Activation issue in Windows 7

So, a few weeks ago I built a desktop for my brother, using a Windows 7 Ultimate disc bought from my university. It installed just fine, no different from any of the other installs I've made with such discs in the past.

However, as time goes by the Windows Activation screen comes up. Apparently the OS thinks it's an upgrade disc and not an install disc (maybe the school switched them out recently, since I've not had any such issue on my other builds). He can't activate by phone since the OS isn't giving him that option. I'm hoping that he can call Microsoft tomorrow or the day after to sort things out.

If they can't help, would it be possible to buy a full copy of a cheaper Windows 7 edition and use the Ultimate's product key to have Ultimate work on his desktop? Or would he be stuck with the other edition of 7? Thanks

 

As long the version of W7 is lower than Ultimate, you can use the Anytime Upgrade. Just the Key in that and it will upgrade in 10 minutes or so.
Can be applied to an unactivated install. (Gray Area to say here)

 

Upgrade disc, OEM disc, Retail disc are all the same. It's the key that matters and defines how the activation works. Back in the days of XP disc mattered, not anymore.

Double-installing an upgrade key should work (install windows once, then upgrade that install).
Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media | Windows 7 content from Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows

 

An upgrade disc would not even properly activate from day 1 if it's not upgrading another OS (or that "upgrade the upgrade" scenario). It would not just suddenly break after some period of time.

Windows 7 will run up to 30 days without a proper key. If you used the generic "get past the key screen" key, you still need to activate with a proper key afterwards.

 

Problem here is if it was activated already your Product Key will not work again. You have only one install and registration and after that no more usage unless it is on the same computer/hardware that it was registered on. Calling MS and they most likely will tell you this as well. Windows 7 Ult or whatever O/S you only get one install not buy once and install many unless you bought a 3 Product Key license for end users. This is their license usage in their fine prints when you buy the O/S.

 

As for upgrade that requires the previous O/S to be installed before a O/S upgrade will work.

 

Thanks everyone. I tried the double-install directions though that didn't work, so in the end I just grabbed a 7 Pro key from Dreamspark and that works just fine.

Sometime later I guess I'll try to see of the Ultimate upgrade key will work in upgrading this to that version. But it's not a big deal if it doesn't.