Changing win 7 versions with product key?

[msalton1]

I'm staying with win 7. Given Win 7's EOL, I've built a few new machines to get me though. I've several systems here with Win 7 versions HP, Pro and Ultimate.


One machine I just built and installed win 7 pro. I plan on re-purposing the old machine but will need its pro key for the just built Win 7 pro machine. I'd like to use an Ultimate key for the old machine.


Can I upgrade an existing Win 7 pro install to Ultimate by changing the product key? Will there be issues?

 

[SIW2]

Type anytime in start search box.

Put the ult key into windows anytime upgrade.

It will run for a minute and claim to have failed.

Retart and the upgrade completes.

Then enter the Ult key in the usual way.

 

[msalton1]

Type anytime in start search box.

Put the ult key into windows anytime upgrade.

It will run for a minute and claim to have failed.

Retart and the upgrade completes.

Then enter the Ult key in the usual way.

Thanks. The 'failed' part is good to know. That would have thrown me.


I haven't put the product key into the machine in question as of yet (but installed from a Pro disc). Would it be correct to assume I'll need to activate with a pro key first, then change it to the Ultimate?


Also, I assume that I'm able to downgrade a machine to HP if needed?

 

[SIW2]

I'll need to activate with a pro key first, then change it to the Ultimate?

To use anytime upgrade (which is the quickest way ), yes as far as I know. But I haven't tried it on unactivated windows. It might work. Try it and see

There are also other ways to change edition.

If you haven't activated it yet, is there any reason why you don't just format the partition and install Ultimate?
That would take a little longer though.

Also, I assume that I'm able to downgrade a machine to HP if needed?

To go down editions needs some minor registry changes and then run a repair install.
Example - To go from Ult down to Pro
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
Change the EditionID to Professional
Change the ProductName to Windows 7 Professional

Then you can run repair install to end up with Pro. ( need to enter Pro license key after)

There is a little program that will do the reg changes for you View attachment updown8_v1.5.rar

Repair Install

 

[msalton1]

To use anytime upgrade (which is the quickest way ), yes as far as I know. But I haven't tried it on unactivated windows. It might work. Try it and see

There are also other ways to change edition.

If you haven't activated it yet, is there any reason why you don't just format the partition and install Ultimate?
That would take a little longer though.

I guess there really isn't. I have a start on setting the machine up to suit me purposes, but it shouldn't take too long to start over.



To go down editions needs some minor registry changes and then run a repair install.
Example - To go from Ult down to Pro
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
Change the EditionID to Professional
Change the ProductName to Windows 7 Professional

Then you can run repair install to end up with Pro. ( need to enter Pro license key after)

There is a little program that will do the reg changes for you View attachment 410827

Repair Install

Thanks...I appreciate the information. I hope to avoid this with other machines by thinking it through first. Some will be 'decommissioned' and others recommissioned.

 

[torchwood]

Hi

Did something like this couple of months ago, was testing for something else.

Just did a vanilla install of Seven Home, NO product key therefor unactivated
Hit the anytime feature option in control panel, and as SIW2 said it Failed - No it didnt
(upgraded to Ultimate)

All data was carried over no need to repair install
The W7 Iso's contain ALL editions features and are enable by the type of product key used


Roy

 

[SIW2]

I think the fail message maybe that it can no longer activate via the anytime upgrade ( because MS are no longer running it).
Nevertheless the upgrade continues, and subsequently accepts the key. It is a very quick and easy way to go up editions.

I discovered it quite a while back. Saved having to sysprep and upgrade offline.

 

[msalton1]

I just went ahead and installed Ultimate, as SIW2 suggested. I wasn't very far into the system setup (drivers and apps) anyway, it just seemed easier to avoid any potential complications.