Microsoft KB Archive/930374

= Error message when you try to perform a Windows Anytime Upgrade on a Windows Vista-based computer: &quot;The product key you entered cannot be used when installation is started from this edition of Windows&quot; =

Article ID: 930374

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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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

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SYMPTOMS
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.



CAUSE
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:
 * 1) Stop the WAU upgrade process.
 * 2) Activate the version of Windows Vista that you use.
 * 3) Retry the WAU upgrade.

Resolution for cause 2
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
 * 1) Stop the WAU upgrade process.
 * 2) Obtain the correct Digital License Package (DLP) or the correct WAU product key for the upgrade path.
 * 3) Retry the WAU upgrade.

Keywords: kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot KB930374

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