Reference number: CH000926

Installing Windows Vista upgrade without 2000 or XP on the hard drive.

Question:

Installing Windows Vista upgrade without Windows 2000 or XP on the hard drive.

Answer:

Many users may wish to upgrade to Windows Vista doing a clean install, which is installing Vista onto the computer without an existing version of Windows 2000 or XP on the hard drive. In the past this was a good troubleshooting method to perform when attempting to upgrade Windows was unsuccessful or for those times when you simply want to have a fresh Windows install. Unfortunately Microsoft now requires users who are upgrading to Windows Vista to upgrade from within Windows 2000 or XP. If you attempt to upgrade to Windows Vista by booting from the Vista Upgrade CD and running setup from within MS-DOS you'll receive the below message.

To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your existing version of Windows.

If you're wishing to have a completely fresh copy of Windows Vista on the computer and do not yet have Windows 2000 or XP installed on the computer you can do one of the two below recommendations. Both of these options will require that you install an OS twice. We recommend for most users to follow the first workaround recommendation.

1. Boot the Windows Vista CD and start the Windows Vista setup.
2. When prompted to enter the product key for activation do not enter your activation key and click Next.
3. You will then get a Install Windows prompt asking if you want to enter your product key now. Click No.
4. Select the edition of Windows XP you've purchased, check the box "I have selected the edition of Windows that I purchased" and click Next.
5. Once the Setup has been completed and you're in Windows Vista start the Windows setup again either by ejecting and entering the CD again or by double clicking the CD drive in My computer.
6. During the Windows Vista setup when prompted for the activation key this time enter it.
7. When prompted to do a Upgrade or Custom install select Custom and perform a clean Windows Vista install.

or

1. Delete the partition and reinstall Windows 2000 or Windows XP using the 2000 / XP CD.
2. After 2000 or XP has been installed update the operating systems with all the latest Windows updates
3. Then Install Windows Vista Upgrade or do the Custom install and perform a clean Windows Vista install.

Or if you have Windows 2000 or XP installed on the computer, but want to have a clean install (removing all settings and programs) during the Windows Vista install select the option for Custom install during the installation.

Additional information:

• See document CH000925 for additional information about upgrading to Windows Vista.