What happens when Windows 7 trial expires on a new laptop?

Question

I'm going to buy a new laptop, and it says it comes with a trial of Windows 7. What happens when that expires? Will I not be able to use the computer, or will I just be using Windows XP (and will XP already be ready-to-use and installed)? Here's what the specifications say:
# Software
# Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
# Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial 60 Day Edition
# Symantec Norton Internet Secruity 2010 Trial
# HP Recovery Manager

Answer 1

You aren't getting the Windows 7 trial on your new PC. The Windows 7 trial was a pre-release version that you could download from Microsoft's development site and install to try out the new Windows 7 before it was finished. I used it for a year but then upgraded to the final version when it came out. However, new PC's will either come with Windows 7 (the final, non-expiring version) or they'll come with Windows Vista and have an upgrade code for Windows 7 where you can upgrade for free.



It appears your laptop comes with Windows 7 Starter, that is a full copy of Windows 7, but it lacks some of the nicer features that Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions have. Starter edition does not have the Aero Glass interface, it lacks some of the additional programs like Media Center, and it is limited to running 3 applications at a time. I would not buy a laptop with Windows 7 Starter unless it's a netbook (which is usually the only version that they come with). I have a netbook that came with XP and installed Windows 7 Professional and all the fancy stuff works fine, don't even know why they have Starter since it's a really crippled product.

Answer 2

That doesn't actually say that you're getting a trial of Windows 7. You are, in fact, getting Windows 7 Starter Edition.



You will, however, only get a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, and a trial version of Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010.



If you wish to use these programmes after the trial period you will need to pay for them. The good news is, there are freeware alternatives that you could use instead of Microsoft Office and Symantec Norton Internet Security that you could download and install ... and legally, at that.



There's no mention, at all, about Windows XP, so you must assume that the laptop will come with only Windows 7 Starter Edition installed. (It would be unusual for computer manufacturers to install two separate operating systems anyway ... unless you specifically requested that, and paid for it.)

Answer 3

Windows 7 Starter Download Trial

Answer 4

"The Windows 7 Beta is a pre-release version of Windows. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it’s not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.



The Beta will stop working 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. You won’t be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.



Important Note to Internet Explorer 8 Beta testers: If you're already testing Internet Explorer 8, please be aware that the version in the Windows 7 Beta is at a different stage of release. If you’re beta-testing Windows 7, you need to use the version of Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it. "

Answer 5

hey,

I've found this great little site where you can download microsoft office home and student 2007 for free. Thought I should share the link http://microsoftofficehome2007.blinkweb.com/



Regards,

Answer 6

All trial versions will cease to operate after their trial period is over!