Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft
Microsoft offering 90-day free trial of Windows 7 Enterprise RTM for download
by Lee Mathews Sep 1st 2009 at 6:00PM
Still not sure whether or not Windows 7 is a good fit for your workplace? Missed out on the RC download and wish you had something you could evaluate?You're in luck. Microsoft has made a 90-day trial download of Windows 7 Enterprise available. You can download the ISO image now.
This is the RTM version, not the RC. What you're downloading is the same OS that will be available for purchase in a couple of months.
Both the 32 and 64-bit versions are available, and you don't have to be a member of TechNet, MSDN, the Partner Program, or have a Software Assurance agreement.
[via Windows Team Blog]
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The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gav said 6:45PM on 9-01-2009
Aren't all the versions on the same disc?
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Spedione said 6:57PM on 9-01-2009
Yeah, but they must give you a key for that version. I've got the Windows 7 RTM from legal channels, and it has all the versions on it.
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Spedione said 6:58PM on 9-01-2009
Stupid comment system, it was meant as a reply to Gav
Gav said 7:20PM on 9-01-2009
I've never understood why Microsoft won't allow people to download the ISOs for Windows. They're pretty useless without a product key, and people who are going to crack Windows are going to do it anyway (and most would rather download a pre-cracked ISO).
Spedione said 7:23PM on 9-01-2009
They don't want to make it any easier than possible, I guess.
Gav said 8:13PM on 9-01-2009
When they send out replacement media they tend to send out new licenses too, so it seems they're losing out more doing it that way :P
Spedione said 8:56PM on 9-01-2009
Sorry, the comment system messed my reply up again!!!
Spedione said 8:55PM on 9-01-2009
Yeah, but they are sending them to people who already have it.
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Cyantre said 12:43AM on 9-02-2009
Does a key come with this trial, because I didn't see one? I only just started the download now. I figure I'll run this for a few months until the upgrade I'm getting arrives in the mail sometime early November.
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Cyantre said 12:44AM on 9-02-2009
Nevermind, I just saw that a key is not required and is embedded into the download.
Jash Sayani said 8:07AM on 9-02-2009
Wow! Thanks again Lee.
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Rob said 10:48AM on 9-02-2009
But this is Vista Enterprise, and if you want a regular version you have to wipe and install. That's a real shame, as having a decent trial period with an "apply license now to continue" option would surely encourage people to try it.
Perhaps they'll extend a "home" friendly trial as well?
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ericloewe said 11:01AM on 9-02-2009
If you can get your hands on the .iso for Windows 7 RTM you can rearm it for up to 120 days total and activate it with a license when you have one
TheDude said 1:29PM on 9-02-2009
If you can get your hands on the .iso for Windows 7 RTM you can rearm it for up to 120 days total and activate it with a license when you have one
ericloewe: How might we "rearm" it?
t3yf5g said 11:37AM on 9-02-2009
Be sure to click IT manager for the profession. Other options won't let you download.
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Tiago said 5:46PM on 9-02-2009
Or IT worker. They both work.
whiskey said 5:53PM on 9-02-2009
While you are at it, and if you are going to be wiping out your hardrive anyways, why not try any of the free Linux distros out there? You know, no strings attached and such...
Don't let others tell you if it works or not, just try it and if you like it you would have saved the price of the OS and the price of every free application it comes with, because they are free forever. And if you don't, and that's your choice, just simply wipe again and go with whatever you wish. :D
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Eldiablo said 6:52PM on 9-02-2009
Well that sucks Monkey Balls - Trying to download the RTM image using the RC1 image, and it keeps crapping out on the verifying (bloody Akamai download manager) and killing Win7. Now retrying using wget on my Debian Box by copying the URL from the download manager.
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Jash Sayani said 5:00AM on 9-03-2009
QUESTION !!
If I buy a product key and enter into the 90-day trial, will it work OR will I have to get a new copy and do a clean-install ??
THANKS.
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jdeen said 4:46PM on 9-04-2009
Cyantre,
The product key is "baked in" for the Windows 7 Enterprise 90 day evaluation. The Win 7 Enterprise Evaluation is a 90-day trial is now available to help you test and evaluate the final, released to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 Enterprise. Designed specifically for IT professionals, this 90-day trial is offered in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. If you would like to try it now, please go here: http://tinyurl.com/7cx23o
Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team
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