Upgrade Vista Edition With Product Key Change

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Berg
  • Start date Start date
I

Ivan Berg

Hey everyone,

On Vista RC1.

Not realizing the install type was dictated by the Product Key, I used a
Business Edition key to install. After realizing this, and wanting to try
out Ultimate Edition features, I got a MSDN Ultimate key.

The in-place upgrade system seems to want to allow this, but.....

When you change the product key, it says the key wasn't meant for this
version of Vista. And the Live Upgrade stuff isn't currently working, so I
don't even know if it allows this.

Anyone know the solution? A re-install? Would Vista be smart enough on
re-install to not wipe programs and only add new features from Ultimate?

Thanks, Ivan
 
If installing without typing the PID in, a warning-dialogue appears and
tells you that the only solution at this moment is reinstalling when you
install not the right version for your Key.

Microsofts open/public Beta-Keys are always and only for Ultimate.

Only TechBeta Testers and TAP get Keys for other versions.

So.. use Business until the Activation Bomb goess off and then reinstall.
When "Updating" you will find a directory "Windows.old" or something like
that.It contains all personal Documents, but has no working Programs anymore
in it.
 
I assume the Live Upgrade you are referring to is Anytime Upgrade, right?
You could try the the in-place upgrade, by inserting the Windows Vista DVD,
then enter the Ultimate Edition key and see if it presents the option to
upgrade from Business.
 
You sure? I think upgrading to subset versions of Vista should be just as
possible as XP Home to Professional is today.
 
Well, already activated, as that was required to use Anytime Upgrade (yes,
not Live Upgrade, didn't have it in front of me).

My MSDN gives out keys for All versions of Vista: Basic, Premium, Business,
Ultimate, etc.

Ivan
 
Thanks Andre, I tried the in-place upgrade by re-inserting the CD.
Unfortunately, after entering the new product key, the only option available
was custom clean install (upgrade was greyed out).

Since I already had VS2005, Expression, .NET 3.0 SDK and didn't want to
reinstall, this was a no go.

Perhaps the Anytime Upgrade will work, perhaps not, it seems to require a
vendor or store...

Ivan
 
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