Windows 7 Is it possible to have a legal version of Windows 7 right now?

read the fine print carefully

Shadowdancer said:

Hi. I joined primarily to ask this single question.
Is it possible to legally own a Windows 7 Ultimate version right now?

I'm asking because I saw a PC in an on-line store, which had the Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit version installed.
I am tempted to buy it, really, but I'm afraid I could get into trouble for piracy and stuff.

So, is Ultimate already available to select retailers, or is it a pirated version?

Click to expand...

To answer your first question, Yes it is possible to own a completely legal RTM version of Windows 7 and have it completely legally activated! This option is only available to Technet Plus and Microsoft Connect members at this time, though.

To answer your query about a PC advertised from an online store, I would expect that there is some fine print associated with this offer. I don't believe that Microsoft would fully condone early release of a computer with Windows 7 pre-installed to the public. This would give that particular retailer an unfair advantage. The fine print that goes with the offer that you refer to probably says something about a certificate for a free upgrade (from the pre-installed Vista) to Windows 7 after October 22 or something about delivery not before Oct 22. I have not seen the offer that you refer to, but it is unlikely that they are going to sell you a computer with a properly installed and activated version of Windows 7 prior to Oct 22. (A retail store employee may be able to buy one and "sneak it out the back door" and go ahead and start using it, but I doubt that the retailer could make such an offer to the general public before Oct 22.)

edit: I am not certain about what costs would be involved with an upgrade from 32 to 64 bit, but the upgrade would require a format and new full install.