can unactivated RTM be activated by retail upgrade key?

[win7noob]

say one were to install the windows 7 RTM unactivated. could a "upgrade" retail key activate it? or would it require a "full" retail key?

thanks

 

[sup3rsprt]

my guess is No. Unless there is an upgrade hack like there was in Vista.

but it's only a guess...and that's pretty much all anyone can do at this point.

 

[EarlZ]

say one were to install the windows 7 RTM unactivated. could a "upgrade" retail key activate it? or would it require a "full" retail key?

thanks

I think you just need to change to the retail product ID then input the retail key via slmgr

 

[zigzag3143]

Gray Area Alert Be careful

Just a heads up

Ken

 

[win7noob]

hmmmm i think i'll just suggest to Person X that they wait 2 more months for the DVD

 

[Snufffed]

say one were to install the windows 7 RTM unactivated. could a "upgrade" retail key activate it? or would it require a "full" retail key?

thanks

YES, the best was to upgrade is insert the DVD while booted to Win7.
when you see the UPGRADE- click yes, when ask insert the UPGRADE KEY.
that is the way it works.

 

[pparks1]

Don't think this will work as you have to have a previous OS installed and ACTIVATED in order to install the upgrade. You can install the RC1 release with it's key, activate it and then upgrade it.

Don't hack the OS to get it activated. If you aren't willing to pay for Windows there are plenty of free alternatives out there.

 

[Snufffed]

Don't think this will work as you have to have a previous OS installed and ACTIVATED in order to install the upgrade. You can install the RC1 release with it's key, activate it and then upgrade it.

Don't hack the OS to get it activated. If you aren't willing to pay for Windows there are plenty of free alternatives out there.

Sorry, you do not need a previous activated OS to use the UPGRADE KEY to install and activate.

MS details how to clean install with the upgrade disk (do not use your key) then upgrade with the UPGRADE KEY.
The information is on the Technet site, MSDN and MS upgrade site.

 

[CrunchDude]

Probably full only. Think about it. How will the OS know that you ever had Vista? Or XP? Maybe it'll just ask for the key from whatever you had before, but that's unlikely.

 

[Snufffed]

The key you have is special for ea version.
basic, starter, homepremium, Pro, Enterprise, or Ultimate.

and if you try to use the UPGRADE key when doing a CLEAN INSTALL it will not work.

All the upgrade ask for is a Previous install OS of the same Version.

There is a popup that directs you to select the same version as the KEY for your version.

 

[pparks1]

Sorry, you do not need a previous activated OS to use the UPGRADE KEY to install and activate.

MS details how to clean install with the upgrade disk (do not use your key) then upgrade with the UPGRADE KEY.
The information is on the Technet site, MSDN and MS upgrade site.

Well, that would be news to me. Could you please share some of these links with me?? I'm searching right now via Google...but maybe you will come up with them faster.

I'm finding sites like this which say otherwise:
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2009/07/a_major_windows_7_upgrade_question_gets_an_an.html

http://www.ditii.com/2009/07/12/win...-windows-7-rc-xp-vista-need-valid-activation/

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/windows_7_upgrade_edition_will_require_activated_copy_verification_each_time_it%E2%80%99s_installed

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-confirms-windows-7-rc-upgrade-rules/

I've found this site discussing it both ways
http://www.pcworld.com/article/1685...wont_require_activated_os_before_upgrade.html

This very recent Technet blog post explains that it will require an activated OS
http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/8dbbf5f1-5c2c-48d7-a3ae-db1bb2f7b37f

So, I feel that I am seeing far more business sites and reporting sites saying it will require a previously activated OS...then I see posts and commentary from savvy computer users who feel the Vista trick will work. I feel some are still in disbelief that this would be a requirement.

 

[Snufffed]

Easy way is consult the MS site..
Rumors have been abound since Vista on how to upgrade. I have upgraded every version fo Win7 (Beta Test).

I could supply links. Yes, but it best info is FROM MS, not some 3rd rate magazine, that has no idea what Windows 7 really is... Most of them still use Win XP.

UPGRADE or Clean install from the UPGRADE Disk have been available since way back.

The provided Manual will give clear instructions, the same can be found on the Official MS site.

To prepare may customers for the official (release of Win7) while using XP.
1. take any Vista Disk, and upgrade the Same version from XP to Vista,
NO I HAVE NOT USED A KEY. YOU HAVE 30 DAYS TO ACTIVATE. AND IT IS FULL.
2. Take you download version of Win 7 RC-7100 (official release from MS), it is FREE on the MS Site. obtain a Official KEY. then insert the DVD while logged in to Vista, click upgrade, when ask insert the Official KEY.
then you have enough time to wait until your customer - etx whom ever, gets there Official RTM Disk, either (UPGRADE or RETAIL or OEM) and then insert the DVD while booted and UPGRADE and insert the KEY when ask.
(NOW THIS REQUIRES THAT CHECK THE OFFICIAL MICROSOFT SITE) to find information on exactly which versions can be legally upgraded.
Some version require only a CLEAN install while other version allow UPGRADE.

I recommend you visit and browse Microsoft.com - MDSN - Technet for appropiate Offical information.
REASON: every body has their oipinion. and unless you read it from the Official Site, you will not fully understand.
Official Beta Tester for Microsoft since Pre-Windows 95.

 

[pparks1]

Easy way is consult the MS site..

I have and I haven't found anything saying you can upgrade from a previous OS which is non-activated.

I could supply links. Yes, but it best info is FROM MS,

So please, post these links then to this information for me.

The provided Manual will give clear instructions, the same can be found on the Official MS site.

Please provide me with a link where I can clearly see this...as I don't seem to be finding it on my own.

I recommend you visit and browse Microsoft.com - MDSN - Technet for appropiate Offical information.

Did you not notice that even one of my posts before was from the technet forum? I am looking at these sites and not finding this information that you speak of.

If the info is so freely available, it should take you no time whatsoever to locate it for me.

Thanks in advance.