"relic" <relic211@cjb.net> wrote in message
news
o63jf.ssa.17.1@news.alt.net...
>
> "McG." <McGrandpaNOT@NOThotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4be8105d$0$23510$ec3e2dad@unlimited.usenetmonster.com...
>>
>>
>> "Doum" <me@domain.net> wrote in message
>> news:XnF9D7451A684DAEdoumdomainnet@94.75.214.39...
>>> "Percival P. Cassidy" <Nobody@NotMyISP.net> écrivait
>>> news:hs7s08$1ib$1@news.eternal-september.org:
>>>
>>>> On 05/09/10 09:02 pm, Brian Gregory [UK] wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>>> I've found several different methods online for installing the
>>>>>>> upgrade version of Win7 on a blank drive, but I haven't seen
>>>>>>> anything corresponding to the so-simple method that worked for XP:
>>>>>>> The XP installer said, in effect, "This is an upgrade version, and
>>>>>>> I can't find a qualifying prior version on your computer; insert
>>>>>>> the CD of an earlier version into the drive and press Enter." I
>>>>>>> inserted a Win98SE CD, and the installer was happy.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Not possible to use the XP CD to keep the Win7 installer happy?
>>>>
>>>>>> No, it's not. Both Vista and Windows 7 use radically different
>>>>>> installation methoids than did the WinXP and earlier OSes.
>>>>>
>>>>> The installation method isn't relevant.
>>>>>
>>>>> MS have changed what is accepted as proof you are entitled to use the
>>>>> cheaper upgrade version.
>>>>
>>>> In fact I have now been able to install Win7 Pro Upgrade on a blank
>>>> drive by simply skipping the invitation to enter the product key (as
>>>> suggested by many people). So what will happen when I do enter the
>>>> product key and try to activate Win7. Will it fail then because it
>>>> cannot find evidence of the previous valid WinXP installation? Or will
>>>> it then ask for some proof of a previous qualifying version?
>>>>
>>>> Perce
>>>>
>>>
>>> You must reinstall Win7 a second time without formatting the drive and
>>> this
>>> time enter the product key.
>>>
>>> As strange as it might seem, your installation without the key is your
>>> "previous qualifying version".
>>>
>>> HTH
>>
>> Now THAT is a terrific loophole!
>> McG.
>
> Most of the time you don't even need to install the second time. Just
> reboot and activate it by entering the key.
I gave up the whole "upgrade" thing years ago with Win98SE. I was
supplying my kids with their OS's for a few years. They GOT all the needed
items for the legal upgrade path. But they all had trouble keeping those
items together as they needed to be. I started buying full retail versions
during that period. Two Win98SE's, two XP Pro x86, three XP Pro x64 (OEM
only) and now 1 Win 7 Pro full retail. Happily you get both 32 and 64 bit
flavors with the purchase.
While I was on the 'upgrade path', I learned a few tricks. This particular
one wasn't needed. But the new way M$ looks at qualifying products for
upgrading, this one is an interesting one. And it probably won't last. I
figure M$ will correct it before too long.
McG.