Hi, I have difficulty installing Windows SP1, IE9 and the XP compatibility pack (virtual PC). In all cases I get an error message that I do not have the appropriate version of windows. I am running the retail version 7600, according to winver. I have not installed any RC1 or beta version of SP1. I have run SFC and the update readiness tool, and neither found any problems. I have uploaded the log files here: http://cid-2c385afd449f914e.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?resid=2C385AFD449F914E!106

yes, it is authenticated. Bottom right has the blue 'ask for genuine Microsoft software" logo. I used the windows validation tool and it tells me my copy is `genuine' I installed windows by downloading the ISO off the web and using the serial key that came with the boxed version that I purchased (as I do not have a DVD drive) Also, I get this problem in both my laptop AND my desktop computer

Have you activated your Win 7? http://blogs.technet.com/b/tnforum/archive/2010/12/10/how-to-activate-windows-7.aspx Is your Win 7 "genuine"? WIN + PAUSE key combo WIN is the key with Microsoft flag. Bottom of the screen will show if you are activated and in bottom-right corner you will see a "genuine" logo.

What 'name' version of Windows 7 do you have; i.e., Starter, Home Premium, etc. You need better than Home Premium to run in XP Mode. Virtual PC will install on any version, but not XP Mode. See this link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx Scroll down to "Supported host operating system." SC Tom

I am running Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bits. What puzzles me is that the same thing is happening on two separate machines

no language packs installed.

At this point, I recommend a fresh install of Win 7. Inatall ALL critical,ALL important, ALL optional updates. Now,using Win 7 Backup and Restore, make a system image backup to an EXTERNAL USB drive. Now install Microsoft Security Essentials and run a quick scan. Use only Microsoft Security Essentials as anti-virus software. Do not installl any 3rd party firewall. Later, when all is running correctly is the only time to consider other AV / firewall software. Now you can install IE9. Only after successful Win 7 and successful IE9, do you install any of your favorite SW.

I don't remember, it's been over a year now :-( I put it on a usb stick, as my computer does not have a dvd drive. I still have the usb stick somewhere. Is there something I should look for? If there was an issue with the iso, then it shouldn't have been validated, correct?

I have the DVDs that came with windows. Can I `repair' the installation somehow? I do not want to go through the hassle of reinstalling everything...

yes I did. I also have a separate license for every machine...

Have you installed any language packs? MUI Try uninstalling those then update with SP1,IE9 and vXP. Then reinstall the language packs.

Would you please supply the URL of the Microsoft website from which you downloaded Win 7.

run cmd.exe as administrator. enter followingcommand: SFC /SCANNOW and hit enter. What msg did SFC display?

Did you download the ISO from a Microsoft site? You do realize that you must have a separate license for each machine. 1 maching = 1 license; 1 license = 1 machine

did that already, no errors found

yes, that is obviously going to work. However, I was hoping for an easier solution. What about a 'in-place' upgrade?

Someone else willl need to advise you on that one, since I've always-even since the DOS days-wiped a disk clean and then done a fresh install.

Although I have never tried one, I guess a repair installation is (somewhat) possible. Reading the sevenforums article, it may be easier to perform a clean install and start over. Worth a try if you're game, and if it doesn't work, well, then you're probably stuck with a clean install anyhow. I would make an image of your disk using one of the programs that creates a boot CD to run it from, such as Acronis True Image. Test it out to make sure it works (if you have a spare drive handy). That way, if worse comes to worst, you can always reimage the drive and be no worse off than you are right now. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2255099 http://www.top-windows-tutorials.com/reinstall-windows-7.html Good luck! SC Tom