Windows Anytime Upgrade Question

[codyw]

Hi,
I have a question regarding upgrading a Windows 7 OS using a keycard purchased. I purchased a keycard last summer and upgraded my Windows 7 OS from Home Premium to Ultimate using the Windows Anytime Upgrade feature in the Control Panel. How many systems can I use this keycard on? I see no limit anywhere on the card or the small box it came in, and I see nothing about there being a limit in the Windows Help.

I am hoping that I can use it on more than 1 PC because I was recently given an HP Mini (netbook) from a friend and it has Windows 7 Starter on it which has almost no features to it whatsoever.

 

[seavixen32]

Unfortunately, you can only use it on one computer.

If you wish to upgrade another computer and still use the one that you've upgraded, then I'm afraid you'll need to buy another product key.

However, you can use your existing upgrade product key on another computer if you uninstall it from the original computer.

I agree that Windows Starter is an abomination. Your cheapest way would be an anytime upgrade to Home Premium.

 

[codyw]

Darn. Welp, thanks for your advice. I guess it's time to dig out some more money.

 

[NoN]

Might be tricky to upgrade directly from Starter to Ultimate on a HP Netbook, unless it does have support for it.

 

[bobkn]

I am hoping that I can use it on more than 1 PC because I was recently given an HP Mini (netbook) from a friend and it has Windows 7 Starter on it which has almost no features to it whatsoever.

Does the Netbook have enough stuff (RAM, in particular) to support Home Premium? Graphics that can do Aero Glass?

Starter was intended for seriously stripped-down hardware.

 

[NoN]

You can also have a look at Windows Anytime Upgrade FAQ

 

[codyw]

It has 1 GB of RAM, 215 GB hard drive. Will Home Premium be supported under these conditions?

 

[seavixen32]

It has 1 GB of RAM, 215 GB hard drive. Will Home Premium be supported under these conditions?

Windows 7 system requirements: Windows 7 system requirements - Microsoft Windows

You will probably be light in the graphics department.

 

[codyw]

By the looks of that webpage, it looks like it meets the requirements. I just can't believe that Microsoft would even make such a Windows product (Starter) that has almost no functionality whatsoever. Wow!

 

[NoN]

By the looks of that webpage, it looks like it meets the requirements. I just can't believe that Microsoft would even make such a Windows product (Starter) that has almost no functionality whatsoever. Wow!

You still can run that Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor...
You surely will have in the future upgrading that Ram from 1Gb to 2Gb...

 

[codyw]

I never thought about running the advisor. I'll have to do that. As far as upgrading the RAM, I unfortunately can't because this netbook has everything built inside with the exception of the battery. I'd probably have to send it to HP to upgrade the memory. Without upgrading the memory, and upgrading to Home Premium, would I run into any problems per se?

 

[gregrocker]

Be sure to save a Win7 backup image externally before Upgrading so you have a path back. Then save another Ultimate image after upgrade to use in place of reinstalls.
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

 

[codyw]

I will have to do that. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Erikbe]

run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows to know for sure if that computer can run windows 7 and a windows anytime upgrade key can only be used on 1 computer if you want to upgrade another you are required to buy another key.

 

[codyw]

I ran the advisor this afternoon and it is able to be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate using the Windows Anytime Upgrade feature. I almost have enough money together to buy the upgrade to Home Premium. I'm glad it's able to be upgraded - I like a lot of features and right now, it lacks a lot of features.

 

[seavixen32]

Home Premium should be fine for you providing you don't need to connect to a domain on a network, otherwise you'd need Professional.

Do take notice of Greg's advice to make sure you have an image backup in case you run into problems.

 

[codyw]

I am currently scanning the PC with my Kaspersky security product before I do a backup image. I agree with doing a backup image since it doesn't have a CD drive and if something happens to the OS it would be easily recoverable.

 

[NoN]

I never thought about running the advisor. I'll have to do that. As far as upgrading the RAM, I unfortunately can't because this netbook has everything built inside with the exception of the battery. I'd probably have to send it to HP to upgrade the memory. Without upgrading the memory, and upgrading to Home Premium, would I run into any problems per se?

There must be a way for you without sending the netbook to HP, upgrading Ram...I'm surprise that you can't have any access under the netbook. Maybe look closer how it is made the back.
Also look first before upgrading to Home Premium, that it is possible to upgrade the Ram on HP site for the Technical Specs. Otherwise it will be very difficult to for you with the Windows Aero Theme

 

[codyw]

I'll do that.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd first look at Performance Monitor after installing a WIn7 test install to a partition. If you have a weak processor like Atom or Celeron you don't need to upgrade RAM beyond the processor's reach anyway. Just make sure RAM is not pegging during your multi-tasking uses.

My beach rig for years now is an old HP laptop with 1gb RAM and weak Celeron that runs fast and never hangs. But I maintain a perfect install and don't do video editing.