Error message when you try to perform a Windows Anytime Upgrade on a Windows Vista-based computer: "The product key you entered cannot be used when installation is started from this edition of Windows"

When you try to perform a Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) upgrade by using the WAU product key on a Windows Vista-based computer, you receive an error message that resembles the following:

This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:

• Cause 1: You try to perform the WAU upgrade on a version of Windows Vista that is not activated.
• Cause 2: You try to perform the WAU upgrade by using a non-compliant WAU product key. For example, you use a Windows Vista Business to Windows Vista Ultimate WAU product key to perform the WAU upgrade from Windows Vista Home Basic to Windows Vista Ultimate.

Resolution for cause 1

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Stop the WAU upgrade process.
2. Activate the version of Windows Vista that you use.
3. Retry the WAU upgrade.

Resolution for cause 2

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Stop the WAU upgrade process.
2. Obtain the correct Digital License Package (DLP) or the correct WAU product key for the upgrade path.
3. Retry the WAU upgrade.