Use Windows 7 Upgrade Disc to Perform Full Install and Save $80!

windows-7-logo Upgrade disc are generally meant for those who are upgrading from a previous operating system. If you perform a clean install using the upgrade media and try activating Windows, it won’t work. But Paul Thurott from WinSuperSite Blog has figured a work-around to use Windows 7 upgrade media to perform fresh full install of Windows 7. This means, instead of purchasing the regular copy of Windows 7, you can go for Upgrade disc and save $80 immediately! Unlike Vista, where you had to install the OS twice to be able to use the upgrade media to perform clean install, there is a much simpler alternative for Windows 7. This is how you do it:

1. Perform a clean install of Windows 7 and make sure there are no pending updates in Windows Update. Now go to Start Menu and type “regedit” and press the enter key. (UAC will show up, if enabled).

2. Navigate to HK_L_M\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Setup\OOBE

3. Change the value of MediaBootInstall from “1” to “0”

Windows 7 Registry Editor 4. Go to Start Menu and type “cmd”. Now right clicking the shortcut and choose “Run and Administrator”. (Again, UAC will show up, if enabled)

cmd_admin_mode

5. In the command prompt, type: slmgr /rearm and press enter. That’s all. Now try activating Windows 7 using your product key, it should work.

windows_clean_cmd

This post was published by on October 25, 2009

About the Author: Thilak Rao works as a Social Media Expert. He is one of the first professional bloggers from India, and he loves to write, travel and click photos. Follow him on Twitter @thilak

  • http://www.goodies4free.net iphone3gsfan

    Absolutely fantastic, I have personally purchased the Ultimate edition with the full disc rather than an upgrade but sorting out a few PC's soon for my friends so this could make me some cash.

  • bocuse1

    The MediaBootInstall file does not exist on my version of Vista. I have a new computer and ordered the Win 7 Upgrade when it became available. Now that I attempt to try and follow the directions above I can't bet it done without the opportunity to make these changes to allow a full install.

  • bocuse1

    The MediaBootInstall file does not exist on my version of Vista. I have a new computer and ordered the Win 7 Upgrade when it became available. Now that I attempt to try and follow the directions above I can't bet it done without the opportunity to make these changes to allow a full install.

  • Sam

    This is incredible! I accidently got an upgrade and now my money didn't go to waste! Thanks!