Windows 7 Retail vs Upgrade?

[Ruler2]

Well, after reading a few things online, I found that you must do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version if you are using XP. Does that mean that it would be possible to do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version WITHOUT a previously existing OS? That sounds like it would make sense to me, unless the 7 installer validates a previous genuine installation of windows before wiping it. Does anyone have any detailed information about this?

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Well, after reading a few things online, I found that you must do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version if you are using XP. Does that mean that it would be possible to do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version WITHOUT a previously existing OS? That sounds like it would make sense to me, unless the 7 installer validates a previous genuine installation of windows before wiping it. Does anyone have any detailed information about this?

I've never done an upgrade but usually they require a valid product key or installation media to be verified during install.

[cattb]

the upgrade i have came with a key, I did a clean install of windows 7 and kept xp pro also for a dual boot. Did it look to see if I had a version of Windows? I don't know. Sethbag had something about installing windows 7 I think from a upgrade, do a search it may or may not help.

[Fulmar]

Does that mean that it would be possible to do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version WITHOUT a previously existing OS? That sounds like it would make sense to me, unless the 7 installer validates a previous genuine installation of windows before wiping it. Does anyone have any detailed information about this?

If they still do it like they used to do it, yes.  But then again the last time I did it was 98 to WinME.  Not gonna lie, I jumped on the ME bandwagon as soon as it came out.  You could install ME two ways.  1) While booted into 98, insert the ME disc and install that way  2) Boot with the ME CD and it would ask you for the 98 CD and Key during the install and do a complete format install.

[Reschke]

When you want to install a clean version of Win7 from an upgrade you must have a valid OS on the system. THEN Win7 will ask you if you want to do an upgrade OR a CUSTOM installation...I think that is correct. I chose the custom on one of my systems and it formated the old OS and reinstalled Win7 Ultimate 64 bit from scratch. Best thing I have ever done except for not backing up my firefox bookmarked pages before wiping the OS out and starting over.

[0thehero]

Does that mean that it would be possible to do a clean install of 7 with the Upgrade version WITHOUT a previously existing OS?

Yes, you can use retail Upgrade media to install to a bare metal drive.  I've done several installs this way (including my primary rig).

Here's three ways it's done.  Of course, the OEM system builder version is cheaper than retail--Newegg has them for $90 with a promotional code this weekend, so that makes more sense.

[Tigger29]

I purchased a 3-pack of win7 upgrades.... I've used two of them so far, both being fresh installs.  On one install (Installing the 64 bit version) it just went through, but when I installed the 32-bit version on my dad's computer I had to change a registry setting to get it to activate.

Both of these systems had XP pro installed prior, but being I wasn't 100% sure on the legitimacy of them I fully wiped both hard drives and unpartitioned them before installing 7.