Bootleg Vista to Legit 7?

[JasmineJewelThie]

If i have a computer that has a bootleg version of Vista on it and I buy the upgrade to Windows 7 is there any chance that it will get flagged as non genuine in the future?

 

[qwertymodo]

You could always try the trick that was present in Vista, installing a clean (legit) copy of 7 and say you'll activate it later, then go back and do an "upgrade" install of 7 on top of itself. I remember this worked in Vista, with it seeing the existing, albeit un-activated installation as a valid pre-existing installation and accepting it.

AFAIK there is no real "upgrade" path from Vista to 7, you have to do a clean reinstall regardless. However, I went Vista->7 beta->7 RC->7 OEM, so going Vista->7 Retail might have an actual upgrade option, I don't know.

 

[JasmineJewelThie]

i wasnt really worried about the clean install i just wanted to make sure there wouldnt be any footprints left...but thanks for the info i didnt think of doing it that way

 

[qwertymodo]

I haven't heard whether or not it works in Windows 7, I just know it worked in Vista. Let me know if it works or not, it'll be the first confirmation I've heard one way or the other. MS was aware of the workaround, so they may have fixed it in 7. Also, I should note that the 2nd installation must be started from inside of Windows, not from the disc at boot-time.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/clean-install-workaround-for-vista-upgrade-discovered/

 

[jan777]

I dont think that he is asking how to install a bootleg Win7.

Hes just asking if M$ can detect if you previously installed a bootleg vista.

Im not sure, but I think if you reformat the PC and do a clean install, there wont be any footprints left and there is no way they can track you.
But you should probablt wait for someone who has more experience than me.

 

[kylster]

upgrade to windows 7 and google WatRemover should be on geeks but it's uninstalls the Windows Activation Technology which checks for legitimacy or use simply get ahold of the oem copy somewhere as the seriel is burned into the disc so preactivation. either way it goes uninstalling WAT is still piracy w/o the need to crack

 

[davidsl_128]

I used a program called "RemoveWAT.exe", the 2.2 version (although there might be a newer one), and I can install updates and get software that requires that original software thing with no problems. Google it, maybe it'll fix your problem!

I'm not sure if I can link to the exe in GBAtemp xD

 

[JasmineJewelThie]

I appreciate everyones answers but i dont think you guys understood me.Im looking to actually buy(purchase) the upgrade version(as it is cheaper than full) and put it on a computer that has a bootleg version of Vista installed.

 

[qwertymodo]

That is exactly the question I was answering. I merely posted the workaround in order to get the legit UPGRADE version working without any link to the original bootleg Vista at all. I am not circumventing activation, only the check for a previous version of Windows required to install the upgrade version. However, as I said, the method I described was confirmed to work on Vista, and I have no confirmation that it actually works on 7. However, it's worth a try.

 

[JasmineJewelThie]

ya sorry i wasnt more clear i was talking to the other ones that responded not you