Can I restore the hidden partition with out a CD?

[Lottiemansion]

Hi all,

I have completed the clean install & then upgrade from with-in the installation. All from an upgrade Vista DVD.

The procedure is: -

New hard disk installed, old one out.
Boot from the DVD (Vista)
Install the version of Vista you have the licence for, DO NOT ENTER THE KEY & DO NOT ACTIVATE.

Once the installation has completed, it's rebooted several time etc.

Boot into Vista as normal (Hard drive) & instert the DVD.

Now carry out an upgrade from the same DVD & this time input your Key & activate.

Once this is completed you will have a fully working version of the installed Vista opperating system & thats it.

 

[richc46]

Brink is online, you will have the answer shortly. I think that you will be happy, but lets wait.

 

[Lorien]

The OEM Product key is on the label on the side of the machine and is a 25-digit alphanumeric code of 5 sets of 5 digits separated by dashes. That's what is needed for activation.

In the meantime, Brink has replied. So you have it all, here is what I asked:

Sorry if this was asked before, but I want to be certain as I have a thread where this has become a very key point. According to Microsoft, approved upgrade paths are as follows: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths.

Do those rules apply to using this tutorial?

For example, the user wants to upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Pro. According to Microsoft, this is not an approved upgrade. Can it be done anyway by using this process or does it only work when an upgrade option is approved in the above link? I don't want them buying the upgrade package and finding out that they can't activate.

Thank you very much in advance.

Here was his reply:

Hello Lorien,

No, that only applies and is enforced if a normal in-place upgrade install is done instead.

So it looks like you'll be OK as Richard predicted.

I think you now have all the answers or is there something else I've missed?

Good luck!

 

[messed up]

Lottie;
There in lies the problem. I don't have the OEM CD required to do all of that. That is why I was trying to get into the hidden partition. If I could have gotten it back to factory settings, I could have made a new disk, then I could go from there.
I was also told that there is a possibility the PQS partition is corrupt. (According to Acer)
Whatever I do has to be done without the OEM disk. Since my currant files can't be repaired, that leaves the upgrade as my only option at this point.

Rich; Please make sure he understand the whole deal. This is going to be a clean install of something onto a new hard drive, with an OEM mobo.

 

[messed up]

Sorry your post came in while I was poking around typing.


Thank You!!!!!!!!

I'm not even going to ask what an in-place upgrade even is

 

[richc46]

In place is NEVER good
Still working on the new HD portion.

 

[messed up]

Kinda what I figured

 

[richc46]

New HD should be ok, just checking into the workaround, for you, to be sure.

 

[messed up]

Please God; don't make it complicated:eek:

 

[richc46]

Its easy, just want to be sure. Worst case, reinstall OEM of Vista then clean install of 7

 

[messed up]

Can't reinstall OEM, I don't have it. Microsoft said if I try to install it over top of (??) Vista with corrupt files then it would only give me a copy of 7 with corrupt files.

 

[richc46]

Not true, that is why we do a clean install, with the upgrade. You are NOT doing an upgrade, you are doing a clean install with an upgrade DVD
Only problem is the HD. I will post as soon as I get the definitive answer. If you do not hear from me or any other. Post in 10 days to remind me. I will not just forget you.

 

[messed up]

I think I get it now. Thanks have a good trip

 

[richc46]

The pleasure that I get from this forum is helping
It would hurt me to give a wrong answer. I know the answer to the HD, question ,but just want to be sure. If you get no other answers, make any post in this thread in 10 days and I will give you the correct answer. Iwill be home with my notes.

 

[messed up]

Again thanks

 

[richc46]

Ty for your patience, many kind words and rep.

 

[richc46]

Hey again
Here is the article that I have saved on my favorites at home.
It appears that it can be done. I have not done it and do not know of anyone who has. My faith is in the article. You have to make th final choice.
Microsoft Says Windows 7 Install Workaround Is Legal - PCWorld