WIndows 7 Upgrade Testing


Recommended Posts

I received my upgrade disk from amazon today.

For those that want to know I tried installing with just a blank hard drive.

Booted with upgrade disk. Got to the part where it asks "upgrade" or "custom".

Chose custom and the install started.

Got all the way to product key and it came back invailid. Took out the key and contuned into windows.

From within windows I tried to activate. Told me to enter the key. I did. It then told me I can only use the key for upgrading, not a clean install.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/836792-windows-7-upgrade-testing/
Share on other sites

So you are upgrading from Windows 7 RC version to the normal version and that works fine?

No, blank HDD.

With Windows 7 upgrade disk.

Install 7 with no key. Boot into that installation. Run setup again. Chose upgrade. Install key and activate.

Just like vista.

We didn't know if you could or not. I tried it and it worked.

There was a lot of talk before the release that it wouldn't work with windows 7 but I never saw a definitive answer on it.

Yeah. A lot of people seem to like to talk out of their ass on this subject, I've noticed. If you do not know something for sure, don't speculate. It only makes it more difficult to find a solution. Especially when people post like they know what they are talking about.

I really appreciate the Blackhood for taking the time to post about his findings. This will save me time when I get home, because doing a clean install is the first thing I was going to try. Hopefully I can get it to work the same you did.

No, blank HDD.

With Windows 7 upgrade disk.

Install 7 with no key. Boot into that installation. Run setup again. Chose upgrade. Install key and activate.

Just like vista.

We didn't know if you could or not. I tried it and it worked.

Does the whole setup and install re-run when you run the setup program the 2nd time (from within Windows 7)?

This was already confirmed.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/windows...mehow-maintai/2

---

jacobhpaul @ Oct 9th 2009 7:18PM

I've had a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate for over three weeks purchased from the Indiana University Bookstore for $20. They only had upgrade disks available, but there was a workaround that involved upgrading the fresh unactivated install (basically you have to install it twice). I switched from Ubuntu Jaunty (waiting for Karmic). Overall it is pretty nice. I like the new taskbar design and the jumplists (when they are supported). Also new Win+Arrowkey shortcuts are pretty useful.

This was already confirmed.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/windows...mehow-maintai/2

---

jacobhpaul @ Oct 9th 2009 7:18PM

I've had a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate for over three weeks purchased from the Indiana University Bookstore for $20. They only had upgrade disks available, but there was a workaround that involved upgrading the fresh unactivated install (basically you have to install it twice). I switched from Ubuntu Jaunty (waiting for Karmic). Overall it is pretty nice. I like the new taskbar design and the jumplists (when they are supported). Also new Win+Arrowkey shortcuts are pretty useful.

Someone made a comment somewhere else about the same thing!!! OMG! Shocker! :whistle:

Yeah. A lot of people seem to like to talk out of their ass on this subject, I've noticed. If you do not know something for sure, don't speculate. It only makes it more difficult to find a solution. Especially when people post like they know what they are talking about.

I really appreciate the Blackhood for taking the time to post about his findings. This will save me time when I get home, because doing a clean install is the first thing I was going to try. Hopefully I can get it to work the same you did.

Does the whole setup and install re-run when you run the setup program the 2nd time (from within Windows 7)?

Yes it does. But when asked the 2nd time, you must chose upgrade.

Have you tried running the upgrade from windows 7 to windows 7?

Yeah, that is what I did with my upgrade copy of Vista Home Premium and it worked a treat :p I heard MS have fixed that "exploit" though....so not sure if it works on 7? so I just got the full install version of 7 because I couldn't be stuffed chancing it and hoping it still worked :p

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Visual Studio finally gets long-awaited feature that developers will love by Usama Jawad Visual Studio Code is Microsoft's popular, lightweight, open-source code editor, it is actually Visual Studio that is the company's flagship integrated development environment (IDE). Although the IDE already offers a boatload of useful features for developers, Microsoft has finally introduced a long-requested capability that will be loved by many. While developers have already been able to create Git pull requests (PRs) directly within Visual Studio for the past couple of years, it had not been possible to review a PR without switching to the browser, until now. Microsoft revealed in December 2025 that it is working on UX that enables developers to do just that, and fast-forward to June 2026, and Visual Studio finally has native capabilities to open and inspect a PR, discuss feedback, and wrap up the review, all without switching to the browser. This integration works for both GitHub and Azure DevOps (including on-prem). Developers have access to multiple surfaces to open a PR, including Git Repository, Git Changes, and the Git menu in Visual Studio. Once you open a PR, all the important details will be immediately visible to you, from where you can navigate to various levels of granularity and branch states, depending on the reviews that you are engaged in. As you would expect, you also get a diff view that enables you to see code changes inline or side-by-side in a separate panel. You can also review commit-by-commit. Additionally, this UX fosters collaboration as you can leave comments, reply to threads, and resolve conversations easily. Naturally, you can also leverage Copilot to apply a code suggestion to fix a potential issue. When you are done, you have the ability to approve, complete, and merge the PR. This is a pretty major feature as it has been requested heavily for the past few years. You can try it out in Visual Studio 2026 version 18.7, made available here recently. Microsoft plans to enhance this experience further in future releases with comment filtering, a timeline of PR activity, and more.
    • This AdGuard Family lifetime deal is still only $15.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 90% on a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan. AdGuard is a unique program that has all the necessary features for what they claim to be "the best web experience." The software combines the an advanced ad blocker, a privacy protection module, and a parental control tool—all working in one app. This software deals with annoying ads, hides your data from a multitude of trackers, protects you from malware attacks, and even lets you restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content. Install AdGuard and see the internet as it was supposed to be: clean and safe. Get rid of annoying banners, pop-ups & video ads once and for all Hide your data from the multitude of trackers & activity analyzers that swarm the web Avoid fraudulent and phishing website and malware attacks Protect your kids online by restricting them from accessing inappropriate & adult content Good to know Family Plan Length of access: lifetime This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Max number of devices: 9 Access options: desktop & mobile Software version: AdGuard Family Updates included A lifetime subscription of AdGuard Family Plan normally costs $169.99, but this deal can be yours for just $15.97, that's a saving of $157.02. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this AdGuard Family lifetime deal for just $15.97 (was $169.99) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support! Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • the MCT currently downloads 26200.8653, so not completely up to date.
    • Around 68% of developers are now using AI to generate code during development, and some experts are saying that a single developer using AI tools can now do the work of an entire team of 4 to 5 engineers.  According to Figma's State of the Designer 2026 report, 72% of designers now use generative AI in their workflows and 91% say it improves the quality of their work, not just their speed.  But does this mean web developers and designers are becoming less relevant, or are they simply evolving into a different kind of role? Would love to hear from developers and designers here has AI made your job easier, or do you feel threatened by how fast these tools are improving
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Timaximus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Timaximus earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Rookie
      FBSPL went up a rank
      Rookie
    • First Post
      davidbazooked earned a badge
      First Post
    • Week One Done
      davidbazooked earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      508
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      181
    3. 3
      +Edouard
      160
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      83
    5. 5
      ATLien_0
      75
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!