SOLVED Windows Anytime Upgrade Does Not Work

[Mayonati]

Hi all,

I have a problem. I just bought a brand new laptop from Alienware, it's an M17x supplied with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit - I assume it's a bulk key or something since it's essentially from Dell.

As I say, I ordered it with Home Premium and then decided to upgrade to Ultimate, so I ordered this item from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002M78BPK/ref=oss_product

Which is the Windows 7 Ultimate Anytime Upgrade (I assume it works for 32 and 64 bit since no mention is made anywhere in the description). The item is a genuine, sealed item direct from Amazon and the preinstalled OS is from Dell so I asusme that it is all legal.

However, upon trying to run the Windows Anytime Upgrade tool, I get the following error:

"Windows Anytime Upgrade was not successful. ... The upgrade was not successful. Please try the upgrade again". The first time I ran the tool it asked for the serial key, and each time after that it just "knew" the key and kept trying to upgrade, but it was not able to. I have followed several steps including rebooting to safe mode, reactivating Windows Home Premium, and changing the serial key manually using slui.exe and slmgr.vbs commands - nothing worked.

I also tried activating through My Computer properties > Change Product Key, and I was presented with this error:

Invalid Product Key
The product key you have entered will not work with this version of Windows 7.
You must either run Windows 7 setup or enter a Windows 7 Home Premium product key

It seems a bit silly that I would have to format and reinstall just to upgrade, and more to the point I don't think I *would* be able to do that as this is just an Anytime Upgrade key.

I have attached the outputs from the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool (1.9.0027.0) and also the upgrade logs from %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Anytime Upgrade\

Any advice is appreciated greatly - I just hope I haven't wasted £100!

Regards,

James



MGADT
Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-2CV9D-2B2RJ-3R4H9
Windows Product Key Hash: kx5ahSuWIq87AlB/Xp68K1bEOkM=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-9817406-79750
Windows Product ID Type: 8
Windows License Type: COA SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {ABD1EBF7-DA64-4B50-AE2A-EF41CCE141A2}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110408-1631
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{ABD1EBF7-DA64-4B50-AE2A-EF41CCE141A2}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-3R4H9</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-9817406-79750</PID><PIDType>8</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-496292981-2545973583-3325081220</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Alienware</Manufacturer><Model>M17xR3</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Alienware</Manufacturer><Version>A04</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="7"/><Date>20110328000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>A1173007018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>ALWARE</OEMID><OEMTableID>ALIENWRE</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0030-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>7480B9502DF0D86</Val><Hash>oYWOW5ayFE3pZ+jvTpuXYsY64JE=</Hash><Pid>89388-707-8722531-65336</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="A1" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="BA" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_COA_SLP channel
Activation ID: 5e017a8a-f3f9-4167-b1bd-ba3e236a4d8f
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00196-174-079750-02-2057-7601.0000-1832011
Installation ID: 000456175032054365161974495236378613959354237381684720
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 3R4H9
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 2
Trusted time: 02/07/2011 16:10:40

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:2:2011 06:04
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MgAAAAEAAAABAAIAAQACAAAAAwABAAEAln204yBcrNqc9wb7RKNiPTyK3AZ8+kwpLnM=

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name OEMID Value OEMTableID Value
APIC ALWARE ALIENWRE
FACP ALWARE ALIENWRE
HPET ALWARE ALIENWRE
BOOT ALWARE ALIENWRE
MCFG ALWARE ALIENWRE
SLIC ALWARE ALIENWRE
OSFR ALWARE ALIENWRE
ASF! ALWARE ALIENWRE
SSDT INSYDE INSYDE
ASPT ALWARE ALIENWRE
SSDT INSYDE INSYDE
SSDT INSYDE INSYDE
DMAR ALWARE ALIENWRE
SSDT INSYDE INSYDE
WDTT ALWARE ALIENWRE






Windows Anytime Upgrade Log:

2011-07-02 16:30:11, Info WAU WindowsAnytimeUpgradeUI.exe started
2011-07-02 16:30:11, Info WAU An internet connection is available.
2011-07-02 16:30:11, Info WAU Found existing product key in registry. WAU is advancing straight to the verification page.
2011-07-02 16:30:11, Info WAU Verify page created successfully.
2011-07-02 16:30:18, Info WAU EULA page created successfully.
2011-07-02 16:30:22, Info WAU Confirm page created successfully.
2011-07-02 16:30:23, Info WAU Progress page created successfully.
2011-07-02 16:30:23, Info WAU WindowsAnytimeUpgrade.exe is starting.
2011-07-02 16:31:00, Error WAU DoTransmogrify failed due to error 0x800f0905.
2011-07-02 16:31:00, Error WAU UpgradeSKU failed. Exiting.
2011-07-02 16:31:00, Error WAU Windows Anytime Upgrade was not successful
2011-07-02 16:31:00, Error WAU The upgrade was not successful. Please try the upgrade again.
2011-07-02 16:31:00, Info WAU WAUError page created successfully.
2011-07-02 16:31:07, Info WAU windowsAnytimeUpgradeUI.exe is exiting.


-----
Upgrade_dism.log (Too long to post so I have uploaded it to my server):
http://www.hampshirepc.com/Upgrade_dism.log

 

[soulfly1448]

It could be an issue that I had recently. Some Windows files were corrupted or missing. You may try using the update readiness tool found here . It can fix some issues that keep the upgrade from working. However, it may not be able to fix the issue as it can only do so much. You may have to run the repair console from the Windows disc.

Try the update tool and see if it helps, repair if it doesn't. Hopefully that will solve your issue. Good luck.

 

[Randyman...]

Can you try to re-activate W7 by entering the License-Key on the COA label itself? IIRC, sometimes the OEM images don't actually use the Locense-Key from the actual COA on that machine. It might not alow you to upgrade from the "pre-install activation" (or whatever it is called) that OEM's tend to use?

All I got...

 

[Mayonati]

Hi,

I did run the readiness tool before - I just ran it again but no luck sadly. Tried Safe Mode again to no avail. I also reactivated Windows again Randyman, no luck there either unfortunately. I'm just backing up now (as I spent hours setting it all up only to find that the upgrade didn't work!) in preparation for a repair install / etc, I'll keep you all updated!

Thanks for the advice!

 

[TiZakit]

I'd call MS support. I've called them a few times and they were always able to resolve this kind of issue. Took me about 20 min to get to the right guy, but after that it was zing zing zing.

Basically, they have the ability to force upgrades / activation.

 

[G33K454URU5 R3X]

I've never encountered that error before. That being said, a quick search on the World Wide Knowledge Base (Google) has MS MVP's recommending you call Microsoft for support.

 

[Mayonati]

Just finished backing up now, about to try a repair install thingy.

Sadly I can't call support as it is only supplied with contact numbers in the US and Canada, and I am in the UK. Anyone know if there is a UK contact number for this specific issue?

 

[SteveLord]

Curious....why did you need to upgrade to Ultimate?

 

[G33K454URU5 R3X]

Just finished backing up now, about to try a repair install thingy.

Sadly I can't call support as it is only supplied with contact numbers in the US and Canada, and I am in the UK. Anyone know if there is a UK contact number for this specific issue?

Try 0870 50 10 100 or 0844 800 2400

 

[Mayonati]

Tried a repair install, no luck since the supplied OEM disk never gives an option to enter a key or install anything other than Home Premium.

I called both of those numbers and a couple of others. All of Microft's activation lines are just automated things that ask for some kind of key that I don't have (not the product key; I forget the name) and their technical support line "if you have a PC that is already installed with an operating system" just tells me to contact the manufacturer. They just told me to contact Microsoft, or return the item to Amazon for a refund >_<.

I'm starting to think maybe I should just format and reinstall from scratch, however the disk they have supplied is no good as it never gives me a chance to upgrade to Ultimate. Is there somewhere I can get a (legal) Windows disk that will install Ultimate and give me a chance to use my Anytime Upgrade key? Bear in mind that (AFAIK) you have to have a previous O/S to use anytime upgrade.

Bleh, this is all way more hassle than it should be for something so simple :/.

 

[TiZakit]

There is no such disk. As you said, the OS needs to be installed first.

You never answered why you need ultimate either. Just attempting to waste money?

 

[eli]

There is no such disk. As you said, the OS needs to be installed first.

You never answered why you need ultimate either. Just attempting to waste money?

The reasoning behind going to ultimate isn't necessary. The OP bought his upgrade. Said and done. Why does he need to justify his purchase?

Who are we to tell someone is wasting their money?

 

[shadowdr]

A few things to try if you fully backed up everything. I would run the Files and Settings tranfer Wizard to an external drive first.
Run sfc /scannow from command prompt and retry upgrade if any errors are found.
Use the system restore function to earlier dates and retry upgrade.
Last resort, restore to factory state and retry.
Considering that you also have a valid office installation, that is as far as I would go.

 

[TiZakit]

I'm saying perhaps he doesn't realize that he doesn't need any of the features and can just attempt to return it.

 

[JumpingTheGun]

Hey Mayonati not sure if you are still having trouble or not but just thought I'd throw my 2 cents out there! Sorry if you already know/have done this.

It seems to me from what you've said that you are jumping the gun and getting frustrated and giving up too soon! The key you purchased is your upgrade key, you can't install, only upgrade, a version of windows with that key. And your OEM disk for your computer won't have an option to install Ultimate because it's all contained in the same disk, and since that disk is intended to install Home Premium with the product key locked in, there is no option.

So what you need to do is either repair or reinstall Home Premium with your disc. Then after the install is complete do the anytime upgrade with the upgrade key you have purchased.

Also, if it is still not working for you I would just contact Microsoft and they can help you get the right files you need to upgrade or send you a Windows Anytime Upgrade DVD if you pay shipping and handling.

 

[Mayonati]

TiZakit - there were features such as the user accounts MMC and advanced security and networking features that I needed that were not in Home Premium.

shadowdr - Unfortunately I have already tried all of those things in terms of restores and scanning, as well as with third party apps, no luck sadly.

JumpingTheGun - I did try a fresh install with Home Premium and using the upgrade key - it always gave an error. I also tried reinstalling and installing all updates and then upgrading - same problem. I even tried a cracked Windows disk and jumped through various hoops to disable the activation cracks and inserted the upgrade key - still nothing.

In the end I had to just buy a full retail version of Windows 7 Ultimate. I couldn't even restore my backup of the Home premium installed HDD (I was going to copy that back and install the new Ultimate as an upgrade over the top) so I've had to start from scratch and waste two day's worth of solid installing and configuring the new PC .


So, the moral of the story is - if you want to buy an Alienware laptop, if you want it with Ultimate then buy it WITH that from Dell, or just be happy with Home Premium, because you cannot upgrade!