Vista - Clean Install From Upgrade Vista

Update: I was able to change the boot menu in Vista. I made the default my original XP and then I was able to delete the vista entry. Next I rebooted into XP and formated the hard drive that had vista on it, then rebooted the computer again but still had the vista options in boot menu. So I chose the earlier version of windows which brought me to the boot options for XP media center, from there I chose the recovery console. Once in the recovery console I used fixboot command and then fixmbr. All is back to normal now with only the XP media center options upon boot. So hopefully I will be able to use the Vista upgrade disc on my new build in a couple of weeks.

I did check before I did this and vista said I still had 27 days left to activate. So am I correct in assuming that it is like I never used this disc or do I have to reinstall and activate before 27 days?

Hi Earnhead,

Looks like you got it all sorted out.

As long as it didn't activate, you'll be fine to use it on another machine whenever you like.

SIW2

Hi just to say thanks I have tryed a few time to do a clean install from getting my express upgrade but all ways seem to have some thing in the back ground left over from before but sofar so good I am one of them that likes to play about with my pc and end up killing it I like how the advice was esey to follow (must be if I can do it) and seem to do gust whot it sead on the tin thank you.

You're welcome PGB1965, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You should be able to use Disk Cleanup to get rid of any left overs from the previous clean installation.

Shawn

Just want to make sure of something, to add V32 as a third option in a multiboot setup that has Win7 & V64 already installed, on the first install when one gets the "Click any key to boot from DVD" hit enter then select a nice empty partition and select that to be the location to install the new version. Then on the second install. Run it from inside the Vista 32 installed os and when the system reboots and says "Click any key to boot from DVD" just wait it out and then the upgrade will proceed correctly?

Sorry for the dumb questions but don't want to screw up anything.

Not a dumb question at all Bratboy. (See my signature. )

Yes, you have it correct.

Okay one more thing. I notice that right now on my system that has Win7 and Vista 64 bit if I go into system properties > Startup & Recovery Tab to look at boot order it simply lists the OS's as:

"Microsoft Windows Vista" (currently x64 bit Version)
and
"Windows 7"

I'm assuming that when I install Vista 32 bit its going to also be listed as "Microsoft Windows Vista" Is there some way to change the name for Vista X64 bit so that I'll be able to tell it apart from the 32 bit version as a boot up option?

Hi Bratboy,

You can rename the o/s using bcdedit. If you are not familiar with the commands, the free Easybcd will do it.

Download EasyBCD 1.7.2 - NeoSmart Technologies




1. Click Change Settings.

2. Select the o/s whose name you want to change in the drop down flap.

3. Click where it says Name to put the cursor there, type any name you want.

4. Click Save Settings.

Hope it helps

SIW2

The new Vista 32-bit addition will be listed first, and will be you default OS to start with after installation. I believe it may be listed as "Windows Vista" instead, so you may not need to change it.

If you would like to change what OS to start to by default afterwards, then this will help show you how to if needed.

Boot Partition - Default

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks to both of you. I did a websearch before you answered and found another free app that does the same thing called "VistaBootPro" and so have already changed my current Vista install to "Microsoft Windows Vista X64" so I'll be able to tell them apart after I install the 32 bit version. Kind of a pain in the kester to have to install another version of Vista but certain thing like my DRM remval software and some of my video conversion software is just too fussy and doesn't like to run on X64, even if I set the apps to compatible mode.