Windows 7 Pro installation problems on IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop.

I found a Windows 7 Professional product key for $4.99 price at Goodwill. I have installed it twice and on both occasions at the end of the process I get the following message "The upgrade was not successful. Your previous version of Windows is being restored. Do not restart your computer during this time". The IBM ThinkPad T41 Laptop then restores back to XP. How do I complete the install please.

It sounds like you are trying to upgrade XP to Seven. I don't think that is possible. There was another OS between them, namely Vista. you would need to upgrade to vista, then to seven, if you are going the upgrade route.

You probably need to clean-install W7 Pro, erasing the current OS, or using a new or "empty" drive. But I'd be surprised if a 5$ key from Goodwill is going to be valid. Unless that key is in fact an upgrade key. but you would need to proceed as above, first upgrading to Vista, then to Seven. Of course, to upgrade to vista, you have to have a valid Vista key. This doesn't look very doable. At least not to my knowledge.

I assumed the OP wanted an actual upgrade in the literal sense. sure, it's possible to upgrade in the loose sense of the term, but it's not a true upgrade but rather a new installation.

Incidentally, I have used Easy Transfer and it's a great product, an easy way to migrate your files.

Sorry if I misunderstood.

Upgrade Install - XP to Windows 7