WILL windows 7 beta stop working on its own?

[imported_wired247]

Suppose I have a computer that is being used for only one task.

This task is 64 bit processing, so I have windows 7 64 bit build 7000 installed on this computer.

Since the computer only does this one task, it does not require updates of any kind, nor does it require internet. In fact, it isn't even hooked up to the internet (it was briefly, only to activate windows and download drivers).

This might be a stupid question, but will Windows 7 Beta PHYSICALLY STOP WORKING on its own? Or will it continue working forever? I need to know if I need to worry about obtaining a 64bit OS for it in the future.


Would a windows 7 beta build 7000 machine that *is* hooked up to the internet stop working? (i.e. killswitch through windows update) ?


My guess is ... it will work indefinitely but continuing to receive updates through windows update will require the full version... 😕

 

[plonk420]

pray you don't lose power, then...

is this "one task" something you can't use linux for?

 

[Aberforth]

By the time beta expires you'll have the RC version installed, so that might work until the final launch.

 

[mechBgon]

I believe the beta is time-bombed to stop working on June 30th, 2009.

 

[bsobel]

a) It will stop once your time clock exceeds the expiration period
b) Its against your license to circumvent this

 

[13Gigatons]

The OS will probably go into reduce mode or ask to be upgraded.

 

[plonk420]

Originally posted by: bsobel
a) It will stop once your time clock exceeds the expiration period

really? i haven't seen Vista do this (considering Windows 7 FEELS like Vista 6.5 and SEEMS like Vista 6.1)...based on the 30 day timer to register it. it only died on reboot. however, i didn't have an extra computer to test Vista on to test the expiration theory on the Vista RC at that time...

also, i thought the end date was Aug 3x 2009.

edit: upon reexamination, it DOES seem like it ends June 2009. as fun as it was to circumvent something like this in my teens, "i'm too old" to be arsed to bother these days (oh no! the copy protection is doing it's job!)

 

[Modelworks]

It will stop working on the expiration date. The final will be out before it expires.
MS has really got windows 7 on the fast track for release.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
It will stop working on the expiration date. The final will be out before it expires. MS has really got windows 7 on the fast track for release.

Exactly! To activate the final, you will have to pay for a license of some sort to be legit. The betas and RCs are not a free lunch.

 

[imported_wired247]

Guys it was just a simple question, and I guess the answer is yes based on the responses.

I'm not trying to circumvent anything. I have a university license of vista64 waiting for me, which I will use if the university doesn't start handing out free licenses of windows 7 full version upon release. The reason win7beta is on the machine right now is because I had a copy of it on hand, whereas I would've needed to wait to get approval from the school for the vista64 license.

I just wanted to ascertain whether or not I'll have to concern myself with reinstalling windows in the future or not. I couldn't care less whether it's XP Vista or Windows 7, it's just gotta be 64 bit windows.

To answer questions, I don't have the linux version of the software I'm using this computer for. It's gotta be windows.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[nerp]

If you're running 7 beta now, you WILL have to reinstall once it expires. It's pretty much that simple.