Windows 7 PDC build 6801 Activation
For those of you who got their hands on the pdc build but have not yet activate Windows 7, I bring you a good news. Currently, there is only one way that you can activate your pre betas (no crack or patch available). You must use a legit key on the PDC DVD cover or any old vista beta/rc key to activate Win7. This method will work for up to 10 PCs per key. However, angelofdeath from keznews had a big discovery. He/she managed to find a same old vista beta key that was shipped to him/her and several other testers (in this case, his/her friends) and confirmed that it works for more than 10 PCs, possibly unlimited. The key is shared among keznewsers so I thought I could post it here so all of you windows enthusiastic can try Windows 7 without going through the rearm hassle. I confirmed it work on my friend’s laptop as of today. Good Luck. Please report back if it works for you.
My friend’s laptop:
Link to AngelofDeath DVD Cover
Source: keznews
Well this may be illegal, re-arm is not, its a built in feature. What I think is Microsoft should issue free testing licenses for all and terminate those after commercial release or offer a reduced price upgrade for those who test and provide better feedback.
this is a sad situation.
It will be better for their reputation and business, but sadly they are not doing this.
So those enthusiasts who really wanna test it have to fumble for keys
on November 13, 2008
if it was one of their beta keys then the faults on them.. and besides if only their testers used this then the o/s wud never come out of beta
on November 13, 2008
I am neutral on this issue. The reason why MS give out the same beta keys to a public beta is because they do not wants to keep track of so many keys. I remember when they open for public, I was able to grab 2 beta/rc keys for vista. One for myself and another for my brother. Imagine how many keys were gave out digitally to millions of public testers. So I guess for those DVD that were sent out, they just print a single key to save keys and money.
So the method I mention above is more like an exploit. Sorry about that.
However, keeping a finite amount of testers will control the feedback better. It also keep the windows basher away. There will be a broader beta soon (not garanteed) in about a month and more people should be able to play with Windows 7. So I guess the rearm should last til the beta’s out for most people.
on November 13, 2008
@theWizard: I can not agree more. Those redmond fellows never take in account all those people who provide feedback as kind of coworkers who should benefit in some ways. But hey. That is way freeware and open source is gathering ground. And sooner or later microsoft will regret it
on November 14, 2008
Yeah I hope they get it sooner rather than later
on November 14, 2008
This works but the larger issue still stands for me, Do I install 7 over Vista?
Right now it's on a virtual drive and since I can't alleviate all my resources too it, I can't use 7 at it's best.
Should I upgrade?
on November 15, 2008
Well its not a good idea, dont insall 7 over ur live OS. Install it as dual boot or another pc.
Better to install on a virtual machine
on November 15, 2008
@Fire G
Do not install over vista (aka Upgrade from Vista).
Here's what I did:
1. RIght click Computer -> Manage -> Disk Management
2. Right click on Partition C: -> Shrink-> choose ~ 20GB free space Format as NFTS with quick format.
3. Now right windows 7 installation and choose Full install -> select the newly created partition.
4. Once done, you'll have vista dual boot with 7.
google "Easybcd" this handy program helps you organize the boot order and the timeout. Install that in under vista so when you'r done with 7, just remove win 7's boot option and delete the partition in Disk Management.
hope this help. Feel free to ask me qs if you're lost.
on November 15, 2008
@Fire G Exactly, I couldn't have said it better, do not install over your current OS (its risky anf u might end up losing data) so follow Nam's steps.
on November 15, 2008
I've tried the disk Partition several times but Vista won't let me shrink it more than 24mb.
I'm considering turning my external in to a NTFS but I don't know if that would harm the ExHDD.
on November 15, 2008
I don't think making the external hdd ntfs a good idea, but do u want to use it all the time? i mean most of the time?
I wouldnt
well if u want to use Acronis DIsk Director and make a prtition and install make it atleast 10GB. I have it installed in VM. No hassle there.
on November 15, 2008
I plan on using 7 a fair bit.
I’ve been trying to find some freeware that would let me partition my disk since Vista is being really pissy over me wanting to reduce C: by 20gb.
I have 7 running in a VM right now, but it’s not running as smooth as I’d like since I can only give it 512mb-1gb of RAM.
on November 16, 2008
@Fire G: google parted magic livecd or Gparted livecd. I have not tried them but according to manual, they should do the work
on November 16, 2008
I feel your pain Fire G. I had it on virtualbox and didn’t think it shows full potential so dual boot was the way to go. Without Aero, Vista/7 is pretty dull.
Vista is kinda weird at setting the limit for partition. I could barely get 30GB of free space shrunken from my 250GB hard drive. I hope 7 would let you choose the desired amount.
As for a free partiton manager, I found this freeware (for personal usage):
http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
It supports Vista and hope it can help.
on November 16, 2008
@Nam:
Hey NAM, how did u manage to install on virtual box? its not getting installed on mine. Why is that?
Any solutions? it just hangs after “windows is loading files” screen. any suggestions? (but it installs fine on Virtual PC 2007)
on November 16, 2008
@theWizard
Installed fine for me. I used a fixed size drive and made sure under the settings for the machine that all options/compatibilities were enabled.
on November 17, 2008
mr wizard,can i know how your friend get the big watch (3.22 am) at the desktop?..its kind of cool..or it just at the screenshot?..im running windows 7 fine on my Acer Aspire 4520 notebook
…
on November 21, 2008
sob..my post has been deleted..nver mine
on November 21, 2008
oh no..i thought it has been deleted..suddently its come back
on November 21, 2008
@dota
Sorry dude, i was kinda busy with exams, i never delete comments unless it’s some loser spamming. I didnt have time to approve it, sorry abt it
on November 22, 2008
on December 2, 2008
Works fine!!!
Thanks a lot!
on December 18, 2008
on May 16, 2009
ow 2 get activation code???ow ow ow ow ow
on May 16, 2009
@redZ:
first of all this build is outdated.. get the release candidate from here:
http://dotnetwizard.net/news/download-windows-7-rc-from-microsoft-direct-download-links/
activation: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx
on May 16, 2009