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Microsoft offering 90-day free trial of Windows 7 Enterprise RTM for download
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]
Comments
21
Subscribe to commentsGavSep 1st 2009 6:45PM
Aren't all the versions on the same disc?
SpedioneSep 1st 2009 6:57PM
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.
SpedioneSep 1st 2009 6:58PM
Stupid comment system, it was meant as a reply to Gav
GavSep 1st 2009 7:20PM
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).
SpedioneSep 1st 2009 7:23PM
They don't want to make it any easier than possible, I guess.
GavSep 1st 2009 8:13PM
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
SpedioneSep 1st 2009 8:56PM
Sorry, the comment system messed my reply up again!!!
SpedioneSep 1st 2009 8:55PM
Yeah, but they are sending them to people who already have it.
CyantreSep 2nd 2009 12:43AM
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.
CyantreSep 2nd 2009 12:44AM
Nevermind, I just saw that a key is not required and is embedded into the download.
Jash SayaniSep 2nd 2009 8:07AM
Wow! Thanks again Lee.
RobSep 2nd 2009 10:48AM
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?
ericloeweSep 2nd 2009 11:01AM
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
TheDudeSep 2nd 2009 1:29PM
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?
t3yf5gSep 2nd 2009 11:37AM
Be sure to click IT manager for the profession. Other options won't let you download.
TiagoSep 2nd 2009 5:46PM
Or IT worker. They both work.
whiskeySep 2nd 2009 5:53PM
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
EldiabloSep 2nd 2009 6:52PM
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.
Jash SayaniSep 3rd 2009 5:00AM
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.
jdeenSep 4th 2009 4:46PM
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