Windows 7: windows upgrade - skip compatibility test

hi all, does anybody knows how to skip the compatibility test during the windows upgrade installation? since i dont have cd/dvd rom, im running the setup from an iso setup file. When im trying to upgrade my windows, the compatibility report will appear and state that i need to use windows anytime upgrade to perform the upgrade. I dont want to use the Windows anytime upgrade, i just want to install by using the iso file..anyone can help me?

Welcome to the Seven Forums! djyuno

The first question I could ask would be if you have a 4gb(recommended size) usb flash drive amd a system that supports booting from them. You could create a USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

That would would allow you to perform a full clean install since you are lacking an optical drive. Perhaps you are running a netbook or laptop with broken drive or second hard drive? Mounting the iso on an external usb hard drive is another method used as well.

You need to use Anytime Upgrade to upgrade within Windows 7. If your version qualifies for Anytime Upgrade to a higher version type "Anytime" in the Start Search box, insert the retail Product key and the extra features will be unlocked in under 10 minutes.

If your version isn't supported MS wants you to clean reinstall. However there is a workaround to change between versions of Windows 7 by running a Repair Install.

No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is neeed.

Anytime upgrade only adds-on the Programs & Features from version to version.
Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to

im currently using windows 7 starter which i got bundle from my netbook purchase..n with all the limitation imposed in the starter version, i want to upgrade but i dont have the key but i have the installation file, n also i dnt want to clean install because i want to keep the software given by the the laptop's oem..is there any way to do the upgrade?

Hello Djyuno, welcome to the Seven Forums.

You mentioned you do not have a product key for the Windows edition you have on that ISO. How did you think to activate your Windows if you upgrade it using the ISO you have? After upgrading you need a product key for that edition you have upgraded to, but the Starter OEM product key for your netbook can only be used to activate the OEM Starter edition you got with that netbook, no other editions or versions.

Simply, you need a valid product key. If you want to upgrade to Home Premium, you need a Home Premium key, for Ultimate you need an Ultimate key. When you have it you just do an Anytime Upgrade. Your netbook already contains the files and features for every edition. These files and features are then "released" with Anytime Upgrade and your computer upgraded without need to install another edition.

Kari

Anytime key will be less expensive than retail Windows 7 key.

I think he already bought an electronic download in iso form and is looking to upgrade over the OEM preinstall. The only other option is a total wipe as long as the product key for the intended edition you plan to replace the preinstall with is used.

As for the Anytime Upgrade option that's a direct from MS type of upgrade of editions seen with that. Since you went for a separate download however you would now need to perform a clean custom install not upgrade over the Starter edition likely with a usb install key made up. Clean Install Windows 7

Since the iso is of a different edition the upgrade will automatically be greyed out upon running the installer. This also means you lose the OEM apps in the process. As Kari pointed out the Anytime Upgrade option would have been the ideal option for seeing the change of edition without loss of programs you have on now.

Worth to notice:
Upgrade to another edition of Windows 7 by using Windows Anytime Upgrade

I believe the OP has not bought an official Seven download, because then he also had the product key which he says he does not have.

To summarize all this, OP's best alternative is to use online Anytime Upgrade if he lives in one of the 13 countries it is available, or to buy an upgrade version of the edition he wants to use. Buying for instance directly from Microsoft, it includes both the ISO download and product key.

If OP got the ISO from not so official sources it might not be a good idea to buy just a license because of two reasons: first, there's been a lot of non-valid product keys on sale on various sites around the internet, and you have basically no possibilities to know if the key works before you have used it. Second, if the ISO really is from unofficial sources (putting it nice ), there's no 100% guarantee it is a fully working, no BS, exact copy of the official ISO.

Kari

Windows Anytime Upgrade - Enable or Disable

Well if you didn't go through the MS store, TechNet, MSDN, or a reputable authorized vendor? djyuno ut oh... there's also the high probably of malwares to consider as well.

For a legit download from MS in iso form which includes a new key that would result in the preinstall being replaced entirely with loss of preinstalled apps. If you went that route then you could save the purchase and key for use on another system being upgraded to 7 and go with the Anytime Upgrade option for the netbook.

I know it's not what you wanted to hear but these are the options you have available.