windows 7 question

[tws]

greetings,

I'm doing some upgrading to my 17" macbook pro 2,1 2.33GHz this is not a 64bit system i've been told. I'm adding an additional gig of ram to max it out @ 3GB's... also i'm upgrading my OS tiger to snow leopard.

my intention is to install windows 7 either via bootcamp and a partioned drive or by vitalization software if i can figure out how to do it...

i've got lots of studying to do so any step by step links are welcomed.

my question is this:

can i download the trial version of windows 7 from microsoft to my macbook pro and once it is installed on my mac and running trouble free then purchase the key to validate it?

thanks for a very helpful forum.

tws

 

[balamw]

can i download the trial version of windows 7 from microsoft to my macbook pro and once it is installed on my mac and running trouble free then purchase the key to validate it?

Yes, although the key will have to match the media you installed the trial from. If you use the "Enterprise" trial like here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-20001509-92.html you'll need a corporate/enterprise key that will be far too expensive if all you have is one machine.

More info about using other copies of Windows as a "trial" is here:

http://windowssecrets.com/2009/08/20/01-Use-any-version-of-Windows-7-free-for-120-days

Links to the ISOs for other versions are here:

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/28/direct-download-ISO-dvd-for-windows-7-student-upgrade/

Worst case scenario to activate it is to use a retail version to "upgrade" from your installed Windows 7 "trial" to the real thing. However, you can't do this with an OEM or System Builder Edition disc.

B

 

[tws]

thanks balamw,

that is the info i'm looking for.

tws

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Keep in mind that your Macbook Pro doesn't have official Windows 7 support from Apple, as they say it's obsolete.