Using a Windows 7 CD key with a beta OS?

I'm having Windows 7 shipped to me on launch day. There's just one problem, I'm 7,000 miles away from the address it's being sent to.

The question is, if I just have someone at the address the disk is being sent to open the box and email me the CD key, could I use the install disk of the beta version of Windows 7 with the valid CD key? If not, what's the simplest alternative?

EDIT: it's an upgrade if that makes any difference.

 

no..it works only with an rtm copy...the simplest alternative is to download the rtm build (it's build 7600) and burn it on a dvd and then use your serial to validate it...

 

Got any friends or acquaintances nearby that'll be getting it? Just borrow their disc and use your key

 

Find the dvd that your version of win7 you brought here.

here

Open the details and get the sha1 of the iso that is the same as the win7 version you brought. Put the sha1 number in google, and find that iso.

 

I will try to make this easy for you hopefully without breaking any forum rules.

Read the sticky thread entitled: The Official Windows 7 Repository in My Digital Life Forum. Pay particular attention to section B.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forumdisplay.php?f=16

 

Sorry, I'm not sure what in the sticky I'm supposed to be noticing, could you point it out more exactly?

Does it matter if I get the SHA1 of the retail vs OEM version?I'm not sure which one I bought, here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DHLUWK/ref=ox_ya_oh_product Does the upgrade have a different SHA1?

So I download and burn the iso, can I then install the upgrade right away and activate it when I get my key or do I need to wait until I get the key to install it?

 

I would not even use the key until I get home. Download the RTM from somewhere or borrow someone's DVD. You then have 30 days till you need to activate. Will you be home before that? You can always rearm and use it longer. Unboxing software is not as fun as hardware but still I would want to do it myself

 

The sticky thread entitled: The Official Windows 7 Repository

Your key will work with the RTM Windows 7 version listed in section B.

 

This is a good idea. If all else doesn't work......

 

I dont really care about unboxing software... I think I'll be happy enough using Windows 7 for the first time. and no i wont be home for maybe 2 months.

So just to be clear, if I install the version I'm downloading, write it over my vista installation, and then use my key when i get it in a couple weeks, it will accept the key even though its an upgrade?

Also, while I'm at it, the copy I'm downloading wont give me any trouble in the future will they? I'm assuming they aren't modified or cracked or anything.

 

The answer to your second paragraph is no they are not modified, cracked or anything. It is the official Windows 7 RTM, no problems in the future.

With regard to your first question, it would be best for you to switch to the other forum and directly ask your installation questions there, they may have more expertise in this venture.

Downloading the Windows 7 RTM version is not illegal but providing information on how to activate it may be. So I think you are going to get some opposition or no response from NBR members.

As anyone will tell you, before you write over your Vista installation be sure you have a means of recovery. i.e. save an image of your current install so you can recover if necessary.

 

The rearm trick should work 3 times, providing up to 120 days of carefree happy using of Windows 7.

The image files linked in that Repository thread are original Microsoft files, with original MD5/SHA-1 information.

Only thing that makes me wonder a little bit is the fact that you are using an upgrade key. I honestly don't know if it works, but there should not be any issues. If you wish, you might want to check this out too: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/PKUInstructions.aspx I believe Win7 should be added there soon after it is released.