How to do a Clean Install of Vista Using the Vista Upgrade DVD

[TvvqKMZ72bsklauw5]

I don't know if this was posted before or not. Anyhow...

 

Something that is quite annoying about the Upgrade install of Windows Vista over the Full install of Windows Vista is that you can't do a clean install with it. For those who want to save a little bit of money (actually a lot) can, through a sneaky way, install a clean install of Windows Vista with an Upgrade disc. I was searching the internet and found an interesting link on how to do just that.

 

LINKY: http://www.infopackets.com/channels/en/win...previous_os.htm

 

"How to do a Clean Install of Vista Using the Vista Upgrade DVD

 

Step 1. Boot the PC from the Vista DVD.

 

Step 2. Select 'Install Now,' but do not enter the Product Key from the Vista packaging. Leave the input box blank. Also, turn off the option Automatically activate Windows when I'm online. In the next dialog box that appears, confirm that you really do want to install Vista without entering a Product Key.

 

Step 3. Correctly indicate the version of Vista that you're installing: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate.

 

Step 4. Select the 'Custom (Advanced)' install, not the 'Upgrade' install.

 

Step 5. Vista copies files at length and reboots itself one or more times. Wait for the install to complete. At this point, you might think that you could 'activate' Vista, but you can't. That's because you haven't installed the Vista upgrade yet. To do that, run the DVD's setup.exe program again, but this time from the Vista desktop. The easiest way to start setup again is to eject and then reinsert the DVD.

 

Step 6. Click 'Install Now.' Select Do not get the latest updates for installation. (You can check for these updates later.)

 

Step 7. This time, do enter the Product Key from the Vista packaging. Once again, turn off the option Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.

 

Step 8. On this second install, make sure to select 'Upgrade,' not 'Custom (Advanced).' You're not doing a clean install now, you're upgrading to Vista.

 

Step 9. Wait while Vista copies files and reboots itself. No user interaction is required. Do not boot from the DVD when asked if you'd like to do so. Instead, wait a few seconds and the setup process will continue on its way. Some DOS-like, character-mode menus will appear, but don't interact with them. After a few seconds, the correct choice will run for you automatically.

 

Step 10. After you click a button labeled Start in the Thank You dialog box, Vista's login screen will eventually appear. Enter the username and password that you selected during the first install. You're done upgrading to Vista.

 

Step 11. Within 30 days, you must 'activate' your copy of Vista or it'll lose functionality. To activate Vista, click Show more details in the Welcome Center that automatically displays upon each boot-up, then click Activate Windows now. If you've dismissed the Welcome Center, access the correct dialog box by clicking Start, Control Panel, System & Maintenance, System. If you purchased a legitimate copy of Vista, it should quickly activate over the Internet. (You can instead activate by calling Microsoft on the phone, which avoids your PC exchanging information with Microsoft's server.)"

 

THANK YOU WHOEVER POSTED THAT ARTICLE! (of course we probably knew it was possible but this seems like the easiest way to do it.)

[MadDoggyca]

I found a after way. I have the Express upgrade disc. all one has to do is restart PC boot of dvd. Pic any edition they want.. install wiht out cd key ...after install put key in.... actvaite...... worked for me useing a upgrade disc..

 

infact the upgrade disc and anytime upgraded DVD are infact Reatil copy of vista were u can jsut boot install any version and be on your way.