Can you use a Windows 7 Ultimate key on Pro?

SUPA FRANKY · 02 Jan 2011

I recently got screwed on a Windows 7 Pro 64 that I bought on eBay. 5 Months after purchase it says its not genuine. Microsoft wont do anything. So I was able to get a Windows 7 Ultimate NFR copy through Microsoft Expert Zone (I work retail) for $15. So I wanted to know if I can just use the Key I get on Pro... or will I have to do a full reinstall. I personally dont care for the extras Ultimate gives... I just dont want to reinstall if I dont have to. Thanks all.

pebbly · 02 Jan 2011

Hi SUPA FRANKY, Welcome to the forums and Happy New Year to you , you can only use the key for the product it was intended for Ult-Ult , Pro-Pro etc you would be better off doing a clean install of ultimate in the long run

alphanumeric · 02 Jan 2011

You could try entering your Ultimate key in the anytime upgrade. If it is accepted it will upgrade your pro install to ultimate without affecting any installed programs or having to re-install windows. Just type anytime upgrade in the search box. You have to go to ultimate anyway and this might save you from having to reinstall.

gregrocker · 02 Jan 2011

If that fails you can use the popular workaround used by many beta testers to migrate from beta to paid retail version. It works either up or downgrading. You make a Registry change which tricks the installer into thinking it is doing a same-version Repair Install which is always allowed.

In your case you would back up your files, set a Restore point, then change the Registry Keys shown below to Ultimate and Windows 7 Ultimate:

Then run the Ultimate DVD from desktop, select Upgrade install, resolve any conflicts presented, agree to stay connected on the Internet to get latest updates/drivers into installer, allow Upgrade to complete, Activate at Computer>Properties with your Ultimate key.

SUPA FRANKY · 03 Jan 2011

Thanks guys! Ill give those 2 try! ^_^

allend66 · 03 Jan 2011

Hi, just a question about ebay - can't you claim against the seller? You'll have records and if they're selling counterfeit or bogus goods you should get compensation.

Regards
D

gregrocker · 03 Jan 2011

I agree you should pursue this with eBay no matter how much time has passed. Ask them if they want to be put on record here abetting sales of counterfeit software. If they aren't cooperative, contact local authorties to report the theft and get a referral to the appropriate agency.

Ztruker · 03 Jan 2011

This happened 5 moths after purchase?

That's very strange as it doesn't take MS that long to determine you have a non-legitimate copy. Sounds to me like a problem others have reported here and elsewhere when the legit check reports a perfectly legitimate copy of Windows 7 to be illegal. Normally a call to MS resolves this.

What did MS say about yours? Did they say it was illegal or an OEM version for a different brand? Very curious what happened.

gregrocker · 03 Jan 2011

The issue with eBay keys as reported here is illegal use of TechNet or MSDN keys meant for subscribers only: Blocked Product Keys

Did MS rule out the possibility that you received a false-positive for installed Update KB971033 which detects activation exploits?

SUPA FRANKY · 04 Jan 2011

MSDN subscription is what it was I believe... they said my Key was legit but not for home use and was a subscription for Microsoft networks or something like that. Thats why it took 5 months till it stopped working. But I just called again and they now said its not MSDN and it was a Microsoft product. They change there mind every call and are useless.

And eBay wont do anything at all other then look into the guys account. They were pretty useless. And PayPal can only send a friendly letter asking to give me a refund... no force so that wont happen.

EDIT:

Now they ARE saying its MSDN and meant for Technet and Microsoft emps... man...