Install RTM, then activate w/ key in October?

Can I install the RTM build 7600.16385 on my system and choose to not activate somehow? I thought I read somewhere that you can choose to not activate for up to 120 days before it becomes unusable? If I did this, then I could install now and be able to activate with the key I will get in October (I pre-bought it).

The concerns I have are...
1) can a fully functioning copy be installed without an activation key and not be hindered in any way initially?
2) the copy I bought is "Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Operating System Software - UPGRADE Version - DVD". I haven't seen any copies of the RTM build online that were not Ultimate.
3) I would be doing a clean install initially, but my key is an upgarde. I DO have a Windows XP Pro key, but I hate upgrading, I want to clean install always (always have with all previous OS's).

What are my choices? Thanks for any responses you may have.

Fraid not. You have to activate. It doesnt require a key to activate, and with re-arm you will have 120 days before you have to deal with it. By then win 7 will be released to the public.
1-yes
2-didnt ask a question
3-you will be able to clean install.

let us know if you need anything else

Ken

I thought that windows 7 is a new KERNAL.... So there is ONLY a Fresh install path... even is you upgrade Essentially It must be a Clean install....

I will really like to get hold of one of these "Upgrade" disks.. as it gets real confusing... Why buy an upgrade when the pre-releases versions are the cheapest windows has ever been "actually the correct price", when it comes out fully the full price will have to be paid..."Whoah TOO MUCH" <some people will still be on various "other versions">

I think that even if you buy a FULL VISTA or UPGRADE VISTA, Microsoft Will send you a FULL WINDOWS 7 Equvilent in the post..... So if you need to upgrade from XP>VISTA : that will be a final resting place for that "BOOT" < Your new windows 7 will be a FULL CLEAN install.> Even on microsofts videos they say "our upgrades are very sloppy"....Hmm....


PS im still waiting for my "home premium" & "professional" E Versions......to be sent/ released.. Your very lucky to have your dvd already!

Rearm is the only option for now... as there are no "keys" yet.

If you pre-ordered, than I guess you should wait

Kind regards.

At least, I would.

agro666 said:

2) the copy I bought is "Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Operating System Software - UPGRADE Version - DVD". I haven't seen any copies of the RTM build online that were not Ultimate.

I see the problem here, if you install this RTM Ultimate, then in Oct receive your 7 Pro, what issues will you have installing the Pro?

Somebody help me out here please, RTM stands for "Release To Manufacturer", correct? I am not a manufacturer so how would I benefit from installing this? I would have to get a key from a manufacturer, right?

If you keep your RC1 until your 7 Pro arrives, you will be allowed to install the Pro using your activated RC1 as the upgrade path, meaning it won't care that the RC1 is "Ultimate" and that the retail upgrade is "Pro". Can anyone say the same for the RTM? So again what is the benefit of installing the RTM?

Part of the confusion, in my opinion, is the many ways we use the word "upgrade". With the purchase of a "Full Version", no one cares what OS you currently have installed. You wipe the hard drive clean and install a new OS. With a "License Upgrade", you have a qualifying OS installed so you can use the less expensive "Upgrade" instead of the more expensive "Full Version" (and legally you must retire the old OS you upgraded from, can't use it on another computer).

But a Windows 7 "Upgrade" doesn't automatically mean after you install 7 that all of your programs, files and settings are just the way you left them. I understand that versions of Vista will "Upgrade" the OS to the same version (or higher) of 7 and not disturb the working programs or the user settings. With all other installs, even the "Upgrade" ones, you will need to reinstall all of your working programs and transfer your settings, preferences, and folders using the "Easy Transfer Wizard". Or you could do that manually by copying those things from the "Windows.old" folder that the 7 "Upgrade" saves to you C drive.

The end result is that we will be allowed to use the cheaper "Upgrade" to install 7, but will basically do a clean install of a new OS and manually transfer all our stuff afterward.

In my opinion, I would think you would want to keep your activated copy of RC1 and wait for your retail Pro to arrive. I'm sure others would feel differently.

That's why I installed RTM Home Premium. a couple of clarifications:

- Using an upgrade kit with XP always requires a clean install - there's no in-place upgrade option.

- (Sort of goes with OP item 2) When you install the RTM you get to choose the edition. I installed HP because that's what my pre-order upgrade is for. If you install RTM Pro you should be good using the rearm process to get you to the release date and you get your key.

PS - Welcome to this crazy whirlwind agro666 . Have fun!

I personally Would BOther With the RTM BUILDS...

For me they have not been confirmed a REAL copy YET.....
Probably Various SYSPREP INSTALLS.

KEEP ON WITH THE RC - Untill the REAL RELEASE COMES.....
SAFER.... Again Remember that the RC doesnt need to be rearmed...

every thing done in these RCs/RTMs are JUST LAB/TEST.... So dont get attached i say.. Really The mode should be GET PREPARED FOR THE RELEASE TO ARRIVE.... I have move most of my DATA into Various VHDs... Virtualizing my storage library... Much Neater and secure. Quicker too...

BUT If the RTMS are REAL EVALUATION VERSIONS of Windows 7 then RE-Arm should work... or even CHANGE PRODUCT CODE...

If you do an upgrade using the RTM today but just rearm until your upgrade keys come, you should be able to activate then as the RTM is the retail version. This is my understanding.just type the keys in when they arrive! Someone who actually know from MS, please correct me.