On Reformating and Windows

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Kyouriharu wrote on 2012-03-14 23:53
So I am planning to reformat my hard drive because its performance has been reduced to trash lately. My biggest concern is that I purchased Windows 7 upgrade as a student offer from Digital River and I still have the product key but Digital River seems to have discontinued having the file on their servers.

Anyways I managed to find the now provided ISOs but now I am worried about my product key. From what I understand, the offer was an upgrade so there are a few questions raise:
- Can I use the product key to validate a clean install?
- Do I have to install Vista first, via recovery, then install Windows 7?
- Most importantly, can I use the product key more than once? Provided I format the hard drive of the original machine.
Google has lead me to mixed results of yes-no's and I would appreciate clarity.
EndlessDreams wrote on 2012-03-15 00:37

Often at times, when Windows ask me to validate product key, I usually just dial the phone number. I always tell them I only have one computer, and that I had to replace parts of the same computer because it broke. Usually, they will just activate it for me.

I am not sure how the Windows 7 upgrade works versus the standalone Windows 7 installation. Are you still a student? Do they not sell the standalone Windows 7 installation anymore? If they ask why you buying another Windows 7, just tell them you lost your Vista CD or something.
Kyouriharu wrote on 2012-03-15 01:58

I'm still a student and from what I understand, for the offer in question, I have to install Vista then upgrade. I believe I have the Vista CD somewhere in my chest of CDs. Anyways I think I'll just call if I have issues. Calling normally solves everything.
Yoorah wrote on 2012-03-15 09:59

As long as you format the existing installation using the Windows installer and follow through to install Windows, you'll have no issue activating it with the upgrade license. I think it's smart enough to check and/or create the hidden system partition, which tells it that you had a valid install prior to formatting, or something like that. If you format your drive clean with another tool, the outcome will be different and unfavourable. :P If you do it right, there's no need to install Vista first.