Install Windows 7 and obtain an activation key

13 Jan

Posted by costin rosu as Windows 7, Windows tutorials

Hello everybody, as you know, maybe, the Microsoft released for the public a new version for Windows 7, their new operating system.

Now, I’m going to show you how to dual boot – how to have the brand new Windows 7 build 7000 and Windows XP or Vista on your PC, and maybe the most important thing how to obtain an activation key for your new OS if you don’t want to expire within 30 days.

So, let’s begin:

Life hacker’s Adam Pash wrote a guide for testing the Windows 7 beta on a machine already running XP or Vista. It walks you through adjusting the partition size of your current OS so you can test the new system out without dumping your current setup.

Before you can get started, though, you’ll have to download the Windows 7 ISO image an burn it to a DVD. Unfortunately, the download links on the Microsoft site have been temporarily removed, apparently due to the volume of download demand. Links to the official 32bit and 64bit downloads were available for a brief time, though, and they were posted to a number of blogs. I’ve posted what appear to work below.

You’ll also need to get activation key or the OS will expire in 30 days. This is also unavailable at the official download site, though the Neowin blog has recently posted an alternate way to obtain the activation key as well.

Step 1: Partition Your Hard Drive

Before you go installing Windows 7, the first thing you

need to do is create a new partition on your hard drive to hold the new installation of Windows. Partitioning your hard drive will vary depending on whether you’re running XP or Vista—namely because Vista has a partition tool baked in, XP does not.

Resize your current OS drive to free up enough space for a Windows 7 partition (the minimum system requirements ask for 16GB).

Step 2: Install Windows 7

Now that you’ve done all the heavy lifting, it’s time for the easy part: Installing Windows 7 on your new partition. So insert your Windows 7 disc and reboot your computer (you’ll need to have enabled booting from your DVD drive in your system BIOS, but most PCs will have this enabled by default).

Once the DVD boots up it’s a simple matter of following along with the fairly simple installation wizard. When you’re choosing installation type, be sure to select Custom (advanced) and choose the partition you set up above. (Be careful here. Choosing the wrong partition could mean wiping your other Windows installation altogether, so make sure you pick the new partition you just created.)

After you select the partition, go grab yourself a drink and let the installer do its work. Windows will run through some installation bits, restart a few times in the process. Eventually you’ll be prompted to set up your account, enter your license key, and set up Windows. Keep your eyes open for fun new Windows 7 features, like your new homegroup (and the accompanying password). When it’s finished, you’re up and rolling with your new Windows 7 installation.

Here’s how to get your Windows 7 activation key:

Visit TechNet Downloads, sign in at the top right and let the page load

Within the same window copy and paste “https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-64-ww&LCID=1033″ into the address bar or “https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-32-ww&LCID=1033″ (64bit key but will work on 32 too, if you get an error refresh a few times)…enjoy the result below (32 bit link seems to work better), whilst stocks last. If you are still having issues try clearing your temp files and deleting all cookies.

And I will come later with more details on this new Operating System – as soon as I get installed on my

Computer and after I will “play” few hours with it