Install Windows 7 via Bootcamp off an UPGRADE disk???

[swandy]

I currently am running Windows 8.1 under Parallels but wanted to try running it under Bootcamp to see if the performance improves.

Anyway, the way I got to 8.1 was from an original DVD of Windows XP - then to an UPGRADE disk for Windows 7 Home Premium - and then a digital download upgrade to Windows 8/8.1.

When I tried the install using the Windows 7 upgrade disk (Mid-2011 iMac running Yosemite), I was told that my Product Key was not valid. I assume that this was because I was trying to do a fresh install off an UPGRADE disk.

So the question is - is it possible (and did I do something wrong) trying to install Windows 7 with an upgrade disk? (Primarily because I don't believe I can use the original XP disks on a Bootcamp install on my machine.)

Thanks.


iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.1)

 

[Vilacr]

While logged in to windows 7 put the DVD into your DVD drive and upgrade the upgrade(if that makes sense). Then you can use your product key. I just did it on my windows machine today.

 

[swandy]

While logged in to windows 7 put the DVD into your DVD drive and upgrade the upgrade(if that makes sense). Then you can use your product key. I just did it on my windows machine today.

Thanks for that but I spoke to MS Tech support this afternoon and explained what I had. He said to allow the installation to complete without entering the product code and then call them back. They would then have me log in to some MS site and be able to activate it as a full install.

 

[hfg]

I recall there was a registry edit which would allow activation of a "upgrade" windows disk with a single install pass. I can't seem to find it but you can probably find it here with Google:

activate windows upgrade registry hack


Looks like the first entry has it:
http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-128512

Since you own the original sequence of master and upgrade disks this is allowed, and I suspect that this is what the Windows Support Tech will have you do when you call.

 

[GraceMolloy]

use the reg hack, it works fine. MS knew about it and never changed it.