Clean install with upgrade version of ultimate?

[Guest]

Hello newsgroup,

You can't clean install a upgrade version, right? You need to install from a
previous version?

I quote from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930985/en-us :



"You purchase an upgrade key for Windows Vista. Then, you try to use the
upgrade key to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting from
a Windows Vista DVD. However, Windows Vista does not let you perform a clean
installation by using the upgrade key, and you cannot upgrade to Windows
Vista."

---



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods.
Back to the top

Method 1
Upgrade to Windows Vista from an earlier, supported version of Windows that
is already installed on the computer.
Back to the top

Method 2
Purchase a license that lets you perform a clean installation of Windows
Vista.


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Now, at the bottom at the page, there are the system listed, to which that
applies:

APPLIES TO
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Starter



Windows Vista Ultimate is not in that list. Does that mean that I can clean
install (installing without starting the install process under a previous
windows version) Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade Edition?

 

[Max]

That depends on your definition and/or interpretation of "clean".
All 'upgrade' Product Keys (there are some exceptions for 64 bit) must have
the setup started from within a functioning, activated, previous Windows
qualifying version.

--
But that's just my opinion...I could be wrong.

Maxwell Bluemeanie

"the friendly display name"

 

[Test Man]

From how I understand it, you can't BOOT from DVD to do a clean-install, cos
Vista won't accept the upgrade key. You have to have a validated version of
Windows on your machine first and launch setup from within this, where you
will get the option to either upgrade to Vista, or clean the machine down to
install a fresh copy of Vista.

 

[Mike Brannigan]

From how I understand it, you can't BOOT from DVD to do a
clean-install, cos Vista won't accept the upgrade key. You have to
have a validated version of Windows on your machine first and launch
setup from within this, where you will get the option to either
upgrade to Vista, or clean the machine down to install a fresh copy
of Vista.

Correct.

(Just a point to note that the DVD is bootable to run the repair
tools, as this seems to be an area of confusion for some)

 

[Max]

That is correct.
However, how Vista does an 'upgrade' is far different than previous Windows
versions.
It shrinks and moves {XP, for instance} out of the way, lays down a new
*image* of Vista, installs any new device drivers, etc, and then optionally
imports parts of what it tucked away of the old OS. Or optionally leaves it
all in a Windows.old folder to be viewed or deleted as the user desires. No
old 'crap' is leftover from the previous version (files, dll's registry
keys, etc) as in previous upgrade methodology.
Therefore, EVERY Vista install is "clean" without formatting the drive.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You will not get a "clean" option. You will get a "custom" option.
Microsoft does not include reformatting the drive in its definition of
"clean." When MS says "clean install" with regards to Vista they mean
merely that your files, settings, and apps will not be retained. The full
definition published by MS is:

"A clean installation means your current version of Windows, including all
of your files, settings, and programs, is automatically replaced. You can
back up your files and settings, but must manually reinstall your programs
when the installation is done."

From: http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=395&tabid=1. It
appears many other places as well.