Hacked Info

For all those awaiting the launch of Windows 7, there’s more good news. Microsoft has offered to users extension of the 30-day trial period to 120 days, without an product activation key. The activation key is usually an alphanumeric composition of 25 characters. This means that the “slmgr-rearm” command that counts the 30-day period can be used three more times.

Over and above the standard 30-day trial period, the Windows Secrets newsletter has listed the steps to add another 90 days of grace period. This means that for an entire 120-day period the operating system is not degraded and you get free, unrestricted access whether you are using Ultimate or the Basic.

Since it’s free, most users will rush for the topmost version, Ultimate, during the 120-day grace period. However, for regular use you may actually buy the Home Premium and not Ultimate. But here lies the catch. The Home Premium will refuse to activate if you’re having the Ultimate installed. This means that you’ve to go through a complete re-install for Windows 7 Home Premium. But there’s also an easier way out: Simply install Windows 7 Home Premium or Pro from a Windows 7 Ultimate CD.

You have to keep a few things in mind while installing Windows 7. In case you insert a DVD of Win7 Ultimate and run the installer, the Win7 Ultimate will be installed. However, you should delete the ei.cfg file to get to chose from Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.

By now, although Microsoft has distributed a small number of copies of Windows 7, surely there are many more unlicensed copies of Windows 7 doing the rounds in the market before the official launch in October. But to protect your system, ensure that you download the licensed version from the authorised sites. Because the biggest player in the market has realized that the best way to beat the grey market is to extend the trial period of the licensed version.