clean install from a reinstallation disk

upgrade from XP

[sssweb]

I want to 'upgrade' an XP system to Windows 7 and bought what I assumed was a standard Windows 7 installation disk. But it's labeled a 'Reinstallation' disk, and says that it's not for reinstallation of drivers.

Can I do a clean install with this? If so, how do I know what new drivers I need and where to get them?

[bill]

Here are the Windows 7 upgrade FAQ [windows.microsoft.com]

and bought what I assumed was a standard Windows 7 installation disk. But it's labeled a 'Reinstallation' disk, and says that it's not for reinstallation of drivers.

However, that doesn't sound like a legitimate copy of Windows 7. Reinstallation disks are usually supplied by an OEM and are tied to a certain piece of hardware.

[sssweb]

Thanks for the link; got in touch with their tech support, who verified it should work.

The disk comes with a Product Activation Key and the company seems legit; I have no reason to think otherwise at this point.

[bill]

That's good to hear. It's hard to be sure these days. If it's a legitimate copy then you can just follow the upgrade instructions.

(Another) However, I was never a fan of in-place upgrades of Windows (until Windows 8). When upgrading from XP I would suggest that you take this opportunity to do a clean install of the operating system rather than using Microsoft's tools that migrate your XP settings to Win7.

[sssweb]

Yes - clean install is the instruction they give.

Thanks for the help.

[engine]

Interesting, thanks for that info. I found lots of suppliers but i'm really concerned about getting a pirate copy. Some look rather dodgy, and some apparently good suppliers don't seem to have the credentials i'd expect.