Maximum PC

Ok, I'm almost there; I have most of the parts save for the HDD. I am looking into what to do for the Windows 7 OS. I am not sure which version is cheapest and what I am getting if I buy it. My university has this version:
Windows 7 Professional 32/64 Bit Upgrade - Download
http://www.journeyed.com/item/Microsoft ... w=overview

So if I get this version, how can I install on an empty HDD? I looked at this link for ideas:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/80 ... -7-xp.html

Is it possible for me to set the new HDD in raid with my Windows XP system HDD, install Win7 in the new drive, and then take out that new drive and put it in my new Computer?

Um, if this is wrong forum, please move.

Silly question to ask: you haven't tried using it as a straight up install disk?

Will that work? I heard that some versions of Windows are upgrade installs that can't be installed on an empty disc (i.e. no previous version of windows).

BTW, this is my first build and I haven't bought the hard drive or Win7 yet.

Which is why I asked if you tried to install it straight up.

In my experience (with Windows 7 Pro 64bit Upgrade Edition) you are able to install clean without upgrading, however you need to follow these steps:

1. Install without a product key (you can put the key later in step#10)
2. Open regedit.exe with the start menu and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/00BE/
3. Change MediabootInstall from "1" to "0"
4. Close Regedit
5. Go to start menu and navigate to the Command Line Utility, RIGHT CLICK on it and choose RUN AS ADMIN (click yes to UAC prompt).
6. In command line window type: slmgr /rearm (then hit enter and wait for "Command Completed Successfully" dialog)
7. Close the command line window
8. Reboot Windows
9. After Reboot go to Start Menu and RIGHT CLICK on "Computer" then select "Properties"
10. In the "Properties" window you can change your product key