Windows – Activate Windows 7 clean install from upgrade media

upgradewindows 7

I've been a Mac OS X user for years (and likely will continue to be), but now that Windows 7 is out I'd like to give it a shot on a part-time basis, partially because of the (comparatively) good reviews and partially because I have friends and relatives that will expect me to support the system.

I'm considering getting a $30 copy from [win741.com][1] (as I am a student), but it seems that it's only possible to get the "upgrade" version and not the "full" version (and there's no way I'm spending upwards of $200 on this indulgence).

So my question is this: does the Windows 7 require an earlier version of Windows to be installed? Is it possible to trick a clean-installed Windows 7 into thinking that it installed from an upgrade?

Would it be possible to pirate a copy of Windows XP or Vista, install it in a VM/separate partition, then install the Windows 7 upgrade on top? Will I have WGA problems? Or will Windows 7 outright refuse to install? If so, what other options do I have of getting a legitimate copy of Windows 7 without paying the exorbitant "full" version price?

Best Answer

No problem, the "full" moniker is just a confusion in terms in win741.com.
From Student offer for Windows 7:

The student windows 7 version available thru www.win741.com is the FULL VERSION.

The OFFICIAL answer:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Windows 7 Online store.

We understand that you are interested to purchase Windows 7 Upgrade through our online store.

We apologize for the confusion.

The Windows 7 offered in this promotion is a full version. You can install this product even though you do not have a previous Operating System installed in your computer or if you want to make a multi boot using Windows 7. The "Upgrade" included in the product name is just because Windows 7 is the latest Operating System Windows developed.

Sincerely,
Joanna A.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service
Carey Frisch

EDIT

Curiouser and curiouser. The article Windows 7 Student Offer Now Available In The UK says:

Microsoft have also changed the wording of the offer implying that only upgrade versions of the OS will be available with this offer. Students will be able to download the OS from the 22nd October. They can also order a fully packaged product if they require for an additional £9 and 32 bit and 64 bit editions of the OS are both available. This offer is open to any student with a valid university or college email address and is running for 3 months.

I hope "fully packaged" here means cardboard boxes, not full versions.

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