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Resolved Question

Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10

Mar 9, 2017 11:16AM PST

I currently am running Windows 7 Pro on my desktop computer. This is a computer that was at my office but now I own it. I would like to upgrade to a valid Windows 10 program, but when I try to install a Windows 10 Home disc that I purchased at Amazon, Microsoft wants me to to put in a product key. Unfortunately, my product key comes up not valid...I know that but how do I go forward putting this new software I just paid for on my hard drive.
I purchased a Win home 10 64 bit DVD version 1607. Looking for some answers...Thanks

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pfbrennan has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Your Windows 7. What is INVALID?
Mar 9, 2017 2:15PM PST

Please tell. I've run across this and you can't fresh install W10 with a W7 Key. Again, we must UPGRADE the W7 to W10. And using the method I linked about it is FREE.

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Answer
While I question why I would buy a Windows 10 DVD.
Mar 9, 2017 11:23AM PST

Post was last edited on March 9, 2017 12:08 PM PST

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Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10
Mar 9, 2017 2:15PM PST

R. Proffitt thank you for your reply...Thanks for the info on upgrading a Windows 7 Pro to a Windows 10 Pro...I did not know about that. Problem is I will still need a valid product key before I can upgrade, so either way I'll have to pay for a valid product key....I believe my best bet is to purchase a product key from MS and install it on my computer and then I can do the free upgrade you talk about, unless MS has a new Windows 10 Pro product that I can install that comes with it's own new product key...MS will not be cheated out of their license fee.....nor should they....Do you know if I can get a disc with a valid product key that will allow me to upgrade and not do a new install?...I don't want to lose any files during this...Thanks....

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I still wonder what is invalid.
Mar 9, 2017 2:22PM PST

I've had that message from others and they are typing the key into some web site and getting the message. I toss them my USB key and they upgrade, Windows 10 activates and we all wonder what was the problem.

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Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10
Mar 9, 2017 2:37PM PST

R. Proffitt....I, of course, have a product key for my existing Windows 7 Pro but when I put the key into the area Microsoft wants it says it's invalid....I'm assuming it's because my computer used to be part of a network at my office and perhaps the administrator got a "deal" on all the computers in the facility and once you take a computer out of that office pool, the key becomes invalid...That's the only thing I can think of as to why the key is not accepted by MS....I'd love to upgrade according to your last reply, and I tried it...They state that I must first validate my existing Windows 7 before I can upgrade to Windows 10....I'm not sure how you're sidestepping that requirement....

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you are right
Mar 9, 2017 2:41PM PST

you are right about the key being invalid if enterprise or some other license was used. most company computers are still shipped the a regular oem license and it is replaced with the company own version. did you check the computer case to see if there is a sticker with a key?

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Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10
Mar 9, 2017 2:51PM PST

Unfortunately, for me there is no sticker...bah humbug....

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That method will fail.
Mar 9, 2017 3:11PM PST

You have to use the accessibility upgrade method unless you want to contribute a little over 100 bucks to Microsoft.

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Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10
Mar 9, 2017 6:20PM PST

I will give it a try...You seem very positive about it....So, it's worth some time to check out...Will pick this up tomorrow, since I'm now at work. Thanks for your help on this R. Proffitt....

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Answer
give link to amazon
Mar 9, 2017 12:06PM PST

did you purchased an upgrade version or oem/system builders version? the cheapest would be oem/system builders and if you went that route, then it would be invalid.

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Upgrading from a non-valid Windows 7 to a valid Windows 10
Mar 9, 2017 2:07PM PST

renegade600 Thanks for your reply...Yes, you are correct. I see that now...The fact you needed a valid product key for your existing Windows installation prior to installing the OEM disc was not apparent when I purchased the OEM version...I thought a new product key would come with the disc. It did not....I am returning the product to Amazon.

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if you have invalid win7
Mar 9, 2017 2:35PM PST

the only version you would be eligible for is the full retail version - expensive Sad maybe try linux mint - its free Happy sorry could not resist.

you can check with the computer manufacturer and see if they still have restore disks for your computer model. then you can upgrade from there.