Alright I need someone to correct me here then.

Being blessed enough to have a computer that is purely for experimenting I was actually considering beta testing Win7 to maybe be more use on the forum here after reading this thread.

I had no problem finding a copy to download but the info I read said the activation keys were simply to be able to report issues to Microsoft and would expire in August at which time people would have to revert back to what they had or purchase a copy of Win7 so what am I reading wrong here?

Download the Windows 7 Beta

Hi JB.

That's where I downloaded from and it says it expires August 1, 2009.

Unless I'm missing something MS hasn't released a final product ergo the Beta testing and when they do release I doubt they'll be handing out free copies.

The way I'm reading it the activation keys are temporary is that not correct?

Watch the calendar. The Beta expires on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date.

After that date you will have to reinstall an earlier copy of windows.

At peoples own risk I suppose.

This is why I mentioned in DarkLords thread why kill your Vista you have now?

To install another tester operating system then in August you need a complete reinstall.

I also said I hope everyone who downloads Windows 7 has there origonal install disk because you are going to need it some time in the future.

Aah, well I plan to install all the upcoming betas and RCs until the final product.

The product key will expire when the Win 7 beta expires, as you said on August 1, 2009.

You will then have to re-install whatever operating system you had on in the first place...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...-download.aspx