Use Windows 7 free for up to 120 days

Yesterday Microsoft confirmed that like Vista Microsoft Windows 7 will run for up to 120 days without a product key being entered, since Microsoft Windows XP activation has had to have occurred within the first 30 days of installation, however a command can reset this 30 day countdown up to three times.

When installing Windows 7 you are asked to provide a product key, however if you choose not to provide a product key you can continue with the installation, however after 30 days you will have to enter a product key unless you reset the counter, if you would like to learn how to reset this counter check out this article.

This option is great for users who are not sure as to whether Windows 7 will suit their particular needs, 120 days of usage should prove to you whether or not you should stick with XP, if you choose to purchase Windows 7 and enter a legitimate product key you will not have to re-install anything.

One thing you must be careful of is that you purchase the same version of Windows 7 as you installed (Home Premium / Business / Ultimate / 32 bit / 64 bit). For more details check out ComputerWorld’s article here.