Windows 7

[LoArmistead]

I did the download version, too. I just used CDImage and had the files in an .iso ready to burn to DVD in less than two minutes.

[Bizzlenitch]

I'm awaiting my SSD to install 7... if you've got a blank drive, and use the upgrade DVD, how does it know you've had a legal version of Vista, do you need to enter product keys for both or something?

 

I've never used an upgrade version before!!

 

That may be an issue, although, technically, after I reformatted my hard drive I didn't have a previous version of Windows installed either. My advice to you would be attempt the upgrade without a previous OS install and if it won't take your Product Key then install Vista or XP or whatever you're currently using then perform a Custom Installation, where you can reformat your drive and start a new partition.

 

I even re-installed 7 back over itself (reformat and clean install, again) and it still took my Product Key and allowed me to activate it, even though I had no version of Vista or XP on my system, just my botched 7 install. I had to reinstall because for some reason when I downloaded an "Optional" Windows update for my Realtek network chip (which worked just fine out of the initial install) my comp would not detect any network connections. So, my advice to you, if all your hardware is working properly upon initial install, beware of the so called "updated" drivers offered by Microsoft through Windows Update. The so-called update killed my network connectivity. Go figure.

[Bizzlenitch]

I did the download version, too. I just used CDImage and had the files in an .iso ready to burn to DVD in less than two minutes.

 

Yeah, CDimage is one of the programs I believe will work. Only a select number do, as far as I know from what I read. Although, my word should certainly not be taken as the rule. Other programs may or may not work, you'll just have to try and see.

[Bandrew]

I preordered one copy when it was $50, and then bought another copy for $30 with the student discount the day it came out.

[LoArmistead]

Yeah, CDimage is one of the programs I believe will work. Only a select number do, as far as I know from what I read. Although, my word should certainly not be taken as the rule. Other programs may or may not work, you'll just have to try and see.

 

If anyone has the download version and is having trouble putting it on a bootable DVD, here is an excellent CDImage GUI walk through I found.

http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/view/web/15/

[ocmooz]

I preordered an upgrade fron Vista Ultimate to 7 Professional for

Edited October 25, 2009 by ocmooz

[Bizzlenitch]

You did a "Clean Install," which isn't exactly a fresh installation of the operating system, but it's pretty close. If you'll notice, all your old files are carried over in a Windows.old folder. Whether or not doing a completely fresh installation is "better" than doing a clean install is debatable. I'd say if you have no problems using Microsoft's method, you're probably good to go. Just a little left over clutter in the form of that Windows.old folder. Personally, I didn't particularly need to keep any of my old files, so I opted to do a complete format and install. I highly doubt, though, that you'll run into any problems with the method you followed if you haven't already.