12 Comments

How to do a Clean Install With Vista Upgrade DVD

January 31, 2007 by in Cool,Geeky with 12 Comments

3750_large_vista1.jpg

Its bad enough that with Vista users are expected invalidate their previous Windows XP key (Well Microsoft does that for you – how nice!) when installing Vista, but Microsoft also refuses to users do a clean install of the new OS. Vista REQUIRES a user to install Vista over Windows XP is they have an upgrade version. Not Fair! To make the playing field even there is a LEGAL workaround that allows users to perform a clean install, with NO PRIOR OS on the hard drive. Although there are a few steps, it is very simple to use this loophole.

Just follow these steps:

  • Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD and start the setup program.
  • When prompted to enter your product key, DO NOT enter it. Click “Next” and proceed with setup. This will install Windows Vista as a 30-day trial.
  • When prompted, select the edition of Vista which you have purchased and continue with setup.
  • Once setup has been completed and you have been brought to the desktop for the first time, run the install program from within Windows Vista.
  • This time, type in your product key when prompted.
  • When asked whether to perform an Upgrade or Custom (advanced) install, choose Custom (advanced) to perform a clean install of Vista. Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time.

Annoying that you have to install Vista twice, but it’s not fair that Microsoft restricts the ability to do a clean install.

Huge props to Paul Thurrott for finding a legal workaround. [Thanks for the tip and step by step Chris!]


  • mark

    Installing Vista invalidates your XP key!?! So you can’t install it again??

  • http://www.jamesquotes.com/ Myles

    Mark,
    That’s only if you buy Vista UPGRADE. This article is a bit misleading. Vista UPGRADE is not the same as a regular copy of Vista Ultimate.

  • http://www.uneasysilence.com Dan

    Myles – I the title it say UPGRADE!

  • http://www.donawilson.com/ Don Wilson

    I purchased the Ultimate Upgrade version and reinstalled my Windows XP hours later because of lack of drivers. Didn’t invalidate for me. =)

  • Chris

    Did you activate the Windows XP you installed? It won’t be able to invalidate the key within your physical copy of XP, but it might be blacklisted on the Activation Server (I hope not, complain if it is)

  • http://www.donawilson.com/ Don Wilson

    I didn’t activate Windows Vista (purchased legally, tho) but if I have a problem reinstalling my system restore disc (XP), rest assured, they’re going to hear from me.

  • http://www.wongpk.com wong

    Does that means, buying upgrade version can do clean install as well?

  • viperguy

    @ Wong

    “[...]there is a LEGAL workaround that allows users to perform a clean install, with NO PRIOR OS on the hard drive[...]“

  • http://www.jamesquotes.com/ Myles

    I noticed before I made the comment. It’s just I got a bit confused myself at first. :-P

  • Michael

    Well considering you’re paying less money to get an upgrade version, I’d say it’s not much of an injustice.

  • Questioning

    Who says it’s LEGAL to do this? Just because it’s written on this site that it is, doesn’t make it so. As Michael pointed out, you’re getting the regular version without paying for it. It’d be nice if there was a link to a reputable news agency saying this was legal, or some actual legal analysis. Otherwise, the legality of this is very suspect.

  • Dan

    Questionnig:

    Does WnidowsITPro (as in the Paul Thurrott link aboev) count as a “reputable news agency”?

    Quote: “…but I’m told that Microsoft’s internal documentation does explain how to clean install Vista using an Upgrade version.”

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