EDZ649
MB Enthusiast
Windows 7 is just a watered down version of Vista. I really don't know why Microsoft bother. All it does is add confusion to joe public.
crockers
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Found out that Microsoft may offer a family pack...
Windows 7 Family Pack
found this too...
Family pack license agreement
Windows 7 Family Pack
found this too...
Family pack license agreement
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HughJarse
MB Enthusiast
You must have the pc on the internet, or you have to phone them up and they give you a code to type in.
crockers
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So if I install it and the computer crashes and I have to reinstall it -- would that not be ok? Would it recognize the laptop?
davidjpowell
MB Enthusiast
I think it recognises something on the Motherboard. WIth Vista when I had to change the motherboard it made me go through authentication again.
Changing the CPU seems to have upset the DRM rights also.
It would be fine. When you install windows you'll be expected to activate it within 30 days. The activation is based on a code generated by your PC which is based on your current hardware configuration and the date, among other things and a second code provided by MS either by phone or using the internet. If you have to reinstall and have not changed the hardware then it'll be fine up to about the first 3 activations. After 3 they start to ask questions but almost always give you the required info.
Meanwhile I'm wondering if I should order windows 7 for £50, I'm still running win2k here but planning some hardware upgrades that would make 7 very viable, would be nice to leapfrog both XP and Vista and go straight to 7!
Frank O' Phile
Active Member
Have just installed the free download version of windows 7 on my old pc to see how it compares to Vista. It does seem a little quicker (one of the reasons it's now my old PC) and uses less services.
It will work until June next year so I will give it a try for a while at least.
It will work until June next year so I will give it a try for a while at least.
masqueraid
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While Microsoft say June actually it ceases being a fully functional version at midnight on 28th Feb. From then on it will shutdown every two hours without warning and you'll keep getting pop-up messages along the lines of "Isn't it time you bought a copy?".
Still that's another 6 months of free
I have done four activations so far, but the point is well made and something to be aware of.
Mike
I downloaded the Windows 7 Advisory Upgrade Beta and it tells me I can upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium but if I wanted a higher spec it would have to be a clean install. So it would appear you can upgrade or have a clean install.
davidjpowell
MB Enthusiast
I believe the US gets an upgrade version at much lower than uk prices. I'd be interested to know if there will be anything stopping the uk buyer using a US upgrade..
crockers
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I think you will have to input a ZIP code when buying on their US site......
A question ...if one does a clean install - does that mean I have to reload all programmes in afterwards i.e. Office, virus software, photoshop etc - and therefore have to save all my files / photos / music.?
A question ...if one does a clean install - does that mean I have to reload all programmes in afterwards i.e. Office, virus software, photoshop etc - and therefore have to save all my files / photos / music.?
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davidjpowell
MB Enthusiast
Office etc definately. You might get away with not losing the documents / photo's etc, but I would not risk it - back it up first. Time to look at online back up perhaps?
