upgrade part of 'clean install using upgrade disc' fails Installing and Upgrading Vista Discuss upgrade part of 'clean install using upgrade disc' fails in the Windows Vista forums; Hopefully someone will have some ideas or suggestions on this one. As part of setting up an XP/Vista dual-boot configuration, I've followed the steps posted here on ...

[fartsack]

Hopefully someone will have some ideas or suggestions on this one.

As part of setting up an XP/Vista dual-boot configuration, I've followed the steps posted here on performing a clean install using an upgrade disc, and the subsequent upgrade >

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...rade_clean.asp

The clean install itself went by like a charm, and I'm currently on day 28 of 30 without entering my code or activating.

The problem is that I've now tried to upgrade the clean installation (so I can center my code), and the upgrade fails. The following error is returned:

"This version of Windows could not be installed. Your previous version of Windows has been restored, and you can continue to use it. Before trying to install this version of Windows again, check online to see if it is compatible with your computer. Go to the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and search for "upgrade advisor"."

When I performed the clean install of Vista, I did not specify a key, and I chose Vista Home Premium (which is the version of the Vista DVD that I have).

I've tried it 3x and all 3x it has failed with the same problem.

The last time I tried it, I noticed that the following errors were also returned at the point of failure and during the restoration of the cleanly installed version of Vista..

At the point of failure:

"Windows could not configure one or more system components. To install Windows, restart the computer and restart the installation."

And during the restoration of the cleanly installed version of Vista:

"The upgrade was not successful. Your previous version of Windows is being restored. Do not restart your computer during this time."

Are there any log files that I should look at that may point at the cause of failure ?


thanks !

/fartsack

[Snuffy]

Once you do a clean install and used "NO KEY", and selected the actual version you purchased..then next time you can upgrade from the OS.

You can only upgrade from the OS,
Boot to the DVD is only for Clean Install.

to check the KEY you have - sounds funny but some ppl have received a KEY for a different Version... go to Welcome Center.. open "see more details".
browse down to the bottom see "change product key" click and enter your key... It will tell you what version your KEY is for...or else it will accept and then activate your copy...

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by fartsack

The problem is that I've now tried to upgrade the clean installation (so I can center my code), and the upgrade fails.

Why can you just go to the Welcome Center panel, View Computer details and use the Activation option. It should ask you for the key I suppose. I have not done it myself, but you have nothing to lose by trying.

[fartsack]

"Why can you just go to the Welcome Center panel, View Computer details and use the Activation option. It should ask you for the key I suppose. I have not done it myself, but you have nothing to lose by trying."

I can't do that at this point because my key is for the Upgrade, and I haven't successfully performed the upgrade yet.


/fartsack

[fartsack]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

Once you do a clean install and used "NO KEY", and selected the actual version you purchased..then next time you can upgrade from the OS.

You can only upgrade from the OS,
Boot to the DVD is only for Clean Install.

to check the KEY you have - sounds funny but some ppl have received a KEY for a different Version... go to Welcome Center.. open "see more details".
browse down to the bottom see "change product key" click and enter your key... It will tell you what version your KEY is for...or else it will accept and then activate your copy...

Yes, I performed the clean install, used 'NO KEY', and selected the version that I actually have 'Windows Vista HOMEPREMIUM'.

After the installation of Vista completed, I popped the Upgrade DVD back in the drive, selected UPGRADE, entered my key, and like I mentioned earlier, the upgrade process proceeded to fail.


/fartsack

[felix8406]

Maybe you can try another clean install with no key, but select Home Basic instead of Home Premium. If that's successfully, do the upgrade to Home Premium.

[fartsack]

Originally Posted by felix8406

Maybe you can try another clean install with no key, but select Home Basic instead of Home Premium. If that's successfully, do the upgrade to Home Premium.

Has anyone done what you've suggested and actually had success at it ? I'm just curious as all the posts that I've read have clearly stated that we should be be selecting the actual version of Vista that we truly have.


/fartsack

[fartsack]

It's been a few days since I've seen the available options, so I'll ask what is probably a stupid question.

Can I perform the following ?:

1. Perform clean install of evaluation version of Vista (no key entered, choose the version (HOMEPREMIUM) that I really have)
2. Login to Vista
3. Execute Vista's setup utility
4. Enter my UPGRADE key
5. Specify that I want it to perform a CLEAN INSTALL of Vista rather than an in-place upgrade

I can't recall if the clean install option is disabled if the UPGRADE key is entered. I'm posing this question after reading Ed Bott's articles on the topic > http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=196 and http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=193


thanks !

/fartsack

[Snuffy]

1. Perform clean install of evaluation version of Vista (no key entered, choose the version (HOMEPREMIUM) that I really have)
2. Login to Vista
3. Execute Vista's setup utility
4. Enter my UPGRADE key
5. Specify that I want it to perform a CLEAN INSTALL of Vista rather than an in-place upgrade

#1 is Yes you can do.
#2 is Yes you can do.
#3..I am not sure what you are saying??
#4. plz test the key using welcome center - to find correct version per "KEY"
#5. NO, you can not Clean Install with a Upgrade Key" you can only upgrade.
by being in Vista, inserting the DVD, click setup and enter the KEY when ask...

You can not use the upgrade to CLEAN install.. it is not allowed.. why because it is "Upgrade" only..
and to test your "KEY" I posted earlier how to test the "KEY" and see which version it is for.. I mentioned this because some people were given the wrong "KEY" for the version they requested.. and every person that has verified this "just the way I posted" and NO body has received a Key for a lesser version (that I know of), every wrong key was for a Higher Version.

[Snuffy]

Originally Posted by fartsack

"Why can you just go to the Welcome Center panel, View Computer details and use the Activation option. It should ask you for the key I suppose. I have not done it myself, but you have nothing to lose by trying."

I can't do that at this point because my key is for the Upgrade, and I haven't successfully performed the upgrade yet.


/fartsack

The main reason you can not activate thru Welcome Center is you have a "Clean Install" and you do not have a "Retail Key" or a "OEM KEY" you have a "Upgrade Key" you have to Upgrade to use the KEY.