Windows 7 runs free without activation for 120 days with simple command
By Paul Miller 
posted August 21st 2009 10:10AM
posted August 21st 2009 10:10AM
We know how it is: you've paid $300 for your brand new copy of Windows 7, but what a hassle to enter in that activation code! Well, you don't have to worry about it now for a good four months after install: Microsoft has given its sort-of blessing to a simple hack to keep that non-activated copy of Windows 7 humming for a full 120 days before full-on nag mode sets in. All you have to do is enter "slmgr -rearm" into the command prompt at the end of every 30 day period, and your copy of Windows gets a whole new lease on life -- an action that can be repeated three times. The same command is available to Vista users, and we have to say that Microsoft has come a very long way since its unforgiving WGA kill switch days.[Via Telegraph]
You don't have to enter any activation code, just click twice and wait 10 seconds.
Wait, did you just insult yourself? I'm lost here...
hmmm im sure lots of people wouldnt mind reformating their computers every 120 days.. its only 3 times a year, many people do it much more often!
so that would pretty much mean free windows 7 :)
Just what I was thinking. When I ran windows, I was formatting at least twice a year. And for university students, every four months just happens to line up perfectly with the lengh of school terms. How convenient.
Unfortunately for MS, this is still more work than running Ubuntu.
I doubt microsoft are concerned. Non-tech savvy people aren't going to use linux or format every 120 days, and almost everyone who buys a pre-built gets oem windows anyway.
@David: It's good to see you FUD.
Pay all you want for it, I'm sticking to my choice you stick to yours and we'll be all happy.
BTW, non-tech-savvy people coming from XP will find Ubuntu more easy to recoignize, plus Wine will run most of their already working XP stuff that doesn't have a direct alternative without having to pay for a Ultimate or Business version or the much needed hardware level virtualization requirement. Plus all the extra software that comes for free in Ubuntu (or any Linux distro for that matter)? Yeah, in this economy even non-tech-savvy people will at least think twice.
$300 ?
Is that the golden plated ueber-professional-geek-nerd-plus-plus special edition ?
I paid 60+ pounds (close to 80 euro + VAT and shipping) for my W7 HP full retail.
i need to
quick hypthetical...
if i were to get a version of the RTM and install it, would i be able to defer activation until i get a legitimate copy in october and then use the activation code that comes with the retail version to activate the RTM?
Only if you install say "Home Premium" and the RETAIL version and then buy the RETAIL version of Home Premium - then yes, it should take your serial number and be fine. SO everything has to be the same - same version (Ultimate, Home Premium, Professional) and same channel (Retail, OEM). It should also work for upgrades eg Home Premium -> Ultimate etc.
if you're gonna download Windows 7 from "somewhere" before buying it, at least, be sure to check the iso's SHA1 hash to verify it is an "untouched" iso (otherwise it may contain malwares).
here is a little utility to do the check:
http://www.julien-manici.com/file_hash_checker/
@Sax25
Actually you should be able to buy a higher version than what you have installed (ie. Install Home Premium and then buy Ultimate). All versions of 7 (and Vista) are identical and support a feature called Anytime Upgrade. There should also be no difference between an OEM and Retail copy (other than some possible modifications buy the OEM). This wasn't the case with XP, but Microsoft created an all new installer system with Vista that eliminated all these issues.
When I say that all versions are identical, I mean that all features are installed, but features you're not licensed for just don't work/show up.
I have a legal copy of windows an I still do this. I am filled with spite.
The Proper link is: http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/vista-sp1-kills-the-wga-kill-switch/
It looks like the added one to many http"s
that seems to be happening a lot on engadget...quality control anyone?
Words fail to describe how much I detest the utter pointlessness that is Windows Activation and Windows Genuine Advantage. Since these mechanisms don't deter piracy in the slightest, even less since the likes of BitTorrent arrived, I don't see the reason why they include these in Windows and Office. Just go back to License Codes - they were nice, simple and, more importantly, didn't periodically accuse you of being a pirate.
Note: if you feel the need to respond to this to say that you've never had a problem then you can save yourself the trouble and know that I'm very happy for you. I will also note that my calls to Microsoft's Indian call centre have not been unpleasant but simply unnecessary, which is what ticks me off about the whole thing.
Kelmon : Voice of Reason in the dark, troll-infested world of Engadget.
@ Mark, university is pointless for those asshoels who are like ohhh I want to be successful in life, university DOES NOT HELP YOU BECOME SUCCASSFAL
AT DAS NAT HALP YA CAM SACSASFUL
Standard engadget reader: AHAHA LIKE DUDE OH WOWW LIKE UR SPELLING IOS BAT m8
Best anti-drug message I've ever seen.
Its to me obvious you never went to College or University otherwise you wouldn't have spelled Asshole the way that you did, there are no filters here. It's the internet for Christ's sakes. Asshoel is the incorrect way of spelling that word. Before you decide to rip on anyone again. I have two words for you:
PROOF READ!
Watch out, George Carlin back from the grave ripping into social norms, casting a wide net of generalizations at the behest of the dissaffected pseudo-intellectuals everywhere... Not really though, at least George Carlin was funny.
What is new here, same as vista , and we know that even before the RTM???
Okay... what does this give us?..... 120 more days before the activation needs to be locked in?... is that really necessary? Well, except for those of us who has gotten our hands on a copy between now and the launch.
Who would pay $300 for Windows?
For $300 you can buy a TechNet subscription and get all the legal MS software you can shake a stick at.
Is it possible to create image on the initial 30 day trial and then after the 120 day go back to that image and start the 120 days over again? At least that would be a way to avoid a CLEAN reinstall with all the chipset drivers and basic applications.
How about a Reg Edit to stop the clock completely?
Can't you tell sarcasm? I don't need waste of time university, I spend my time working at Rolls Royce repairing jet engines and earning a lot more than you do (I also spend my time trolling the webz and spellongz inncoroctloy)
Could someone please explain why the "lowest ranked" comments are greyed out to the point of being practically invisible? Some of us like to read ALL the comments, not just those deemed most popular. This was a stupid idea from day one.
yeah... hmmm.... not working? says certain letters are "unacceptable characters".... ? :(