Win 8 Upgrade Clean Install

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tdgeek

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#123314 3-Jul-2013 09:30

Hi all

I read on Lifehacker that editing the registry allows for activation on a clean install of a Win 8 Upgrade media, has anyone tried this? Can't seem to locate a full install version, just the upgrade at $249

nzkc

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#848571 3-Jul-2013 09:49

When I did the upgrade (using the $50 offer at the time - so was downloaded from MS) it allowed me to do a full clean install. From memory if you keep clicking next you'll miss the opportunity to change the install type - but it was definitely there.

Ragnor

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#849260 4-Jul-2013 13:57

Nothing special was needed when I formatted away Vista on my friends PC and clean installed Win 8 Pro Upgrade version.

gazzerwgtn

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#849389 4-Jul-2013 19:26

i had an old copy of XP so I built a new pc, intalled xp up to sp3, then used the 8 pro upgrade, it created an "old' folder for xp and did a clean install of 8

mthand

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#849471 5-Jul-2013 07:29

I did this just 2 weeks ago when I bought an SSD.

Run the upgrade process on your machine now and make sure to select the option to create an iso when you're about to download.

Create bootable disc from iso.

I disconnected the old HDD, connected the new SSD, booted from DVD, and during the install options, I made sure to select the custom/advanced install (not upgrade).

After install finished, users setup, etc, I changed the registry option as described, ran the rearm command at an elevated command prompt, and rebooted. It was then no longer saying I couldn't activate it because it was an upgrade, but I did have to activate over the phone.

Everything is going fine, updates are flowing, and was bar none the quickest clean install I have ever done!