Clean install with 64-bit Windows 7 OEM/upgrade?

[Char Jackson]

With an upgrade version of Windows you either have to have a previous
version already installed on your hard drive, *_OR_* have the install
CD or DVD for a previous version of Windows. When doing the install
if the installer program doesn't detect a previous version of Windows
on your hard drive, it then asks for a install disc from a previous
version to be inserted in the CD/DVD drive. It then scans the disc to
make sure that it's a qualified disk before continuing the
installation.

I think that was the case up through XP. Vista and Win 7 don't work
like that anymore. For example, while the Upgrade version of Win 7
requires a qualifying Windows installation or media, the Upgrade media
itself qualifies! No need to have another installation or media set.

 

[Char Jackson]

Nope!

Actually, yes, it will install and activate just fine.

 

[Char Jackson]

OK...

I've read that you take an upgrade disk, you boot with it, you start a new
installation on new hardware but don't enter the key code and don't try to
activate. Once the the installation is complete, up and running you insert
the upgrade disk again and start an "upgrade installation" but this time
you enter the key code; it will install and activate.

I've never tried it so is it true or false?

Seconding Seth: True!

 

[charlie]

Is that old argument still going on about how you can't reinstall an
OEM if your system gets a motherboard replaced. If I remember this
correctly you need to reactivate or re-enter your product key but
because you have new hardware the OS thinks it is a different machine
and the new MoBo constitutes a new and different machine. I remember
one or more of the MS trained VIPs on the MS groups would be insisting
this can not be done. I have been away for some years now and have not
caught up on many issues.

Al.

There are a lot of things that are possible if you happen to have (and
know how to use) various OEM version related tools and utilities.

Beyond that I'd guess that the ability to do a clean install with an
upgrade version came about due to problems. I.E. system crash, etc. Need
to reinstall, etc.
It is also possible that a major bug was found in a time frame that
precluded a real fix. (Meet deadlines or else!)

(I haven't talked to the Microsoft system innards people in quite some
time, so my guesses are just that.)