Windows 7 RC time to upgrade downgrade

[luttrell1962]

Windows 7 RC is about to expire so I am downgrading to 7 home premium. I don't need media center. I found this site where you can get it cheap and called M$ to see if they are legitimate, they said they where. I'm downloading windows 7 home at the moment.

http://www.software-users.com
Instructions on how to modify 7 RC to downgrade to home.
http://www.unawave.de/installation/downg...ml?lang=EN

There is a way to extend Win 7 RC also

1. click on the Start Menu, All Programs, and Accessories.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
3. On the command prompt, Type slmgr -rearm and press Enter.

I heard you can only do this three times.

[whurlston]

If you already purchased from them, you may want to try to get a refund or dispute the charge. It seems that they are scamming by preteding to be http://www.royaldiscount.com/ (a legitimate site)

There have been reports on other forums that the scammers have multiple websites with the same offers but the key you get turns out to be a 30 day trial key. By the time it stops working, it's too late to disput the charge. Some people were successful in contacting them in this case and they were just given another 30 day trial key.

If you have already used the key from them, just set your date ahead a couple of months are reboot to see if it still works.

[luttrell1962]

I changed the date 2 months a head and it still works. They have also answered my emails with some questions I have had. I read other people reviews of the site before I bought the software. I did call microsoft about the site also. I did a in place downgrade to home premium RC without much problem.

[whurlston]

If the date change worked then I would say your are OK.

[johnsonx42]

I don't think slmgr -rearm works to extend the RC. It does allow an un-activated install of windows vista or 7 to run for another 30 days without activating.

Can anyone confirm or deny the use of slmgr -rearm to extend the use of the Win 7 RC? My GB-PVR box is still running the RC, and I'd really rather not have to mess with it right now with the Olympics and all.

[luttrell1962]

After further investigation, I discovered that the key they use is licensed to ASUS Windows 7 Home Premium, the key is everywhere. It's not unique. I've sent Royal a message addressing this issue. I did pass windows genuine advantage test. From what I read I think something is written to the bios of the motherboard. So you may be $crewed if it dies.

I registered with Microsoft also and software-users.com website has been around since at least Nov 09. I'm hoping registering will protect me. I could have bought Home Premium for $104 from newegg. I have another machine to update so I think I will do that. It's a good deal if you are wanting ultimate but the same key issues arise that they are using some other manufacturers oem keys. Don't know if they are paying for them.

I think I will give MS a call tomorrow also. I will relay any info I find out.

[luttrell1962]

After complaining about the product key Royal sent me a new product key. It seems to be a good one, searching the internet it did not show up.

Don't buy from them

Seems to be shady practices going on. At least they corrected the problem, but most people would not know the difference.