installation/upgrade fails

[dougmc]

I have a netbook that came with the starter edition. I am trying to install the pro edition over it. The install dies and tells me I cannot install it and I need to select Windows Anytime Upgrade instead. However, that will not accept my license key from my pro edition. Am I stuck with a disk I cannot use now?
One of the install choices was to do a clean install and lose all of my files, applications, and settings. Is that my only choice?

 

[gregrocker]

This is because you are trying to in-place Upgrade, running the DVD from Starter. If you boot the Win7 DVD to clean install you would not have that error.

If you need to in-place Upgrade from Starter to Pro to preserve factory programs or utiltiies, MS wants you to use Anytime Upgrade. You may have found a limitation on which retail keys can be used.

There is a workaround to change between versions in Win7 by tricking the installer into thinking it is doing an alway-allowed same version Repair Install. I can provide it if you want.

 

[dougmc]

yes, I would really appreciate the workaround

 

[gregrocker]

This has worked very well for many users going up or down between all versions, however I don't remember it being used on Starter. So save externally a Win7 backup image of your current install in case you need a path back.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/697-system-restore-point-create.html, then change the registry keys shown to read exactly as they are typed:

Next Open your Win7 Pro DVD in Computer, rightclick Setup to Run as Adminstrator, have it stay connected to the internet during install (to get latest drivers, updates into installer) then let it scan for any conflicts. If it will run the Upgrade "Repair" install all programs, files and settings will be kept in place. You will have to reactivate at Computer>Propeties with your Pro key.

 

[dougmc]

thanks

Thanks for the procedure, I will give it a try right now.

 

[XweAponX]

This is because you are trying to in-place Upgrade, running the DVD from Starter. If you boot the Win7 DVD to clean install you would not have that error.

If you need to in-place Upgrade from Starter to Pro to preserve factory programs or utiltiies, MS wants you to use Anytime Upgrade. You may have found a limitation on which retail keys can be used.

There is a workaround to change between versions in Win7 by tricking the installer into thinking it is doing an alway-allowed same version Repair Install. I can provide it if you want.

Sorry to bump an old thread, but what it the IN-PLACE INSTALL Fails: It will go through the initial steps, and then it copies the windows files over. But then when the actual INSTALL process is supposed to start, it fails. If you have any idea what is causing this, PM me, thanx.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you using an installer with SP1, if Win7 also has SP1?

What error are you getting if any?

Start your own thread as this one is unrelated.