[Tutor] OT: need computer advice from wise Tutors

[Richard D. Moores]

On Sat, Jun 26, 2010 at 15:04, Marc Tompkins <marc.tompkins at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sat, Jun 26, 2010 at 2:30 PM, Richard D. Moores <rdmoores at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>
>> On Sat, Jun 26, 2010 at 13:39, Sithembewena Lloyd Dube
>> <zebra05 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> > Hi Dick,
>> >
>> > In that case, perhaps you could externally back up all your important
>> > stuff
>> > and then format your hard disk. That way, any drivers etc intended for
>> > Windows Vista will be wiped off, and you can then perform a clean
>> > installation from your disk. Now, as far as upgrade disks go, I do not
>> > know
>> > whether it will work as a "clean installation" disk, or whether it is
>> > only
>> > meant for use on an existing windows installation (hence the name
>> > "upgrade"). You might want to check that out first.
>>
>> I don't believe the disk I have will enable a clean installation.
>
> I'm pretty sure it will:
> http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp
> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/
>
> The upshot of both those articles is: boot from the upgrade disk as if it
> were a normal Full Install disk; when it asks for the Windows key, leave it
> blank.  Don't enter the key until after the installation is complete, when
> you want to activate.
>
> Since you CAN use that disk as a clean install, I definitely recommend that
> you DO.  When I upgraded my laptop to Windows 7, I bought myself a new 500GB
> hard drive for the purpose.  $60 and five minutes with a small screwdriver
> brought me a huge dividend in peace of mind.

I have to get some sleep right now, but I'll give your suggestion
serious consideration when I get up.

Thanks very much, Marc.

Dick