Upgrading from Vista vs. Clean Install Activation Error

I'm having an issue activating my new installation of Windows 7 Pro. I'm trying to install windows 7 on a Dell optiplex computer that originally came with Vista. The activation key I have is for a Vista to 7 upgrade. However, I had replaced Vista with Ubuntu a few years ago, so I had to do a clean install of Windows 7. Therefore my activation key isn't working - when I try to activate windows I get an error that says "this activation key is only for an upgrade, not a clean installation".

I spoke with microsoft over their tech support chat, and they told me my key won't work unless I put Vista back on the computer, then upgrade to 7 instead of doing a clean install. However, I didn't get Vista's Activation key before I installed Ubuntu (years ago) and I don't have the Vista install disk.

In my opinion, since I legally own a copy of Vista and have an upgrade license, I should be allowed to activate Windows 7. When I explained this to them they wouldn't answer the question and just sent me to this link:
Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061

So, what are my options? I really don't want to buy a full copy of Windows 7 (can I even do that anymore?) when I already own it.

Thanks for the help.

Hopefully youve got the COA sticker on the bottom of your laptop telling you the operating system, and more importantly the code you will need to install Vista, then perform the upgrade.

Roy

Note if you can read that code, shoot over to the Vista forum, for a download.

I have the sticker on the top of the tower that says the computer shipped with Vista, and that sticker has a code. Is that what you mean? I was under the impression that the code on the sticker wasn't the same as the activation key (which needs to be found using a key-finding program). I didn't get the key from the software before I got rid of Vista... But maybe I'm wrong about the sticker on the tower?

Ex_Brit said:

xg5a I emailed you a download link for my Vista w/SP2....can't find the posts you made at Vista64 forums, sorry.

Thanks! What version of Vista is it? The key on my computer is for Vista Professional OEM, so I think I need either professional or Ultimate (which I've ready I can install any version with).

Ex_Brit said:

The email explains it is good as follows (your key decides what is installed):

It's good for the following:

Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Ultimate

There never was anything such as Vista Professional. There was, however, Vista Enterprise. It's unlikely you had that unless it was installed on a company machine. I'm afraid it wont work for that one.

My mistake, I confused Vista "Professional" with Vista "Business", which is what I actually need to install. So, I think I'll be good. Thanks!!!