Windows 7 x64 N sidegrade to Windows 7 x64

I may be in the wrong section. It was hard to assess just where to ask.

I bought a Windows 7 x64 Professional key, and installed from a windows 7 Pro x64 N iso thinking I would avoid media player. As a keen HWBot benchmarker this has come back to bite me because PCMark wont run fully without Media Player. I don't get a valid result.

So I tried downloading Windows6.1-KB968211-x64-RefreshPkg.msu, but it refuses to install. I get the "Not applicable to my installation" message. None of the fixes I've found by Googling have made any difference.

Now I'm wondering if I could "sidegrade" (as distinct from upgrade) , and retain file associations, by running a full version of Windows 7, or if I would need to do a full reinstall?

You're saying you installed Win7 Pro N even though you have a straight Pro license and it activated OK?

This would explain why the media package designed for N version won't install.

I'd try a Repair Install with the straight Win7 Pro installer since that is the version which it should allow to run the in-place Upgrade. If not we can help you change the listings in registry to force the installer to run the in-place Upgrade/Repair Install to change to straight Pro version, then activate it with the Pro key.

Unlock any version eicfg removal tool

Tried that second option but it gives a message saying N cannot be upgraded to full pro. Comedy of errors.

Just to be certain I've sent a PM to place of purchase asking for categorical clarification of whether it is a full pro licence or an N licence.

It should list the licensed version on the COA sticker which is required to be attached to all geniune Windows software.

Look also at the licensed version in the registry keys shown here:

click to enlarge

If they list "N" version then change them exactly as shown in the screenshot, then run an in-place Upgrade (Repair Install) with the Pro installer from the desktop, activate afterwards at Control Panel>System.

Bought online so no sticker. Rereading what he wrote he said he had both N and Pro, so I'm waiting for his response as to which one I have. If it is an N licence, then it's a matter of getting that media pack to install. Have I got that right?

I thought the Media Pack refused to install.

Any Genuine Windows software is required by law to carry the COA sticker to prove it is Genuine. Do you have the Product ID and Key? The Product ID can help MS determine if it is Genuine. If it has OEM in the Product ID then it is an OEM verison locked to the mobo once installed.

Got the reply. It is an N version, but the Windows6.1-KB968211-x64-RefreshPkg.msu refuses to install. Says"Not applicable to this version". Puzzled.

Ok, found a precursor package Windows6.1-KB968212-x64-RefreshPkg.msu of 18.5MB which formats for Windows Media, which installed, but even so the other package will still not install. (No install as Admin option available for msu package)

I went into install/Uninstall programs and in "Turn Windows Features On or Off" turned on Windows Media, which has given me Windows Media Player and Windows Media Centre, but PCMarkVantage still refuses to run all tests saying this is because N does not "natively include media player related technologies"