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Installation Tweak Offers Free Trial of Any Windows 7 Edition

REDMOND, Wash. — A Microsoft Windows 7 installation disk can be tweaked to give users a free trial of a more expensive edition.

The Windows Secrets newsletter published a step-by-step guide through the process on the release to manufacturing version of Windows 7, which is available now to computer makers and other IT professionals.

By deleting a Windows Setup-specific configuration text file used to determine what edition will be installed, those that are technically inclined can transform the file, which will allow them to try other versions of Windows 7 before investing in them.

"I think this would be of great interest to corporate IT administrators," said Brian Livingston, Windows Secret editor, in a report. "They will be able to put [Windows 7] Professional on one machine, and Home Premium on another to test each out before deciding which to buy for what group of employees."

Windows 7 users have to option to purchase an Anytime Upgrade — which allows them to upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional — for $90, but with no trial or grace period.

Windows 7 makes its public debut Oct. 22. The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119.

The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.

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