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Article ID: 930374 - Last Review: March 15, 2007 - Revision: 1.3
Error message when you try to perform a Windows Anytime Upgrade on a Windows Vista-based computer: "The product key you entered cannot be used when installation is started from this edition of Windows"
When you try to perform a Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) upgrade by using the WAU product key on a Windows Vista-based computer, you receive an error message that resembles the following:
The product key you entered cannot be used when installation is started from this edition of Windows.
This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:
- Cause 1: You try to perform the WAU upgrade on a version of Windows Vista that is not activated.
- Cause 2: You try to perform the WAU upgrade by using a non-compliant WAU product key. For example, you use a Windows Vista Business to Windows Vista Ultimate WAU product key to perform the WAU upgrade from Windows Vista Home Basic to Windows Vista Ultimate.
Resolution for cause 1
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
- Stop the WAU upgrade process.
- Activate the version of Windows Vista that you use.
- Retry the WAU upgrade.
Resolution for cause 2
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
- Stop the WAU upgrade process.
- Obtain the correct Digital License Package (DLP) or the correct WAU product key for the upgrade path.
- Retry the WAU upgrade.
APPLIES TO
- Windows Vista Ultimate
- Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Business N 64-bit Edition
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
- Windows Vista Home Basic
- Windows Vista Home Basic N 64-bit Edition
- Windows Vista Starter
| kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot KB930374 |
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