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djfl

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upgrade windows 7 professional to ultimate (to use bit locker)

I wish to use Bit Locker to encrypt my work station hard drives, but am told that they must be upgraded to Enterprise or Ultimate before this will work. Then I see no "upgrade" is available and I must do a clean install of the new OS I choose. This would cause the loss of all my software. Is there any other solution to obtain bitlocker?
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becraig
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I cannot see why you cannot:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

The link above indicates you can go from pro to ultimate.
The sole constraint being a move from 32 - 64 bit (is that the case here ?)
If not then the following steps should work for you:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/upgrade-to-another-edition-of-windows-7-by-using-windows-anytime-upgrade
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Tyler Verkade

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djfl

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Was the client base on a closed LAN, with no internet capability?
Keep in mind, if you don't have a TPM chip in the workstation, bitlocker can be cumbersome to use as you'll need a startup key (USB flash drive, typically).
Dear DJFL,

Your question would have been discussed in EE at below post. Please go through once it will help and guide you how to upgrade to ULTIMATE and will open other options. Perhaps the best alternative to BitLocker would be the TrueCrypt freeware solution:

http://www.truecrypt.org/

http://www.howtogeek.com/108501/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-with-truecrypt/

Expert Exchange Link - https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/27801094/BitLocker-Windows-7-Pro.html
Actually, I would not recommend using TrueCrypt. On the 28th of May, 2014 the TrueCrypt project was discontinued due to several security flaws that were discovered.
Is that so?? I did know that Tyler.. Thanks for update.
@Shahnawaz Ahmed
You do realize that TrueCrypt ceased development 2 months ago - their web site - your first link - explains that people should use Bitlocker.
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True Crypt was not an option because the support
@Lee W, MVP

My BAd
As to your earlier question:
Was the client base on a closed LAN, with no internet capability?

Yes simply go out and buy the key as the upgrade is key based, launch the anytime upgrade on the pc and complete.
Once you restart you should be good to go.
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I will attempt to purchase an Ultimate key... will keep you posted.
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I appreciate the advice on upgrades, now I will need to pursue the company funds. Thank You