Microsoft KB Archive/930373

Knowledge Base

Error message when you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista by using a Windows Anytime Upgrade product key: "The following failure occurred while trying to use the product key: Code: 0xC004F061"

Article ID: 930373

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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APPLIES TO

• 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 activate a copy of Windows Vista by using a Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) product key, you receive an error message that resembles the following:

The following failure occurred while trying to use the product key:

Code:
0xC004F061

Description:
The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:

• Condition 1: You insert the Windows Vista DVD in the DVD drive and then restart the computer. Then, you try to install Windows Vista by using the WAU product key.
• Condition 2: The Windows Vista setup component determines that the WAU product key is not valid.

RESOLUTION

Resolution for condition 1

To resolve this problem, perform the WAU upgrade only after you log on to the Windows Vista-based computer.

Resolution for condition 2

To resolve this problem, use a Full Package Product (FPP) product key for a clean installation of Windows Vista.

MORE INFORMATION

The Windows Vista installation process is now WAU-specific and is performed from a setup component. If you use a WAU product key during Windows Vista setup, a compliant version of Windows Vista must already be present on the computer.

Keywords: kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot KB930373

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