W7 build 7057 Expiry date tested

[jimbo45]

Hi guys.

I imaged my system first and then changed the BIOS date (note not the system date) to 28 02 2010, 01 03 2010 and 07 03 2010.

KEEP DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERNET whilst doing this test or other date validations will make the test useless.

Windows worked fine even on 01.03.2010 (doesn't expire until 23.59)

However after that date (for example on 07.03.2010) the product key was "not able to be determined".

Windows Could activate -- came back from activation center --"Activation Successful" (that's because the date of Microsoft's servers are today's of course) but it still wouldn't display "Windows has been activated".

I didn't get any reduced functionality either but that's I suppose because there are other date check mechanisms once you connect to the internet.

However it definitely works until Mar 1st 2010 at least.

If you do this test BACKUP the image first so you can restore it agian afterwards.

It's no use changing the system date in Windows --you must do it in the BIOS BEFORE BOOT and don't connect to the Internet.

(don't forget to reset the date afterwards).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[ekopaxus]

Thanks for the info.

 

[AshleyUK]

Hello, How are you sure it will work to that date, again won't it check the date on their server's aswell and as the date on their server's is today's date no matter what you set your system date/time to it will work fine as it use's there server date to stop people doing exactly what you are doing. Changing their system date/time.

 

[Barman58]

Hi Ashley,

If you re-read the post - one essential for this test is that you disconnect from the internet (switch off router) and as far as I know even Microsoft needs a connection to check the date

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

The whole point of changing the date in the BIOS and disconnecting from the Internet is that the only date that can be checked by the Windows Kernel at boot up time is by reading the value in the RTC ("Real Time Clock") which is stored in the RTC chip. (That's the one near the big round battery you see if you open up a typical computer).

It's NO GOOD changing the system date AFTER the system has booted even if you aren't conneted to the Internet.

Hope this clears it up (and it does as I outlined in the OP).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[agtak]

Still confused. Not sure whether to do it or not now. Let's evaluate it as far as it goes.

 

[ollie007]

the only calendar/time that should matter is the bios clock, so you need to change the time and date in the bios, then go change the time in windows. if it doesnt freak out, then you are good to go.

if you look at the agreement M$ shows you , it says 10 june 2010

 

[Studulike]

..........and the point in all this?
I mean everyone will probably install another official release and possibly 10 more leaked releases before that date anyway so why is anyone worried about if's and but's in regard to date expiry?

Pointless testing if you ask me. Not that I am knocking anyone for trying just think it is a waste of time.

 

[ollie007]

after 10 years of beta testing various version of windows, maybe now M$ can repay us with a stable beta for once LOL.

7077 maybe as good as it gets and then M$ will screw it up again ! Guaranteed

 

[windstorm]

yeh I agree with Studulike