Can I clean install Windows 7 with an UPGRADE disc?

[bsheridan]

Hi guys,
I am interested in installing windows 7 on my macbook. I am a student so am able to get the windows 7 home premium upgrade disc for cheap.

I would like to know if it is possible for me to perform a clean install of windows 7 through BootCamp, with no previous windows versions installed using this upgrade disc.

Thanks for reading,
b.

 

[andiwm2003]

i would like to know as well. i want a clean install because my lenovo notebook came with vista and for company reasons was downgraded to windows XP.

now i would prefer to buy a new HD and do a clean windows 7 install and keep the old xp installation as is in case i need to go back and use some proprietary software. and i don't want to first install vista from the restore disks just to immediately upgrade to windows 7.

 

[pdjudd]

I believe that you need to provide proof that you have a previous version of Windows in order to use the upgrade discs. Should work just fine otherwise

 

[billgatesceo]

See this thread...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/803558/

In theory it should work with 2nd install over the first install. It just hasn't been tried yet (or reported) that it works.

I can tell you that it does work when I used the AIO version for the original install, so it should work just the same with the upgrade disk. Just remember not to enter a product key during the first install, but the second.

 

[burningbright]

Where are you from, b? Given MS' recent problems with EU regulations it might just be an EU thing, but this is what Amazon says:

Important--changes to EU release of Microsoft Windows 7

Please note that Microsoft have recently made a number of changes to the European release of Microsoft Windows 7. Please be aware that while this is subject to change, the latest information that Amazon has is:
This version of Windows 7 ships as a full edition, suitable for both new Windows users and Windows Vista users looking to upgrade.
All editions of Windows 7 will now include the Internet Explorer 8 web browser as standard.
Amazon.co.uk will continue to update this page as and when further information becomes available.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002DGS82G/ref=s9_sima_gw_s0_p65_t1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0MA44FSVW8V17Y3B25BD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128293&pf_rd_i=468294

I'm a student about to go for the same offer- just curious why you're going for Home Premium rather than Professional, given they're the same price in the offer? (Genuine question- not too familiar with the pros and cons of different varieties of Windows.)

 

[bsheridan]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@burningbright - I'm studying in the UK. I have not looked into the differences in the different versions, I just came across that I am able to get home premium for £30. (now also se I can do the same with the pro).

The amazon.co.uk information sounds promising for what I am looking to do.

Thanks for the link billgatesceo. I have a burned copy of the windows 7 beta release that came out earlier this year so I could use that as the first install. I know that the beta version works on my mac. (I had it installed through BootCamp on Leopard)

b.

 

[balamw]

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Thanks for the replies guys.

@burningbright - I'm studying in the UK. I have not looked into the differences in the different versions, I just came across that I am able to get home premium for £30. (now also se I can do the same with the pro).

The amazon.co.uk information sounds promising for what I am looking to do.

Thanks for the link billgatesceo. I have a burned copy of the windows 7 beta release that came out earlier this year so I could use that as the first install. I know that the beta version works on my mac. (I had it installed through BootCamp on Leopard)

b.

The installer is supposed to look for a released installed and activated copy of windows so you are not supposed to be able to install over beta or rc. Unfortunately my upgrades won't come until next week as Amazon is waiting to ship the free shipping orders...

B

 

[taphead]

I assume you are referring to the MS student promotion. Even though the website refers to it as an upgrade, I believe it is still the full edition. In the FAQ on the website it talks about "upgrade" procedures depending on your situation. It states you can do clean installs, for example if you had Windows XP and can't do a straight upgrade.

 

[jmpage2]

The student edition is a full copy of the OS.

The upgrade media is upgrade media, it very well might not be able to be installed from scratch, even using the previous workarounds.

 

[balamw]

The student edition is a full copy of the OS.

Do you speak from experience having bought one from win741.com? Did you download or buy media?

Some of those who have gone through the process say that the media they were offered clearly said upgrade, but it may well be that the download is a full copy and so the keys would work.

B

 

[jmpage2]

Do you speak from experience having bought one from win741.com? Did you download or buy media?

Some of those who have gone through the process say that the media they were offered clearly said upgrade, but it may well be that the download is a full copy and so the keys would work.

B

My understanding was that it was the full version from other forums, etc. I do not have verification of this.

 

[highertechnology]

Got this from another site.

The student windows 7 version available thru http://www.win741.com is the FULL VERSION.

The OFFICIAL answer:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Windows 7 Online store.

We understand that you are interested to purchase Windows 7 Upgrade
through our online store.

We apologize for the confusion.

The Windows 7 offered in this promotion is a full version. You can
install this product even though you do not have a previous Operating System installed in your computer
or if you want to make a multi boot using Windows 7. The "Upgrade" included in the product name is just
because Windows 7 is the latest Operating System Windows developed.

Sincerely,
Joanna A.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service

http://social.answers.microsoft.com...l/thread/ae289b83-4250-456a-bf5d-7bb4a57f4036

 

[balamw]

And yet here, folks are saying the student download is unusable without a preinstalled Windows. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/807326/

At least it seems like you CAN do a clean install to a blank HDD with retail upgrade media according to Paul Thurrott. http://community.winsupersite.com/b.../windows-7-question-of-the-year-answered.aspx

B

 

[myfirstmacbook]

ok I'm still confused here. I got the $10 copy of "win 7 ultimate 32 bit x 86 upgrade" from the university i attend...can i do a full install to dual boot my macbook or did I buy the wrong thing

 

[jamin100]

I did the student upgrade offer with W7 Pro.

installed first time with no serial, then re-install using setup.exe off dvd in w7

Registered and activated fine.

No OS on the drive prior to the first install.