Stuck part-way through installation of windows 7, upgrade product key, cannot cancel or finish installation

Posted by user326520 on Super User See other posts from Super User or by user326520
Published on 2014-05-25T16:17:43Z Indexed on 2014/05/27 15:33 UTC
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Filed under:

windows-7

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windows-xp

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installation

I'm trying to install Windows 7 (to get rid of Windows 8). I started the installation, cleared the minefield Microsoft has put in to stop me uninstalling 8, but forgot that my Windows 7 disk is an upgrade.

So now I'm part-way through the 7 install. Can't go back, can't convince Microsoft that I have a valid key; I tried stopping the Windows 7 install and booting XP first, but I can't either - the unfinished Windows 7 install prevents that.

Where's the way out?

Update: Having spent some time with a Microsoft operative, I know why I can't install XP; this recent computer doesn't support IDE SATA mode, only AHCI.

So the problem is: - straight install -> key not valid - XP first before upgrade -> XP cannot install due to newer HDD interface.

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