Is is possible to run the Windows7 Ult. upgrade from a machine running XP in safe mode? I would run a custom install and wipe the drive. Thank you all

Why does the XP not run in normal mode? Here are step by step procedures on how to upgrade XP to Windows 7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7 You can't run Easy Transfer in Safe Mode. MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

I have a new 64 bit computer. I have a 32 bit version of XP. I have an upgrade version of Windows7 ult. My intent was to install XP on the new computer and the upgrade it. However, I am having problems installing XP 32 bit on that machine. It bluescreens during driver installation. So I was thinking if I could somehow get the machine to boot in safe mode, I could run the upgrade from there. I tried just running a custom install from scratch. It installs fine but it wont activate.Thanks

Just call Microsoft to activate. It's legal and fine as long as you can give them the product key from XP when they ask. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

HI Shawn,Thanks for the reply. I will give that a shot in the morning. So I should should just call the 800 number for activation?Steve

Yeah they'll get you set. The reason the automatic activation is failing is because it can't 'find' the previous version of Windows on the drive (it searches to see if XP is there). But the legal requirements just say you have to own a previous version, not necessarily that it be installed... it's just built that way for anti-piracy reasons. Another way (you can find it on a few places online, like Paul Thorrott's website - my hero) is to install Windows 7 twice (upgrade itself). It sees itself as a qualifying version, and lets itself activate. Kind of silly, but it works. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

I have a new 64 bit computer. I have a 32 bit version of XP. I have an upgrade version of Windows7 ult. My intent was to install XP on the new computer and the upgrade it. However, I am having problems installing XP 32 bit on that machine. It bluescreens during driver installation. So I was thinking if I could somehow get the machine to boot in safe mode, I could run the upgrade from there. I tried just running a custom install from scratch. It installs fine but it wont activate. Thanks That is because you are installed clean with a upgrade disc. When it comes to that, I always do a clean install, then upgrade the clean install, then I am able to activate the key over the internet. I am unsure calling MS will fix the issue, as if the internet activation can recognize the clean install with upgrade meda, I would assume the same over the phone, but can't say for sure as I haven't tried. Other methods of a clean install with upgrade media are below: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

Thank you everyone for your input. I am starting to think that there may be other issues. I bought the supposedly "licensed" copy from a private party. His claim was that he purchased a volume license and had several unused installs avaialble. He gave me the Windows7 Ultimate disk which is genuine. I asked him for the product key and his claim was that I did not need it. He did not have to enter it on the other installs and they alledgedly activated fine. He claimed it was automatically "entered" from the disk. Does this sound plausible to you?I tried all three solutions in the article referenced above and all failed. Always asking for the product key. The install over an install failed with an interesting message. There were two entries to this effect:You cannot upgrade a 32 bit version of windows to a 64 bit versionYou cannot upgrade a 64 bit version of windows to a 32 bit version.I fear I have been taken to the cleaners. Any insight would be greaty appreciated. Thanks again!