So what happens after the Windows 7 beta time limit?

[rgsgww]

I have both x86 and x64 windows 7, but what will happen when MS stops the beta? Will I just have to order a windows 7 copy? Will I be able to keep the beta installed and buy a new product key?

 

[badge]

BETA 2. BETA 3 unlikely. Then the official release.

 

[randomizer]

Doesn't build 7048 go to like 2010 or something?

 

[mi1ez]

I believe you'll need to install a fresh final release. You may be able to do an upgrade install but no promises. If you try and keep using the beta/RC it will be flagged as illegal and reduce functionality.

 

[blackbird307]

Assuming what happened for vista beta, you will get a message saying "Your evaluation period has expired".

 

[Kraynor]

More than likely what'll happen is you'll get a week or so of messages letting you know the evaluation's going to expire giving you a chance to back up whatever needs saving, then it'll be flagged as illegal and have reduced functionality, or require a product key from a retail version before you can use it (though this is the least likely of the 2)

 

[rgsgww]

Thanks, I did not want loose all my data.

 

[Devastator_uk]

erm, you keep important data on a beta OS that you knew from the start that it had an expiry date !

 

[rgsgww]

No not really, I just did not want to install games and loose savegames, data like that.

 

[antemon]

for the love of god, partition... or better yet, another HDD.