Registration question regarding Windows 7

[Moondoggy]

I'm wondering if anyone knows an answer to regarding the registration of Windows 7 when it's finally released October 22nd.

I built a new PC and was going to install a copy of Windows XP Pro and then upgrade to Windows 7 Business Pro when it came out. In fact I have already pre-purchased my copy of Windows 7 when the discounted limited time offer was made available. Instead of installing XP I installed Windows 7 pro RTM that was made available to me by a Technet subscriber that wasn't going to use his avaiable copy. What this Technet subscriber suggested was to not register Windows 7 RTM and keep rearming it until I get my retail copy. At that point it was suggested that I could simply use the License key that came with the retail copy and register the RTM version without having to reinstall Windows 7.

At this point I have Windows 7 running with a very limited suite of software installed but I would like to begin the process of moving software and data from my real day-to-day workhorse PC to my new PC. If I can use the retail key on the RTM I would start the migration process today but I'm concerned that if I do so, there will be some catch and I'll have to wipe the drive and install the retail copy anyway. Can anyone tell me if I'll be able to do this (use my retail key to register the installed RTM version)?

 

[zigzag3143]

MD

If the version you have installed and the version you pre-ordered are the same AND you got the full retail version you Should be able to use the pre-ordered serial. Disclaimer: No one knows for sure but I would think MS would not want to alienate a whole class of users

Ken

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

You should have no problems using a Retail key to activate the RTM; as long as your rearms last until you recieve the key.

 

[ken9122]

what you have registered with a Tech-net key and you want to re register using a retail key?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

He has the RTM installed and when his retail key arrives he wants to activate it with that.

 

[pparks1]

He has the RTM installed and when his retail key arrives he wants to activate it with that.

And that should work just fine as far as I know. I believe that a lot of people have done the same thing.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

And that should work just fine as far as I know. I believe that a lot of people have done the same thing.

Yes, I know a few that have done it using TechNet keys when they became available.

 

[ken9122]

sorry, i was trying to ask :What if you have an install registered with a Tech-net key and you want to re register using a retail key?
should read my posts before posting.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

sorry, i was trying to ask :What if you have an install registered with a Tech-net key and you want to re register using a retail key?
should read my posts before posting.

That should work but TechNet keys ARE retail.

 

[pparks1]

sorry, i was trying to ask :What if you have an install registered with a Tech-net key and you want to re register using a retail key?
should read my posts before posting.

If it's already activated, why not just leave it alone?

 

[Tews]

Im thinking that the OP installed a copy of a TechNet version, and wants to register it with a retail key when it becomes available... correct me if Im wrong...

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Im thinking that the OP installed a copy of a TechNet version, and wants to register it with a retail key when it becomes available... correct me if Im wrong...

That's how I understood it. It's just getting OT.

 

[ken9122]

lets say I setup a system for a friend using a tech net key with the provision that they purchase a retail version when they are available.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

lets say I setup a system for a friend using a tech net key with the provision that they purchase a retail version when they are available.

There's an option in control panel, system to change the product key, that should work but YMMV.

 

[ken9122]

what's what i thought sorry to go a little OT
ken

 

[Moondoggy]

In the situation I'm in I installed the RTM without the registration key and was told that this would be OK if I could stand the naggs from Microsoft over the fact that the RTM was not yet registered. I was told that at the close of 30 days I would need to re-arm the RTM for another 30 days and that I could do this 3 times for a total of 120 day. Based on my install date of August 21st I should only have to re-arm twice before I get my hands on my "official" paid version of the product. I just didn't want to go to the trouble of reinstalling a bunch of apps and moving a bunch of files to my new machine and then finding out - oops you can't register RTM.

On that note..... Assuming that I can use the retail key on the RTM where (How) do I enter the key?

 

[Tews]

Right click on My Computer>Properties... You will see the option to change keys.... enter your retail key ...

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18630-product-key-number-change.html

 

[Moondoggy]

I have a twist on the question..... The copy of Windows 7 that I ordered from Amazon.com is Windows 7 Professional Upgrade as my original plan was to install a spare copy of Windows XP Pro on my new system first. A person on another forum said that he didn't think that the upgrade license key will not work with the RTM since the RTM is the full version. Unless there is some way for Microsoft to detect between the two I don't know if this is true or not as you cannot upgrade from XP to Win7 without doing a full and complete install of 7 from the boot CD. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[zigzag3143]

I have a twist on the question..... The copy of Windows 7 that I ordered from Amazon.com is Windows 7 Professional Upgrade as my original plan was to install a spare copy of Windows XP Pro on my new system first. A person on another forum said that he didn't think that the upgrade license key will not work with the RTM since the RTM is the full version. Unless there is some way for Microsoft to detect between the two I don't know if this is true or not as you cannot upgrade from XP to Win7 without doing a full and complete install of 7 from the boot CD. Anyone have any thoughts?

First there is a chart here on SF called upgrade paths. search for it and you will have the info you need. Im upgrading you upgrade from a pro version to a pro version. The rtm is ultimate. Ms can tell the difference because its in the keys.

Hope this helps

Ken

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Here's that thread.


http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/17578-win7-upgrade-paths.html