Clean install of Upgrade version of Windows 7 possible on Boot Camp? [Archive]

balamw

Oct 13, 2009, 01:52 PM

I've read a lot of mixed things about the ability to do a clean installation of Windows 7 Upgrade. I have a license that can be legitimately upgraded to Windows 7 but I would prefer not to have to install Vista on the machine prior to doing the Windows 7 upgrade.

Anyone have any info/advice on this? I am running the Win 7 pre-release Beta currently but since I plan on getting a new iMac in the not too distant future I would prefer to just do a fresh install off of my Windows 7 Upgrade media when I get it.

I'm not sure we'll really know for sure until folks start getting the upgrade media in their hands. What hoops does Microsoft have in store for us to jump through....

I've installed RTM on bare metal from the TechNet ISO images and it works fine. I got a "free" copy of 7 Ultimate 32 bit from attending a developers launch event and used the key from that with a 64 bit image from TechNet and it worked just fine.

The fact that very many folks will not actually be able to do an in-place upgrade (as they skipped Vista and only have XP) seems to imply that custom, clean installs from upgrade media will be more "encouraged" this time around.

If nothing else, the Vista Upgrade clean install workaround should still work: Install Windows 7 from the upgrade CD without entering your product key, then upgrade from 7 to 7 with your key. Otherwise, you may also just be able to use your key with one of the TechNet/MSDN/MSDNAA ISOs, just find someone who is wiling to share.

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jmpage2

Oct 13, 2009, 01:56 PM

I'm not sure we'll really know for sure until folks start getting the upgrade media in their hands. What hoops does Microsoft have in store for us to jump through....

I've installed RTM on bare metal from the TechNet ISO images and it works fine. I got a "free" copy of 7 Ultimate 32 bit from attending a developers launch event and used the key from that with a 64 bit image from TechNet and it worked just fine.

The fact that very many folks will not actually be able to do an in-place upgrade (as they skipped Vista and only have XP) seems to imply that custom, clean installs from upgrade media will be more "encouraged" this time around.

If nothing else, the Vista Upgrade clean install workaround should still work: Install Windows 7 from the upgrade CD without entering your product key, then upgrade from 7 to 7 with your key. Otherwise, you may also just be able to use your key with one of the TechNet/MSDN/MSDNAA ISOs, just find someone who is wiling to share.

B

That's a good idea actually. I really just need to get ahold of the media and using my key should pose no problem. Thanks.

balamw

Oct 13, 2009, 02:38 PM

That's a good idea actually. I really just need to get ahold of the media and using my key should pose no problem. Thanks.

We'll see for sure next week.

I did just read over at sevenforums that the upgrade over trial method is not expected to work on 7. Too bad. Once I get my retail upgrades you'll be sure I'll be installing them on my remaining XP/Vista boxes and experimenting with the ways to get a clean install.

EDIT:

Sheesh. They are apparently making the whole process quite a bit more painful. The previous OS must be both installed and activated. http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/07/09/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

I sure hope my upgrade product keys will work with the TechNet discs I have. Otherwise I have faith that some other workaround will be found. I HATE upgrade installs (of Windows) with a passion.

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lali

Oct 13, 2009, 03:43 PM

JediMeister

Oct 13, 2009, 04:07 PM

@ lali: Boot Camp Assistant is only responsible for creating the partition. The formatting is done by the Windows install DVD. Please read over the Boot Camp setup guide (http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Boot_Camp_Install-Setup.pdf) for the applicable steps. Note that Windows 7 via Boot Camp isn't supported by AppleCare yet, only Windows XP and Vista are, but the steps are pretty much the same...

jmpage2

Oct 13, 2009, 04:41 PM

We'll see for sure next week.

I did just read over at sevenforums that the upgrade over trial method is not expected to work on 7. Too bad. Once I get my retail upgrades you'll be sure I'll be installing them on my remaining XP/Vista boxes and experimenting with the ways to get a clean install.

EDIT:

Sheesh. They are apparently making the whole process quite a bit more painful. The previous OS must be both installed and activated. http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/07/09/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

I sure hope my upgrade product keys will work with the TechNet discs I have. Otherwise I have faith that some other workaround will be found. I HATE upgrade installs (of Windows) with a passion.

B

Thanks for the update. If you find out anything else prior to launch please reply back to this thread. I am going to cancel my very cheap pre-order and wait to get an OEM copy if I will be unable to install with my upgrade key and the full installation media. There's no way that I am going to jump through these kind of hoops just to keep the dorks in Redmond happy.

balamw

Oct 13, 2009, 05:28 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7C144 Safari/528.16)

We'll see for sure next week.

I did just read over at sevenforums that the upgrade over trial method is not expected to work on 7. Too bad. Once I get my retail upgrades you'll be sure I'll be installing them on my remaining XP/Vista boxes and experimenting with the ways to get a clean install.

EDIT:

Sheesh. They are apparently making the whole process quite a bit more painful. The previous OS must be both installed and activated. http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/07/09/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

I sure hope my upgrade product keys will work with the TechNet discs I have. Otherwise I have faith that some other workaround will be found. I HATE upgrade installs (of Windows) with a passion.

B

Thanks for the update. If you find out anything else prior to launch please reply back to this thread. I am going to cancel my very cheap pre-order and wait to get an OEM copy if I will be unable to install with my upgrade key and the full installation media. There's no way that I am going to jump through these kind of hoops just to keep the dorks in Redmond happy.

I'm keeping my 3 cheap 50% off preordered retail licenses. I will experiment with my $49 home premium and keep the two professional licenses aside until I know what's up.

They should still be worth something more than 50 % off to someone.

If I'm lucky amazon will ship preorders early!

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rth231

Oct 21, 2009, 08:19 PM

As a student I can get Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional from Microsoft for $29.99 but it's an upgrade copy... (www.win741.com)

I don't want to buy it if that "install as trial" loophole is closed cause then it will be pointless to me. Is someone going to try this tomorrow and post if it's possible?

jmpage2

Oct 21, 2009, 08:26 PM

My pre-order has already shipped so I should know soon enough if I can install the upgrade key with the regular media.

jazzagers

Oct 22, 2009, 01:11 AM

I purchased an upgrade copy of windows vista from my college and it worked just fine in boot camp. Hope the same goes for windows 7.

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 10:34 AM

I purchased an upgrade copy of windows vista from my college and it worked just fine in boot camp. Hope the same goes for windows 7.

There was a workaround/loophole for Vista installation that allowed for the clean install of Vista using upgrade media.

Apparently this loop hole on the upgrade media for Windows 7 has been closed.

VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 10:42 AM

Apparently this loop hole on the upgrade media for Windows 7 has been closed.

I have not heard about this. Do you have verification? Microsoft supported this method of a clean install with Vista. It wasn't really considered a loophole.

VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 10:47 AM

I have not heard about this. Do you have verification? Microsoft supported this method of a clean install with Vista. It wasn't really considered a loophole.

Actually, I just got verification (buddy installing Windows 7 upgrade right now) that you can install Windows 7 Upgrade clean without a key and when you get to a desktop, you can enter the key included with the upgrade media and it will activate. EVEN BETTER! One less step.

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 10:59 AM

Actually, I just got verification (buddy installing Windows 7 upgrade right now) that you can install Windows 7 Upgrade clean without a key and when you get to a desktop, you can enter the key included with the upgrade media and it will activate. EVEN BETTER! One less step.

That's good news. So despite Microsoft saying for MONTHS that this would not be possible it still is?

There wasn't an activated Windows XP or Vista install on the buddy's HDD at the time was there?

So it seems that if you don't quite care to be 100% compliant with the licenses it's better to go upgrade instead of OEM, because your license will be more portable.

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rth231

Oct 22, 2009, 11:10 AM

But did he have Vista or XP installed on the PC or did he do that on a machine with a blank hard drive?

EDIT: Woops... I should refresh the forum before I post. Same point as balamw, sorry...

VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 11:10 AM

That's good news. So despite Microsoft saying for MONTHS that this would not be possible it still is?

There wasn't an activated Windows XP or Vista install on the buddy's HDD at the time was there?

So it seems that if you don't quite care to be 100% compliant with the licenses it's better to go upgrade instead of OEM, because your license will be more portable.

B

It did have Vista but he chose custom installation and deleted the partition with the disk utility. That may or may not make a difference. Regardless, this new method was not possible even in Vista. You had to run through the installation again.

I got a full version of Windows 7 at a launch event, so I won't need to mess around with this upgrade/clean install stuff this time like I did with Vista.

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 11:14 AM

I got a full version of Windows 7 at a launch event, so I won't need to mess around with this upgrade/clean install stuff this time like I did with Vista.
Me too, but I've got three other upgrade licenses on the way for the other boxes.

B

VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 11:18 AM

Me too, but I've got three other upgrade licenses on the way for the other boxes.

B

Did you buy the family pack? That is a pretty decent deal. $150 for three Home Premium licenses.

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 11:21 AM

Did you buy the family pack? That is a pretty decent deal. $150 for three Home Premium licenses.

No, but I did pre-order early. The kids get Home Premium for $49 and my Professional licenses were $99 each, so $250 for three. Too bad Amazon won't ship 'em until next week since I opted for free shipping.

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jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 11:26 AM

No, but I did pre-order early. The kids get Home Premium for $49 and my Professional licenses were $99 each, so $250 for three. Too bad Amazon won't ship 'em until next week since I opted for free shipping.

B

I'm curious about Pro. I only ordered Home Premium since I use Windows 7 for very little these days, mostly just games under boot camp, etc.

What are the major advantages?

You should get the Amazon Prime program. All of my Amazon stuff gets shipped 2nd day, and for $3.99 per order I can get stuff over nighted. Seeing as I get dozens of things from Amazon every year it's a really good deal for me.

VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 11:37 AM

I'm curious about Pro. I only ordered Home Premium since I use Windows 7 for very little these days, mostly just games under boot camp, etc.

What are the major advantages?

You should get the Amazon Prime program. All of my Amazon stuff gets shipped 2nd day, and for $3.99 per order I can get stuff over nighted. Seeing as I get dozens of things from Amazon every year it's a really good deal for me.

Not really too many major advantages for a home computer. A couple that may be applicable to a home user are:

- The Windows backup application supports backups to a network location on Professional edition, where Home edition only supports local attached media. Not that big of a deal since you can simply copy the backup to a remote location afterwards.

- Windows 7 Professional includes Windows XP mode for applications. This allows programs to run in a native XP environment. Windows XP mode installs Windows XP into a virtual machine and applications can be installed into that system, rather than the Windows 7 environment. It is for compatibility. Don't get this confused with Compatibility Mode. Compatibility mode tricks the application into thinking Windows 7 is a previous version of Windows. This is included with all versions of Windows.

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 11:39 AM

What are the major advantages?
For me it's really just two things I need. VPN and Remote Desktop. I need to be able to connect to work and like to be able to control my computers over the network.

There are other things like more granular permissions on local files and shared folder, being able to join an Active Directory domain, caching of network credentials, ...

I order enough from Amazon that it would probably be worth it, but I am a cheapskate. :o

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jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 11:57 AM

For me it's really just two things I need. VPN and Remote Desktop. I need to be able to connect to work and like to be able to control my computers over the network.

There are other things like more granular permissions on local files and shared folder, being able to join an Active Directory domain, caching of network credentials, ...

I order enough from Amazon that it would probably be worth it, but I am a cheapskate. :o

B

You can't run Remote Desktop from Windows 7 Home versions? Ick.

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 12:02 PM

Not really too many major advantages for a home computer. A couple that may be applicable to a home user are:

- The Windows backup application supports backups to a network location on Professional edition, where Home edition only supports local attached media. Not that big of a deal since you can simply copy the backup to a remote location afterwards.

- Windows 7 Professional includes Windows XP mode for applications. This allows programs to run in a native XP environment. Windows XP mode installs Windows XP into a virtual machine and applications can be installed into that system, rather than the Windows 7 environment. It is for compatibility. Don't get this confused with Compatibility Mode. Compatibility mode tricks the application into thinking Windows 7 is a previous version of Windows. This is included with all versions of Windows.

Okay, thanks.

I actually have a WHS as my home network server and use it for all of my file serving and backup needs, and apparently Windows 7 is included with the latest service packs for WHS. So, I should be able to back it up that way if I chose to.

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 01:33 PM

You can't run Remote Desktop from Windows 7 Home versions? Ick.

No you can't RDP TO Windows 7 Home. From works fine.

I actually have a WHS as my home network server and use it for all of my file serving and backup needs.

Do you have one of the HP units or did you DIY?

B

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 01:38 PM

No you can't RDP TO Windows 7 Home. From works fine.

Phew!

Do you have one of the HP units or did you DIY?

B

I have had three of them. 1st was home built. Then I got my 1st Mac and bought the HP EX485 for the time machine compatibility.

Loved it, so when the EX495 came out with faster dual core processor, better time machine capabilities, etc, I bought that.

My EX485 is for sale for a great price if you're interested, they make kick ass little file servers and backup units for both Windows and Mac clients.

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 02:28 PM

Figured I'd chime in...

I purchased the student discount thing for Canadian students blindly... It was $39.99 for download version, and $13 more for shipped copy. The download came as a .exe file, so crossover took over and downloaded the files for me. Unfortunately, the downloaded copy is a .exe file to trigger installer, and 2 .box files which I have no idea how to use. Obviously, the download version is useless for those of us without an activated Windows install through Boot Camp.

I'm going to try my RTM disc later when I get home (if I can find the disc) to see if I can just do a blank install, and then give it the serial number. Additionally, I'm going to wait for my shipped copy to come in, and see what's on there -- IE: is it an actual upgrade copy, or some crazy .exe and .box files on a dvd.

If anyone have a RTM / OEM disc, please do try it and post back to let us know if we can do a blank install w/o serial, and then enter our product keys!

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 02:46 PM

Apparently the box files can be expanded into a standard ISO.

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/30470-make-bootable-iso-student-d-l.html

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jaw04005

Oct 22, 2009, 02:56 PM

Edit: Errrrrr. Maybe not. We still don't know yet.

Just to repeat the previous poster, Thurrott has now confirmed that the "upgrade media" will perform clean installs without requring Windows 2000 or above to be installed or activated on the hard drive.

There's no reason to purchase the full version install unless you don't own at least one version of Windows 2000 or above.

This information coming from Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite fame.

OnYourKnees

Oct 22, 2009, 02:58 PM

Apparently the box files can be expanded into a standard ISO.

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/30470-make-bootable-iso-student-d-l.html

B

Thats very helpful, but how do you do it on a Mac?

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 03:00 PM

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 03:07 PM

So what's to stop someone from purchasing the upgrade, installing it on bare metal and activating it?

Honesty? OK, maybe not, but there were massive workarounds for every other version of Windows, so why not just give up.

Thats very helpful, but how do you do it on a Mac?

Crossover? Darwine? Virtualbox with some older version of Windows borrowed from a friend?

EDIT: Link to Winsupersite's story: http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/10/22/windows-7-question-of-the-year-answered.aspx

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VenusianSky

Oct 22, 2009, 03:21 PM

Just to repeat the previous poster, Microsoft has now confirmed that the "upgrade media" will perform clean installs without requring Windows 2000 or above to be installed or activated on the hard drive.

There's no reason to purchase the full version install unless you don't own at least one version of Windows 2000 or above.

^^^^^^^

This information coming from Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite fame.

I read this blog and he said that he has only received emails that it is possible. He has not confirmed this himself and said he will do so when he has the time.

The one thing we know for sure is that you can perform a clean installation using the upgrade media/key when you have an activated Windows OS already installed. This was not the case with Vista. Someone confirmed that it even worked with Windows 7 RC.

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 03:24 PM

Side question;

If I install the upgrade on my current Mac (which is running RC1 Beta anyways so the upgrade should be a no brainer) how hard will it be to move the license to the new Mac I plan on getting next year?

jaw04005

Oct 22, 2009, 03:33 PM

So what's to stop someone from purchasing the upgrade, installing it on bare metal and activating it?

A conscience. Microsoft doesn't care. At this point, what are the chances that you don't or haven't owned a copy of 2000, XP or Vista? Very slim.

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 03:37 PM

A conscience. Microsoft doesn't care. At this point, what are the chances that you don't or haven't owned a copy of 2000, XP or Vista? Very slim.

I have purchased probably 5 of each, most of which are sitting in my basement at the moment.

jaw04005

Oct 22, 2009, 03:52 PM

I read this blog and he said that he has only received emails that it is possible. He has not confirmed this himself and said he will do so when he has the time.

He repeated it with more information on Windows Weekly today, but he still hasn't tried it himself.

I only have the full disc, so I can't test it.

misso

Oct 22, 2009, 03:53 PM

instalei o win 7 e nao consigo fazer funcionar o som, sera q alguem tem uma ideia ou soloção para para isso

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 04:05 PM

To do it using crossover, first double click on the Win7-P-Retail-en-us-x64.exe or equivalent file to extract and create expandedSetup directory.

Then, set perl to run in 32bits because Snow Leopard is trippy and doing things in 64bits where possible:

export VERSIONER_PERL_PREFER_32_BIT=yes

Run cross over's wine command, define bottle, and convert content:

/Applications/CrossOver\ Games.app/Contents/SharedSupport/CrossOverGames/bin/wine --bottle "winxp" --check --wait-children --start "C:/oscdimg.exe -u2 -bC:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com -h C:\expandedSetup C:\7.iso" "$@"

Note: replace your paths as applicable.

This will create the 7.iso image... I haven't had chance to burn it and test the rest yet, but I will post back when I have a chance to do that.

jmpage2

Oct 22, 2009, 04:35 PM

instalei o win 7 e nao consigo fazer funcionar o som, sera q alguem tem uma ideia ou soloção para para isso

I installed win 7 and I do not obtain to make to function the sound, sera q somebody has an idea or soloção stops for this

1st, try posting your own thread.

2nd, try posting in English.

StruckANerve

Oct 22, 2009, 04:49 PM

A conscience. Microsoft doesn't care. At this point, what are the chances that you don't or haven't owned a copy of 2000, XP or Vista? Very slim.

Me. I've never owned a PC and have never purchased any version of windows.

I have purchased probably 5 of each, most of which are sitting in my basement at the moment.

Can I have one?:p

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 05:00 PM

Continuing from where I left off...
Burning the iso file created from the commands I posted: checked.
Booting from the disc that was burnt from the iso file: checked.
Installing Windows 7 Professional from the disc into boot camp w/o active older installations: checked.
Inputting provided product key: failed.
Skip serial and start using Win 7 Professional w/o serial: checked.

Next thing I'm going to do is to try an inplace upgrade, and see if that works. If not, I'm off to the good old slmgr.vbs and force it to take my legitmate serial :S

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 06:07 PM

balamw

Oct 22, 2009, 06:34 PM

Inplace upgrade literally took from my last post to now, but I am proud to report that it allows you to inplace upgrade from windows 7 w/o serial to windows 7, AND use your student upgrade serial. Additionally, it will be able to activate without hassle you about not having an older activated version!

Can you compile the whole thing as a guide?

I presume that you can even use the Crossover trial (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/download_trial/) to make it go.

B

Richdmoore

Oct 22, 2009, 06:36 PM

Just to make sure I understand the process:

From having no windows installed on your mac"

Run Bootcamp Assistant

Put in the Windows 7 upgrade disc (retail or created from the student digital download using a PC)

Do NOT put in your upgrade serial number at this time.

Once you install windows, it goes into a "trial" phase, correct?

You then put the Upgrade disc, and choose to reinstall, then put in your upgrade serial number when asked.

When windows 7 gets done installing, it is activated and working correctly.

Do I have the information correct?

MattZani

Oct 22, 2009, 06:46 PM

I Wont have my Win7 Until tomorrow night, then i will have to convert to .iso, burn to DVD, install as trial, then upgrade to full version.

Got 2 Keys, and doing it on a Gaming PC and my MBP, so will report back how it went.

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 07:22 PM

Here's the step by step of what I did...
1) Purchase Win 7 Upgrade (I did the student upgrade because I am student, and I do have valid XP pro license; just not in use right now)
2) Download Win 7 Student Upgrade
3) Use GUI cross over for games to run the exe file from the three file download
4) It creates expandedSetup or whatever directory with setup files
5) use oscdimg.exe via command line to create iso from the setup directory
6) Make bootcamp partition, I used 32Gb, but I'd imagine anything >12GB or so will work
7) Insert disc created from the iso and enter bootcamp setup
8) do a custom install w/o serial, and enter trial mode
9) once in win 7, perform in place upgrade (not custom install), this will take some time to complete
10) when prompted for serial this time around, enter your upgrade serial
11) install will accept it, and activate it when you have Internet connection

everything works as far as I can tell. But I haven't managed to get bootcamp to install on 64bit win 7 yet, as I don't have my snow leopard disc with me on campus... I'll try to install bootcamp 64 bit via the old .msi method (because I'm using unibody alumin MacBook from early 2009, not mbp) later when I get home, and report back my findings again.

Cheers!

-- poste from my iPhone on a bus, sorry for any stupid typo or incoherent thoughts.

rth231

Oct 22, 2009, 08:38 PM

I pretty much copied up to step 5, then I did a clean install directly to VMWare and I get this when I try to activate it...

http://i36.tinypic.com/1041e7s.jpg

EDIT: I burned the ISO to the disk, and I'm reinstalling Windows 7 as an upgrade over the "clean install trial version" of Windows 7... So far it seems to be working... I'll keep you posted!

EDIT 2: It works! If you buy the student upgrade version, you need to install Windows twice... The first time do a clean install (don't enter a product key, continue as a trial)... It won't let you activate, you get the error message above. Workaround: Reinstall Windows 7 on top of your first Windows 7 install this time as an "Upgrade" and then enter your product key. You should be set to go!

Andy Huang

Oct 22, 2009, 09:26 PM

Yes, during the first pass install, it will NOT accept your upgrade serial... Microsoft wants you to buy the full version if you don't have a legit activated os installed, even if you have valid licenses not in use like me. Instead of toying with it on that step, just run right by it and use the trial version w/o a serial number, and then do an in place upgrade for the exact same OS.

As for myself, I think my adventure of setting things up is coming to an end.

For what its worth, if I didn't mention before (2 hours sleep in last 48++ hours and counting, staying awake from large dosage of caffeine pills, energy drink, coke cola, and coffee), my system is early 2009 alumin unibody macbook, non pro, 4gb ram, 2ghz dual core. So the bootcamp drivers will complain about my model doesn't support 64bits. Here's what I did, and what my current status is...

1) Insert Leopard DVD that came with unit
2) Start > cmd, right click on the program, choose run as administrator
3) D:
4) cd "Boot Camp\Drivers\Apple"
5) msiexec /i BootCamp64.msi

This installs the 2.1 build that came with the machine, which offers the proper keyboard drivers and trackpad drivers. Then, download BCUpdateVista64.exe from Apple, this will offer a newer version of 2.1 build, which have the proper graphics drivers. Install that. But, it will break your keyboard and dvd drive (can't eject) for some reason, so, counter productive as it may seem, repeat the leopard steps again to repair the boot camp drivers.

I have everything working the way I want, with only one small problem of having 2 bootcamp icons tucked away in the small triangle, hiding the non-primary task tray icons.... Frankly, I don't care about the extra one...

Finally, go back to D:\Boot Camp\Drivers\Nvidia and run NVidiaChipset64.exe, this will fix the last "coprocessor" hardware in device manager that doesn't have appropriate driver, and bring your entire hardware profile to a-okay status.

Hope the info I've posted helps some people getting their Win 7 boot camp running!

PS: To be honest, I don't know if it is a good idea to run Win 7 in VMWare Fusion 3 when it comes out... VMWare Fusion 3 offers a virtual set of hardwares instead of your real hardware, as such, Microsoft might, under certain conditions, detect the "hardware change" and technically could nullify your license for piracy... Though, I don't know if they'd do that or not... But, if people start to do that, and don't have a problem, then I might make the jump too... VMWare team did mention that you can play TF2 and L4D through it w/o too much performance hit, so it's a nice to have kind of thing :)

PPS: I'll probably write a blog entry with the whole thing step-by-step tomorrow after I get some sleep and have some spare time to seriously test the system for stability issues.

Raider33

Oct 22, 2009, 10:19 PM

Nevermind...Dumb Question :p

jazzagers

Oct 22, 2009, 11:15 PM

So is it possible to install the 64-bit version of windows 7 from the student upgrade?

dimme

Oct 22, 2009, 11:32 PM

I did a clean install with the retail upgrade. I had to install once without the serial number ( would not work) and then upgrade on top of that install and then it took my serial number.

jazzagers

Oct 23, 2009, 12:25 AM

I did a clean install with the retail upgrade. I had to install once without the serial number ( would not work) and then upgrade on top of that install and then it took my serial number.

Did you use the 32 or 64 bit version? Oh, and what do you mean by "upgrade on top of that install."

MacFanJeff

Oct 23, 2009, 09:10 AM

I'm curious about Pro. I only ordered Home Premium since I use Windows 7 for very little these days, mostly just games under boot camp, etc.

What are the major advantages?

You should get the Amazon Prime program. All of my Amazon stuff gets shipped 2nd day, and for $3.99 per order I can get stuff over nighted. Seeing as I get dozens of things from Amazon every year it's a really good deal for me.

Actually there is one MAJOR advantage to Professional and Ultimate over Home Premium that few tech articles mention. That is the fact the Home is limited to 16GB RAM while Pro and Ultimate have limits up to 192GB. For people like me that are POWER users and not typical users, this is a MUST.

Also, agree with you about Amazon Prime. I got many games and stuff with free 2nd day shipping. My Windows 7 software all came on the 22nd because Amazon had FREE SAME RELEASE DAY DELIVERY, which can't be beat.

MacFanJeff

Oct 23, 2009, 09:13 AM

I am going to be doing an "upgrade" of my Mac Pro later today or tomorrow and will be doing a "clean install" (the only way to go). What I have done since I have a Mac Pro is put Windows on an entire hard drive all by itself so it is a fully dedicated Windows drive. On boot I simply choose which OS I want to work in.

I will update this post later with results of doing this setup.

jmpage2

Oct 23, 2009, 09:13 AM

Actually there is one MAJOR advantage to Professional and Ultimate over Home Premium that few tech articles mention. That is the fact the Home is limited to 16GB RAM while Pro and Ultimate have limits up to 192GB. For people like me that are POWER users and not typical users, this is a MUST.

Also, agree with you about Amazon Prime. I got many games and stuff with free 2nd day shipping. My Windows 7 software all came on the 22nd because Amazon had FREE SAME RELEASE DAY DELIVERY, which can't be beat.

What are you doing that requires more than 16GB? I'm surrounded by "power users" including other engineers, graphics artists, etc, and I don't know anyone using that kind of RAM.

MacFanJeff

Oct 23, 2009, 09:22 AM

What are you doing that requires more than 16GB? I'm surrounded by "power users" including other engineers, graphics artists, etc, and I don't know anyone using that kind of RAM.

Lots of high-end 3D software. I use Maya, Vue, Modo, C4D, etc. which have 64 bit versions. I will be going up to 24GB of RAM this weekend. There is a DRAMATIC increase not only in render times, but also in the amount of resources you can put into a scene or work on with the more RAM you have. If you know graphics artists that use these types of programs, then I am sure they will tell you the same thing. Everyone I know that does 3D work has at least 16GB and some more than 60GB with high-end custom servers.

I also have two older PCs put to good use from 2004/2005 that just have 2GB of RAM that are setup as my "render nodes" so it is part of a render network for distributed rendering. It just keeps expanding! :)

balamw

Oct 23, 2009, 10:43 AM

Actually there is one MAJOR advantage to Professional and Ultimate over Home Premium that few tech articles mention. That is the fact the Home is limited to 16GB RAM while Pro and Ultimate have limits up to 192GB. For people like me that are POWER users and not typical users, this is a MUST.

Didn't know about that one! Another arbitrary limitation in Home is for a single physical processor, which can be multi core, but rules out anything like the 8 core Mac Pro or other multi-processor workstations.

B

StruckANerve

Oct 23, 2009, 11:11 AM

I just have a quick question. I am running XP right now. After I get the upgrade disc I have to delete the XP partition, create a new partition in bootcamp and start the Windows 7 install from there going through custom install without the pass key and then upgrade from within the unactivated Windows 7?

dimme

Oct 23, 2009, 03:46 PM

Did you use the 32 or 64 bit version? Oh, and what do you mean by "upgrade on top of that install."

It was the 64 bit version. I had win7 RC1 installed. It was the ultimate version. I have the pro version so even with tricking windows install file to get it to upgrade the RC1 version it still would not update from ultimate to pro. So I went for a clean install. First install it would not take my serial number, so installed with out a number. Then after the install finished I upgraded (my fresh install) and the number worked.

jazzagers

Oct 23, 2009, 06:16 PM

It was the 64 bit version. I had win7 RC1 installed. It was the ultimate version. I have the pro version so even with tricking windows install file to get it to upgrade the RC1 version it still would not update from ultimate to pro. So I went for a clean install. First install it would not take my serial number, so installed with out a number. Then after the install finished I upgraded (my fresh install) and the number worked.

Sounds good, I guess I'll go ahead and buy the 64-bit professional version from 741.com

X Enziguri X

Oct 23, 2009, 09:41 PM

Ok, I'm a bit confused. If I buy the student upgrade from MS I get a downloaded .exe file? Can I just run this file in the RC and go through setup like that, or do I have to figure out how to convert it to an .iso and burn a DVD?

Do they send me an installation disk as well? Because I'm seeing that they are shipping something to me on the checkout. Can I just wait for this to arrive and do the install from that as long as I go through the "Install Twice" method.

Thanks for the help. The only version of Windows I own is the RC and I'm assuming that the upgrade doesn't count it.

jmpage2

Oct 24, 2009, 12:22 AM

Has anyone been successful with activating an upgrade license if they installed with original non-upgrade media?

chrisrottan

Oct 24, 2009, 12:26 AM

upgrade serials are different from retail serial on the 32bit.
However, 64-bit serials are all retail serials(FULL VERSION)

jmpage2

Oct 24, 2009, 12:32 AM

upgrade serials are different from retail serial on the 32bit.
However, 64-bit serials are all retail serials(FULL VERSION)

Thanks

X Enziguri X

Oct 24, 2009, 01:55 AM

Does that mean if I order the 64 bit upgrade that I can input the serial during installation with no issues, even if there is no prior version of Windows?

Pocket

Oct 24, 2009, 02:40 AM

I have windows 7 on my 2008 intel iMac however it is not fully functional. I had XP running already using bootcamp and whilst booted in XP, ran the installation cd (couldn't do anything with download and waited for my disk to arrive by the way) and completed a custom install. At first the disk wouldn't run and I had to restart (from XP) and then a black screen (obviously of the windows variety) prompted me to press any key to boot from the disk. The rest was simply following on screen instructions. So windows 7 professional is up and running but when I put in my Snow Leopard disk to install drivers, it was no surprise to have a message box appear saying the software is unsupported. In case you haven't heard, they will be supporting Windows 7 in bootcamp "By the end of the year"!!

The most apparent thing missing is sound but things have locked up and I have been unable to install applications. I am not sure what else may be missing.

If any one has heard of a way around these issues please let me know and I hope this experience may help someone.

kngelv

Oct 24, 2009, 07:57 AM

I had the Windows 7 beta installed in a 60GB partition using Bootcamp. I purchased the student priced 64 bit Home Premium upgrade. I downloaded and installed it with no problems. It did not ask for a key from a previous version only the key that came with the download. Late 2008 Unibody MBP.

James

chrisrottan

Oct 24, 2009, 01:34 PM

I would strongly suggest calling MS directly as they're offering the full versions at low prices.
Some people even called them and told them they wanted to upgrade their windows xp machines and they sold them a full-retail copy of windows 7 professional and they're not even students.
Click on my name and look for my posts. I posted MS's Sales Department number twice.
Price was $30 + tax

Edit: here's the number for people who don't want to look through my handful of posts: 1.877.696.7786

jmpage2

Oct 24, 2009, 05:19 PM

Okay,

I've got another question before I go through with the install.

I purchased the Win 7 Home Premium Upgrade. The Amazon product description says it includes both 32 and 64 bit versions.

However, the media that came with this package is labeled "32 bit".

Can I simply load the OEM Windows 7 Home Premium media and then activate this key?

How hard would it be for me to transfer this key to another Mac at a later time?

Thanks.

dimme

Oct 24, 2009, 05:57 PM