bought retails.

Which is mistaken. You have two options when doing the upgrade. "Upgrade", which obviously keeps your files, and "Custom" which can either format, or install Windows to a different partition than the old version.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7-custom

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:30 am

Which is mistaken. You have two options when doing the upgrade. "Upgrade", which obviously keeps your files, and "Custom" which can either format, or install Windows to a different partition than the old version.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7-custom

Correct. All copies of Windows have both options.

Just do a custom install every time you install it and there be no need for Vista, ever again!

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:23 am

Correct. All copies of Windows have both options.

Just do a custom install every time you install it and there be no need for Vista, ever again!

Unless something happens to the hard drive

Which is why making an image of your install is VERY important when using Upgrade copies of Windows!

(I think it's always a good idea to do, but it's pretty much a necessity for upgrades)

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:33 am

Which is why making an image of your install is VERY important when using Upgrade copies of Windows!

(I think it's always a good idea to do, but it's pretty much a necessity for upgrades)

They definitely have the advantage of getting back to a working PC faster, but it's not an absolute must. Even with upgrade versions. (I agree it's a good idea, but for simplicities sake rather than necessities.)

The OP can literally throw the Vista disk away once W7 is tied to that rig and never look back.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 1:20 am

They definitely have the advantage of getting back to a working PC faster, but it's not an absolute must. Even with upgrade versions. (I agree it's a good idea, but for simplicities sake rather than necessities.)

The OP can literally throw the Vista disk away once W7 is tied to that rig and never look back.

How would one reinstall Windows 7 on the computer if his current hard drive were to die without the old copy of Vista? That's why I see it as being necessary to image the drive, otherwise you'd have no way of putting Windows 7 on the new drive (or keep the old Vista disc, install that, then upgrade to Windows 7 -- huge PITA)

» Fri Oct 08, 2010 11:28 pm

How would one reinstall Windows 7 on the computer if his current hard drive were to die without the old copy of Vista? That's why I see it as being necessary to image the drive, otherwise you'd have no way of putting Windows 7 on the new drive (or keep the old Vista disc, install that, then upgrade to Windows 7 -- huge PITA)

"Upgrade" copies, also have a full, or "Custom" install option, not needing the Vista disk.

Apparently it's hit or miss, but most seem to get away with it.

Follow http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/ and all should be good, and if not, they have work around to make it work.

Note: It doesn't specifically say, but use the Custom option when prompted.

How to Clean Install Windows 7 with a Upgrade DVD Disc or ISO Image

Note: User who has downloaded Windows 7 boxed ESD installation files should follow these steps to create a bootable Windows 7 ISO image from unpacked Windows 7 installation files and burn to DVD prior to follow guide below.

1. Boot up the PC with the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD disc media into DVD-ROM drive.

Note: May need to change boot sequence or boot order of device in BIOS, and/or press any key to boot from CD/DVD drive.
2. Follow the Windows 7 Install Wizard to install the operating system on the blank, empty and clean system. (Again, using 'Custom')
3. During installation, when prompted for a product key, DO NOT enter the upgrade version product key.

Tip: This step is to prevent “Invalid Product Key” error. User can try to input the serial number to check if setup accepts the key. If it’s accepted, all the rest of steps can be skipped.
4. Unselect and untick the Automatically activate Windows when I’m online check box during the installation process.
5. After Windows 7 is installed, boot up to desktop, and manually enter the Windows 7 upgrade product key to activate online or activate via phone.

Steps above, which is practically how to perform clean install with a Windows 7 full version media and product key, should work for some, if not most, users. On system that the system still does not accept an upgrade version product key, or face activation failure error code of 0xC004F061, try one or more of the following workarounds to get Windows 7 activated:

I used a Vista Upgrade disk (Trial purposes only.) back when it was new and I used the 'Custom' option to a new partition without issue. I left XP installed at the time and everything worked. W7 is supposed to be even better for this.

I'm very confident the OP will not have any issues, though there is always a slight possibility!

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:46 am

No. You can't. It doesn't work like that. You'd need a full copy of Win 7 to reformat. The upgrade disk is just that, an upgrade disk. All it does is uogrades. Basically, you still have Vista with a Win 7 skin and some of Win 7's stuff.

This statement is partially incorrect. When you upgrade to Windows 7 is does install a complete version of Windows 7, it isn't just a skin. However, the old install (as in the system directories) is kept in a backup folder, but the new operating system has full control.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:38 am

"Upgrade" copies, also have a full, or "Custom" install option, not needing the Vista disk.

Apparently it's hit or miss, but most seem to get away with it.

Follow http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/ and all should be good, and if not, they have work around to make it work.

Note: It doesn't specifically say, but use the Custom option when prompted.

I used a Vista Upgrade disk (Trial purposes only.) back when it was new and I used the 'Custom' option to a new partition without issue. I left XP installed at the time and everything worked. W7 is supposed to be even better for this.

I'm very confident the OP will not have any issues, though there is always a slight possibility!

I was unaware of this "feature". It seems pretty shady, though. That combined with it not being 100% guaranteed to work makes me think that creating an image of the system is by far the best option, since it is 100% legit (can even do it with Stock Windows 7 features), saves a lot of hassle, and is guaranteed to work, unlike that.

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:44 pm

Can't I just upgrade my vista to Windows 7 and then after its upgraded just reformat my comp to have a completely clean Windows 7 installation? :dry:

Also, thanks for all the replies

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:25 am

Can't I just upgrade my vista to Windows 7 and then after its upgraded just reformat my comp to have a completely clean Windows 7 installation? :dry:

Also, thanks for all the replies

That would be long and tedious and involve installing Windows 7 twice. If you read our replies, it is possible to Format your computer completely and do a clean install of Windows 7 the first time around. Just do a custom install and choose to format and install from there.

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums§ion=findpost&pid=17259160

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 3:13 am

That would be long and tedious and involve installing Windows 7 twice. If you read our replies, it is possible to Format your computer completely and do a clean install of Windows 7 the first time around. Just do a custom install and choose to format and install from there.

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums§ion=findpost&pid=17259160

Yeah I've seen the posts but you kinda scared me with the whole backup thing

Time is of no issue for me right now as I'm waiting for my new hardware so I can't really play anything apart from Minecraft :hehe:

» Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:05 am

Yeah I've seen the posts but you kinda scared me with the whole backup thing

Time is of no issue for me right now as I'm waiting for my new hardware so I can't really play anything apart from Minecraft :hehe:

1. Even in your method, you'd have to back up your files otherwise they'd be lost when you format

2. If you have no files you care to back up (no documents, bookmarks, pictures, videos, music, etc) then you can go right ahead and skip backing up.

Edit: Oh, unless you mean when I was talking about imaging your drive: That's just VERY good advice and applicable to you no matter what you do (Using upgrade copies of Windows any version just begs you to make an image for easy restoration down the line, otherwise it is quite a PITA to get your system back). It's dead-simple to do (Windows 7 has the feature built in, and two free options that offer some very nice advantages over the default tool also exist)