Using Windows 7 Professional key for Ultimate?

[maxboost]

So whats the correct answer? Can i use the key on the bottom of my x201 for a copy of Ultimate 64bit?
My thinkpad came with professional 32 bit.

Im hearing 2 sides to this.. some say yes, some say no...

[Harryc]

The answer is no. The COA key on the bottom of the laptop will only activate the same version of W7 that came installed on the laptop.

[penartur]

So whats the correct answer? Can i use the key on the bottom of my x201 for a copy of Ultimate 64bit?
My thinkpad came with professional 32 bit.

Im hearing 2 sides to this.. some say yes, some say no...

Nobody said yes. You can install honestly-purchased Ultimate using the Ultimate key that came with your Ultimate purchase, or you can install cracked version of Ultimate without entering any key, or you can install Professional using the Professional key.
It's like you've got a gift voucher on, let's say, ipod shuffle. You can get ipod shuffle for free using that voucher, or you can purchase or steal an ipod touch, but you cannot get ipod touch for free using that voucher.

[jvarszegi]

What they said.

One good thing about Windows 7 compared to previous versions, though, is that you can upgrade in place, IIRC without even needing to download anything new; the Windows 7 installation (at least for Home and Professional, not sure about Starter) is the full version with some features turned off. This will let you delay purchase of Ultimate if you wish; in any event you are always free to install Pro with the key on the bottom of your laptop. HTH

[penartur]

What they said.

One good thing about Windows 7 compared to previous versions, though, is that you can upgrade in place, IIRC without even needing to download anything new; the Windows 7 installation (at least for Home and Professional, not sure about Starter) is the full version with some features turned off. This will let you delay purchase of Ultimate if you wish; in any event you are always free to install Pro with the key on the bottom of your laptop. HTH

The same thing with Vista, it is called Windows Anytime Upgrade.
However, AFAIK, such an upgrade costs similarly to OEM installation pack in retail store.

[jvarszegi]

He's got to buy a key if he wants to upgrade. He can do it now or later. In any event he can simply install Pro.

[tannerj]

They actually have anytime upgrade key cards you can buy (or by from MS directly through the anytime upgrade program on your pc). While still not uber-cheap, they're cheaper then the upgrade cd editions....
Starter->Home Premium $80
Home Premium->Pro $90
Pro->Ultimate $140

..from what i recall at work. Just install pro if it's not there already, and run anytime upgrade. takes minutes.

[penartur]

Starter->Home Premium $80
Home Premium->Pro $90
Pro->Ultimate $140

And our local prices on OEM distros are:
Starter $50
Home Basic $70 ($100 box)
Home Premium $105 ($150 box)
Professional $140 ($230 box)
Ultimate $210 ($330 box).
Meanwhile, the same store sells HP->Pro anytime upgrade box for $110. While it could be reasonable for people that are purchasing retail edition, these upgrade options seems to be useless. Why would i pay $110 to replace my Home Premium license with Professional, while i can pay $140 and get both Home Premium and Professional?