Windows 7 Promotional Disk

[Zedtom]

I attended the Windows 7 launch event in October of 2009. They distributed complimentary copies of the new operating system to attendees. My question is: Is this a retail or OEM disk? My motherboard is starting to act up and I'd like to install this OS on a new board and CPU.

 

[bruceb]

It is a Retail Key .. I also got it from the launch event (both 32 & 64 bit dvds) so I can install whichever one I want to.

 

[Zedtom]

Okay, so I can wipe the hard drive and install it with a new motherboard combo and it will activate with no problem? I don't want Microsoft to tell me that promo copies are OEM one use disks.

 

[JackMDS]

At worse if it does not activate on line, you will have to call an 800 number.

Otherwise, it like retail, the only restriction on these is NFR (Not for Resale).

 

[gstar]

I attended the Windows 7 launch event at Ft. Lauderdale too. My DVD is marked as "Promotional Disc: Not For Resale" but it is a 32 bit DVD disk. Its Windows Ultimate. I have installed on several of my desktops and laptops no problem with activation.

I am now building a new 64 bit machine for data integration on all my research work. Is there anyway can get the same Promotional Disk 64 bit download.

I called Microsoft they said that is legal or you can borrow the 64 bit disc to use or make your own copy -- BUT the same "Promotional disc" from Windows 7 Launch event. can use the key I have on my 32 bit DVD to activate. The also told me since its a promotional disk they cannot send me a copy of 64 bit DVD (they charge about 30 bucks for replacing missing retail version DVDs).

Anybody would like to exchange or help me with a 64bit promotional DVD from the wind7 launch event. download is also ok and legal for the exact same version as I was told.

 

[bruceb]

Way back when the launch event was done, there was a special email to use to request the 64 bit dvd to be sent to you. But that was over a year ago and I no longer recall what it was. Probably not active anymore. You needed to provide some info for shipping and what event you attended. At any rate, any copy of Win 7 Retail Ultimate will work fine with the Key you were given at the event.

 

[lxskllr]

I got an NFR edition of Vista32, and was able to purchase alternate media for Vista64 from MS. It cost ~$10 shipped. I don't know if that's available for Win7, but it's worth a look.

 

[Sulaco]

I got an NFR edition of Vista32, and was able to purchase alternate media for Vista64 from MS. It cost ~$10 shipped. I don't know if that's available for Win7, but it's worth a look.

Same.

I received a retail copy of Vista Business back when it was launched. Itwas the Microsoft "Power Together" program, if anyone remembers that.

Anyway, it was a 32-bit disc. I was able to order a 64-bit disc directly from Microsoft's site for $10.
I'm sure there must be something similar for Win 7.

 

[gsaldivar]

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/e9d336b4-e18e-4eb8-b421-351049de889e

I went to the Chicago event today - the same story with only 32 bit disks. However I stumbled across a Microsoft employee with forms requesting an upgrade to 64 bit. I happily filled out the form and turned it in, keeping the bottom tear-off portion. It states "Windows 7 64-bit request. This is your proof that you have requested an exchange for a Windows 7 64-bit DVD. If you have not heard from us in a month, please email tne64@microsoft.com. Thank you again for your interest in Windows 7". My guess that this email address might be your only avenue to getting the version you need. I found this forum while searching the web for a 64bit iso that i could try my product key on.

 

[bruceb]

That may be the correct email address. I do not recall where I sent my request for a 64 bit dvd back in 2009, but they did send it by Thanksgiving of that year and I now have both 32 and 64 bit versions of Win 7 from the launch event.

 

[JackMDS]

At the time the x64 for forgotten to be included, so out of embarrassment it was offer for free for a while.

I doubt that it is still going On after more that a year.

 

[gsaldivar]

At the time the x64 for forgotten to be included, so out of embarrassment it was offer for free for a while.

It was no oversight. It was a deliberate omission by Microsoft.

I attended these events as well and my package stated something like "includes 32-bit and 64-bit install discs", with the 64-bit crossed out with a Sharpie pen.

Nowhere in the advance materials did it state that only 32-bit install discs would be handed out. People only found out after sitting through a day's worth of seminars...

 

[gstar]

Same.

I received a retail copy of Vista Business back when it was launched. Itwas the Microsoft "Power Together" program, if anyone remembers that.

Anyway, it was a 32-bit disc. I was able to order a 64-bit disc directly from Microsoft's site for $10.
I'm sure there must be something similar for Win 7.

I called the same group of support people from Microsoft, they just do not do replacing promotional DVDs for Win 7.

I dont want to spend another 300 bucks for something I got from them for free. --well this is Microsoft. I am a little bit happy that Apple beats them. I am seriously thinking to switch all my computers and systems to Apple.

 

[gstar]

also I hate to say this but it is very true. that launch even , a whole day crap, is targeted to IT professional and Managers -- I was and still am one unfortunately.

What they shew me was stupid arrogant (Sorry Microsoft). teaching you how to play like you were little kids having your first computer stuffed with all those microsoft crap (sorry but only windows 7 is ok-good for me to judge, professionally I say).

Well all bad things said to Microsoft, I have to admit i admire their first dos os, as well their first UI design for windows. But to me seems Microsft already forgot where they came from for a long long time.

 

[bruceb]

My package from Philly event, does not have the 64 bit crossed out on it. And Microsoft should still make replacement media available for purchase, even if the DVD/CD was Not For Resale. What happens if my DVD/CD goes bad later ? I have legit license, but can't get a new copy of the media ? Does not seem correct. A reasonable fee (say $10 - $20) for a new DVD would be fine with most people.

 

[Meghan54]

Odd none of you got the 64-bit disc. I attended the Atlanta sessions and the promo. packs included both the 64-bit and 32-bit discs.

 

[bruceb]

For me the 64 bit was not with the event pack. But MS did ship by end of Nov 2009 for those that made a special request for it. So I do have both of them now.

 

[JackMDS]

The Event went for months and at the beginning it was a mistake in the availability of the x64 media that was later corrected.

----------------------------

@ gsaldivar. The world is not a build of Wishful thinking.

Events like this have a purpose which is upfront Known.

You did not had to go, but you wanted free software, and you got it.

It will nice for a change people can just thanks, and avoid the Compu-Socio-Politico mundane boring jargon.

 

[Zedtom]

Thanks to all for your help. I reinstalled and everything activated with no problems.

Since others have been venting about the disks I'd like to chime in. I received only the 32 bit disk also. I am aware of the offer that MS would send off a 64 bit disk to those who requested it. (Thanks to this forum). I am concerned that JackMDS in the post above actually points out that it was a mistake. I felt just a little uneasy when I opened up the package when returning from the event.

Oh, and since I'm talking about the launch event I'd like to say it was really different than the XP launch. If I recall correctly, the XP launch was a lavish affair with free lunch and an atmosphere of joy and excitement. The Windows 7 launch was disorganized and amateurish. The mood was really different. The people I went with commented that we were looking at Vista cleaned up with the hardware hurdles removed.

I am still running XP on several boxes here, but in spite of it all I am impressed with Windows 7.

 

[Xellos2099]

If u have the 32bit disk... just torrent the 64bit dvd, it is the same thing, they use the same key.

 

[bruceb]

Yes, you can do that. But for software, especially an OS, I don't trust a torrent. What if it is not clean ? ? Better to borrow the DVD from someone and burn a copy of it.