Trouble Installing OS

[spd1014]

Hey guys,

So I just finished building my first computer. I am trying to install windows 7 ultimate 64 bit as the first OS and it keeps saying the cd key is invalid. I am a student currently and on the CD it says 64-bit x64 upgrade: PRE EXISTING OS LICENSE REQUIRED. I am wondering if this is the reason it will not work. Since this is planned to be my first OS, does it make a difference or do I need to go and buy and old OS just to install that first? Please help!!! thanks!

 

[sminlal]

If you're installing the OS on a new system with no previous OS then you need a full retail or OEM copy, not an upgrade copy.

 

[Bolbi]

sminlal is right that an upgrade version of Win7 can't be installed to a blank hard drive. (Legally, that is...) I wanted to note that, if you are a college student, you can most likely get a copy of Windows cheaply through your college bookstore. Remember, it has to be Retail or OEM, not Upgrade.

 

[spd1014]

Ok thanks guys!

 

[spd1014]

Best answer selected by spd1014.

 

[4745454b]

Actually wrong. You install the OS and then install it again. Thats the upgrade part.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139837/Windows_7_install_trick_saves_up_to_100

If you can't get it to install, then your either mistyping the key, or you have a bad one. Enter it carefully, and/or contact whoever gave you the student license for a new one.

 

[sminlal]

Actually wrong. You install the OS and then install it again. Thats the upgrade part.

That's not legal unless you own a previous version of the OS that the upgrade is replacing.

 

[4745454b]

True, but its not the source of the problem. If its not taking the code, it has nothing to do with the fact its an upgrade on a blank drive.

 

[sminlal]

True, but its not the source of the problem. If its not taking the code, it has nothing to do with the fact its an upgrade on a blank drive.

Actually yes, it does. The install kit scans for the previous OS before it formats the drive and if it can't find a previous version it will only accept a full license key. If there is a previous version, it will accept an upgrade license key.

 

[4745454b]

One would think so but no.

http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/10/23/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-the-answer.aspx

He also mentions the install twice trick. Remember that Win7 Allows you to install the "trial" for 30days. You can install the trial and update from that version. Check the net, its true.

 

[sminlal]

It does scan for the previous version, and it does determine what license key it will accept based on whether it finds one. That code is part of the install kit, period.

Can you hack your way around it? Yes. But if you want to be legal, you need to purchase and install the full version of Windows if you're not using it to retire a previous version.

The only ethical way to hack your way around it (no matter which way you do it) is if for one reason or another the previous OS that you're replacing isn't on the drive that you're installing to.

 

[4745454b]

Again, never claimed it was legal. But you can install an upgrade media to a blank drive. Thats the only reason I joined this thread. I was answering a different question and saw that this was the most recent best answer. The problem is the answer is wrong. Never said it was legal, never said it was a good idea, only trying to point out that its NOT the problem. I've provided links, up to "you" to decide.

Peace.

 

[The_Prophecy]

Yes, the install twice method works even when you use the double install trick, but doing so does go against the license agreement. As such, please avoid suggesting to people that they should use that method.

And no, the answer currently marked as best is not wrong.