Knowledge Base

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"

Article ID: 930374

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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

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

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