Dell XPS 15 - Upgrading Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional

Question

Hi!

I have a Dell XPS 15 with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM installed. I just got Windows 7 Professional 64-bit from MSDNAA service and I tried to upgrade my current operating system.

When I start the installation disk, it said:

To upgrade from one edition of Windows 7 to another edition of Windows 7, use Windows Anytime Upgrade. Cancel the upgrade, open the Start menu, and search for Windows Anytime Upgrade.

So I opened Windows Anytime Upgrade and input the Product Key, everything is going well so far but then it shows this message:

"The upgrade key you entered is for an edition of Windows that does not work with Windows Anytime Upgrade. Enter a different upgrade key."

It seems that the product key from MSDNAA might not compatible with WAU. Is there anyway I can upgrade my Windows without doing a clean installation?

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

The Dell Factory Restore may not (probably won't) work after installing via DVD.

Follow my guide below a clean install of Windows 7, for best results.

Should you need to go back to Windows 7 Home Premium (follow my guide using the Windows 7 Home Premium Disc supplied with your system or one of the retail .isos with your COA and phone activation).

With any luck the Dell Media will be downloadable at some point (it is Under Review in Dell IdeaStorm: Ideas in Action Update October 2011) however I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

If you are from the U.S. you may request the BackUp Discs here. You will need to call Technical Support in other countries. Do so while you are still under warranty to avoid any hassles.

ejn63 · Answer

The OEM copy of Windows can't be used as a base for an Anytime Upgrade -- so, the answer is no.

DaGhost412 · Answer

Thank you. Guess I'll have to re-install everything then.

I have one more question: there's a drive called Recovery (which is associated with system restore and already there when I first use the laptop). If I try to format and install Windows 7 Professional, will the Recovery drive gone?

speedstep · Answer

'The OEM copy of Windows can't be used as a base for an Anytime Upgrade -- so, the answer is no.' Actually that's not true.  However you cannot use the MSDN Academic Alliance version.   Windows Anytime Upgrade is only available for online purchase in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. OEM and Retail copies of windows can use windows Anytime upgrade but Not Academic, MSDN,  versions. Windows Anytime Upgrade Already running Windows 7? Move up to another edition and do more with your PC. Learn more Do more with your PC In as few as 10 minutes, you can turn your netbook into a mini-entertainment center or give your laptop the ability to join a domain. With Windows Anytime Upgrade, you can add new features to Windows 7 and do more with your PC. It’s easy, quick, and you’ll keep your programs, files, and settings. All you have to do is buy an upgrade key from Microsoft or a local retail store to unlock those shiny new features. Windows Anytime Upgrade will walk you through the upgrade process step by step. To learn more, see Windows Anytime Upgrade: frequently asked questions. Windows Anytime Upgrade choices If you're running: Upgrade to Home Premium Upgrade to Professional Upgrade to Ultimate Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional   Getting started Decide whether you want to purchase the upgrade online or to go to a local retail store to buy a Windows Anytime Upgrade key. Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It can help you determine which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your PC. On your PC, open Windows Anytime Upgrade by clicking the Start button, typing Windows Anytime Upgrade in the search box, and then clicking Windows Anytime Upgrade in the list of results. Follow the instructions on the screen for online purchases or follow the instructions that came with your upgrade key. Notes You can use Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 to a 32-bit version of Windows 7 and from a 64-bit version of Windows 7 to a 64-bit version of Windows 7, but you can’t upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa. Windows Anytime Upgrade is only available for online purchase in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Windows Anytime Upgrade isn’t available in all editions of Windows 7. If the upgrade key is not inside the Windows Anytime Upgrade upgrade key card package, review the package instructions. You might need to first retrieve your upgrade key. More to explore Check out top features Watch videos Compare editions Review system requirements 32-bit vs 64-bit Upgrade from Windows Vista or Windows XP