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    Can I perform a "clean upgrade" of Vista?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by sac02, Jan 11, 2008.

  1. sac02

    sac02 Notebook Geek

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    I purchased my x61s with Vista Basic because I can purchase Vista Ultimate for $20 through my university.

    My question is, can I do a clean install of Ultimate right now by following stallen's Clean Install Guide, but selecting Ultimate when asked for my version. Or would that method simply upgrade my computer as-is from Basic (and retain all the programs and settings I'm trying to eliminate).

    Basically, do I need to do it in two steps - a complete clean install of Basic, then upgrade to Ultimate?

    Thanks,

    Mac
     
    sac02, Jan 11, 2008
    #1
  2. ooxxoo

    ooxxoo Notebook Evangelist

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    No, but yes... :)

    Unless something has changed which I'm not aware of, technically you can't. There is a workaround though that you can Google. Basically you install Ultimate with no key. Then "upgrade" that to Ultimate. Something along those lines, should Google to find the exact steps but that's the general idea :)

    EDIT: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp
     
    ooxxoo, Jan 11, 2008
    #2
  3. LenovoForum

    LenovoForum Notebook Enthusiast

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    i also have an x61 which i would like to do a clean install on, but i am confused about how to proceed with out having a CD drive.

    help.
     
    LenovoForum, Jan 11, 2008
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  4. sac02

    sac02 Notebook Geek

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    you must get a DVD drive, either in the docking station or an external drive connected by USB.

    Mac
     
    sac02, Jan 11, 2008
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  5. LenovoForum

    LenovoForum Notebook Enthusiast

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    sorry to hi-jack, but will i need drivers to run the dock? I mean can i use the dock to do a clean install? Will I be able to boot from it with out a functioning OS already installed?
     
    LenovoForum, Jan 11, 2008
    #5
  6. Arki

    Arki Super Moderator

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    A driver is not necessary to use a docking station. You can perform a clean install from it, yes.
     
    Arki, Jan 11, 2008
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  7. gamemint

    gamemint Notebook Evangelist

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    The only way to do a clean install is if you have a cd drive via the vista cd
     
    gamemint, Jan 11, 2008
    #7