Accidentally bought the upgrade to Windows 7

[Ragdoll47]

At my college orientation I picked up a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit edition not knowing that it was only the upgrade kit.

I've just finished my new computer build and installed my disk and then was prompted to give the product key.

Of course the product key didn't work, what should I do now?

Also, is it safe to delete the Disk Partition 1: System Reserved? Will that compromise the upgrade disk since I already installed the upgrade version as a new copy (through custom)?

 

[Ragdoll47]

Please need help

 

[Why_Me]

Please need help

Call the vendor...newegg, amazon...whoever and make arraignments to send it back ASAP!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 $99.99 FREE SHIPPING
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

 

[nocheese]

At my college orientation I picked up a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit edition not knowing that it was only the upgrade kit.

I've just finished my new computer build and installed my disk and then was prompted to give the product key.

Of course the product key didn't work, what should I do now?

Also, is it safe to delete the Disk Partition 1: System Reserved? Will that compromise the upgrade disk since I already installed the upgrade version as a new copy (through custom)?

First, don't delete that partition. It's small so its not like you're losing anything by leaving it there and it's there for use by bit-locker should you choose to implement it.

Now to the original issue... The proper (legal and within the terms of the EULA) way to resolve this is to purchase the correct license for your build. That could be done as either A) returning what you have and buying a full version (retail or OEM). or B) but a full version of a prior\qualifying OS (probably at a discount) and now you are licensed to use an upgrade.

On the technical side the way to get around this so you don't have to format and start all over once you've sorted out the license stuff above is to let that build be with no key and don't activate. Now pop the upgrade disc back in, and do an in place upgrade over what you have. Now, since you are in "upgrade" mode, the key on your Win7-ult-Upgrade package will be accepted and activate.