windows 7 starter upgrade options

Can we use a retail windows 7 premium upgrade key or are we restricted to the WAU (windows anytime upgrade) key to unlock the windows 7 Premium features of the 7 Starter edition?

Does this mean that windows 7 starter does not qualify for the retail upgrade to premium?

Tews said:

Check out the Windows7 upgrade path -=> here

Not clear to me. Which line explicitely excludes Starter as a qualifying OS for upgrade?

You can do it by selecting "Custom install" rather than upgrade. It will use the key (if not previously activated) for the version you have (such as Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade).

Good luck.

Jim

I wonder what would happen if I simply entered the premium retail upgrade key in either the Windows Anytime Upgrade window or the Change product key option of the System window? Would this not simply unlock the premium features of the starter edition not requiring a full clean install.

I believe they are separate keys but you can certainly try it. It won't swallow your key like a vending machine.

There should be a way to force a lesser Win7 version to in-place Upgrade to a higher version, perhaps modifying this popular workaround: http://www.unawave.de/installation/d...n.html?lang=EN

You're still paying for the in-place Upgrade, just not able to unlock features.

Jonathan_King said:

I have tried it. I entered a key I got from the student deal and it worked beautifully.

Where did you enter the key? Did you use the "change product key" option or did you use the "get more features with a new edition of windows 7".