Can I restore the hidden partition with out a CD?

[Lorien]

Unfortunately, that is not an approved upgrade path. Here are the options: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[messed up]

Thanks Rich
this is me taking the plunge

 

[richc46]

Apparently Pro is not an appropriate upgrade.
But should be able to use the Clean install method given in tutorial
Check back in a week. I will have my notes etc available. We want to be sure.
Post in 10 days to remind me.

 

[messed up]

Let me sure I know what I'm doing. When I install this puppy I don't enter any key in installation process I wait and activate it with the key on the side of the case?
Does this still give me Microsft support or am I still stuck with Acer

 

[richc46]

This is the best way
When you install they will ask for key, just ignore
Then untick activate automatically online
Then after install, be sure you are happy, Install programs etc
Then activate on line. You have 30 days
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html
I am almost certain that you can go to Pro with clean install, but post in 10 days, when I am home for the definitive answer.

 

[messed up]

Lorian

I saw that page before, I knew there was a reason I wanted to ask. I think that was also the reason I was going to try to restore Vista.

I really want the Pro features. I don't need all that other stuff that comes with the Ultimate. Why did Microsoft do that? Probably because they knew anybody in their right mind would get rid of the Home Premium

 

[richc46]

I think that it can be done with Pro. Post in ten days, if no one else answers, and I will give you a defitive answer. I think you can clean install with upgrade DVD from HP to pro.

 

[messed up]

This will be going onto the new hard drive with the old hard drive removed. I was at Amazon just about to click the button and I said; huummmmm better make sure I can upgrade to this on and not that damn HP again

 

[Lorien]

I've posted this question in the upgrade tutorial thread Richard provided for Brink to address. I will report back on his reply.

 

[richc46]

May have a problem with the upgrade on a new HD.
There are other ways. Do you have a DVD of Vista, retail?

 

[messed up]

Not one tied to the OEM license. I have that unlicensed one Microsoft sent me

 

[messed up]

I can just about afford this upgrade the last thing I need is to buy the wrong version. If I have to spring for the Ultimate them oh well. I eat bean sandwich for the next month

 

[richc46]

If you can reinstall with the OEM on the new Hard Drive, it should work
I will check on the work around with just the upgrade DVD and get back ASAP

I will get back to you, if no one else answers on
Going to Pro from HP on clean install. Im pretty sure that you can
Then the workaround with the upgrade version.

 

[messed up]

What about the licnese on the side of the case? What is that for?? I thought I was supposed to just use that and the OEM would recognize it

 

[richc46]

That should work. A new HD is not a new computer. A MB would make it a different computer.
On a different comptuter the OEM would not work.

 

[messed up]

Nope not digging into the bowels of this bad boy, I ain't that brave yet.

 

[richc46]

YOu will have the answer, that will be the definitive answer, on the upgrade, shortly. Lorien is checking with Brink. He is the best in the field. I feel that the answer will be positive. If wrong, go with the information that Lorien brings back from Brink. If at home, I could give you the definitive answer myself, sorry for the delay.

 

[messed up]

Thanks, will do

 

[Lorien]

Hi messed up,

I agree with Richard. If all you're changing is the hard drive but otherwise using the same computer, then the original OEM license should be completely valid and so using that OEM Product Key should work fine. The issue about whether or not you can use an upgrade disk and that clean boot procedure remains unresolved when an upgrade is normally not approved - but I have asked the author of the tutorial to render an opinion and I expect an answer in a day or two (or possibly sooner).

Just hang tight and we'll get you the correct answers you need to make the right decisions.

Good luck!

 

[messed up]

Lorien
I really really appreciate this.
When you say OEM, does that mean the number on the side of the case or the OEM license that is in the properties (right click on computer)

I so want to make sure I'm on the same page with you guys.
I didn't pick that username just for the hell of it.:D