Reinstalling Vista Upgrade... what to do?

[youpla]

Here is my little problem... my HDD which was running Vista Home Premium died and I bought a new HDD, ready to reinstall Vista.

But unfortunatly the Vista I bought was an Upgrade package. Thus when trying to install on my new HDD it says that with the key I entered I should install Vista from an existing windows system! It does not even give me the chance to just check on a CD or DVD of an ealier version of windows.

And what's worth is that the only full install package I have is the old windows 98 professional. Since then I only bought upgrade package of XP pro and Vista Home premium.

I really don't want to waste my time, reinstalling 98, XP and Vista if I can find a way around!? So do you know if I really have to go through all that or if there is an easy way?

Do you think if I contact MS directly they will give me a way to overcome the reinstallation of 98 etc...?

TIA

 

[equk]

I thought you could install Vista trial with an Upgrade disk on a clean drive, then 'upgrade' it using you're upgrade serial?

Was ages ago when I read this tho

edit: How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media

 

[Bungral]

I have the same issue with XP media centre to my Vista but I got around it once but can't remember how.. Sorry.

I'd say give them a call and see if there is a way..

Thinking about it I think I installed it regardless and where it asks for the serial key I just left it blank and carried on and then entered it when actually in Windows. One time I did it the install didn't work properly and the second time I did it it worked fine.

 

[Rastalovich]

Heard something about peoples downloading an OS betas from m$, or borrowing a m8s (cos to be fair your not going to register their key online, just install it and have it nag you for a key), then upgrading over it.

 

[youpla]

thanks for your prompt answers guys... I will try not to use the key during the install and see how it goes.

and thanks for the link equk... taking a look now

 

[DavidT]

thanks for your prompt answers guys... I will try not to use the key during the install and see how it goes.

and thanks for the link equk... taking a look now

What you have to do is install it without entering a key, it will then ask you what version you have select the same version that you have or lower. Then when the installation completes, run the setup from the CD again and this time enter your key. It will "upgrade".

 

[Rastalovich]

What you have to do is install it without entering a key, it will then ask you what version you have select the same version that you have or lower. Then when the installation completes, run the setup from the CD again and this time enter your key. It will "upgrade".

lmao genious.

 

[equk]

yer as in my link

1. install as a new install but deselect "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online," and don't insert a serial number

2. when you get to the 30day trial desktop run the setup and put the upgrade cdkey in as you are technically upgrading the system.

well, it's all in the link I provided.

I guess you're all too slow tho

 

[Bungral]

yer as in my link

1. install as a new install but deselect "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online," and don't insert a serial number

2. when you get to the 30day trial desktop run the setup and put the upgrade cdkey in as you are technically upgrading the system.

well, it's all in the link I provided.

I guess you're all too slow tho

Hey I was typing mine when you posted yours so not that slow

 

[youpla]

great it worked, but do follow exactly the tutorial from equk's link.

the first time i ran the upgrade i made the mistake to check for installation update and it didn't upgrade correclty and rolled back.

had to reformat and start again... and when asked to check for installation be sure to answer no, then the upgrade went fine.

still have to contact microsoft now cause i can't activate online as it said my key is already in used.

 

[Bungral]

great it worked, but do follow exactly the tutorial from equk's link.

the first time i ran the upgrade i made the mistake to check for installation update and it didn't upgrade correclty and rolled back.

had to reformat and start again... and when asked to check for installation be sure to answer no, then the upgrade went fine.

still have to contact microsoft now cause i can't activate online as it said my key is already in used.

Yup.. They only let you use it once. Then you have to call them and answer a few basic questions that the answers to are pretty obvious and they'll sort you out a new code