Solved Windows upgrade starter to premium current key not valid for upgrade

[curiouscat]

I have got myself into a bit of a mess.

I installed my version of windows starter on my mom's PC which was previously running vista. To see if it improved the performance or if the laptop itself was rubbish. It did so I purchased an upgrade to windows home premium. When I enter the upgrade key it says I need the current key is invalid for upgrade and that I need to phone a number. Does this mean the software I brought is useless. I didn't want to buy a disc as I had read that using a upgrade key meant everything was kept. Is there anyway I can use the software I've brought. The computer recognises the key as an upgrade one.


Thanks.

 

[theog]

I installed my version of windows starter on my mom's PC which was previously running vista.

You can not use the Windows Starter from your Notebook on your mother PC.
Doing so would be a invalid upgrade.

 

[curiouscat]

So would purchasing a new upgrade key work from where we are? I don't want to reinstall vista

 

[Slartybart]

See: Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

theog is correct, the starter is invalid upgrade path (illegal copy)

But since you have purchased an upgrade, the best thing to do is call MS and explain your situation. The number should be available at install time
or see if this points you in the right direction: Activating Windows: frequently asked questions

 

[theog]

It did so I purchased an upgrade to windows home premium.

As you have the Upgrade from lower Windows 7 version to home premium, you need to buy the upgrade from Win XP/Vista to Windows 7 home premium which comes with DVD.

 

[Slartybart]

Good point theog, I completely missed what upgrade it was that OP had purchased.

As you have the Upgrade from lower Windows 7 version to home premium, you need to buy the upgrade from Win XP/Vista to Windows 7 home premium which comes with DVD.

 

[theog]

You are welcome.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you buy a Home Premium Upgrade key?

If so Clean Install Windows 7 with the Home Premium installer which you can download from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and burn to disk or write to bootable flash stick with the tool also provided.

Boot the installer, if any OS is on the HD the installer will see and allow use of Upgrade key during install. If not leave the key blank and afterwards do the quick workaround shown in Option 3 of Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate with an Upgrade version key on a cleaned or new HD.

 

[curiouscat]

Thanks all.

 

[theog]

It did so I purchased an upgrade to windows home premium.

As you have the Upgrade from lower Windows 7 version to home premium, you need to buy the upgrade from Win XP/Vista to Windows 7 home premium which comes with DVD.

Did you buy a Home Premium Upgrade key?

If so Clean Install Windows 7 with the Home Premium installer which you can download from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and burn to disk or write to bootable flash stick with the tool also provided.

Boot the installer, if any OS is on the HD the installer will see and allow use of Upgrade key during install. If not leave the key blank and afterwards do the quick workaround shown in Option 3 of Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate with an Upgrade version key on a cleaned or new HD.

You need to install a Lower version first & Activate, or product key will be invalid.

 

[gregrocker]

Only if Anytime Upgrade is being used to upgrade to the higher version. Normal retail will allow use of retail Upgrade key if any OS is seen on the HD when installer is booted.