I opt for vlmcsdX - hey, they started with Roman numbers... Besides, a device is a lifeless thing, it doesn't live. They should reword: Updates as long as it still holds together with duct tape.
What happens to those who have a legitimate Windows 7 OEM installation (SLIC 2.1 in BIOS) and try to install Windows 10 one year AFTER July 29th? Will Windows 10 be encoded with the launch key? Will changing the computers' date be sufficient for it to install as a free upgrade? Will it demand an internet connection to check the real date instead of the computer date? Will the computer melt and start a chain reaction that will be the end of humanity? Well I'm actually not interested in an answer for the last question, just the others. I already know humanity will end, just not with Windows 10... or will it?
once you do your initial upgrade, Gabe (MS Employee Dude) has said you will be able to clean install whenever. Once you complete an install over 7 or 8.1, it is yours for the life of the device. Meaning its locked to that device until it explodes and then maybe melt and cause a chain reaction of female only cities with 2 men fighting for the rooster status. I can only assume at this point they will use MS accounts to activate later installs, possibly in combination with COA keys or something like that. Will know in a month and change.
So we can only wait and see what happens when Windows 10 is released. I hope they don't try to enforce an online account creation as with Windows 8.1, that simply sucks. Why should I be forced to have a M$ e-mail account just to login on a local computer? I'm guessing the installation will generate some kind of key locked to my hardware, so I can only use it with the computer it was installed on. As long as I can make it look and feel like Windows 7 as I did with Windows 8.1 (thank you Classic Start Menu), AND it boots/runs faster than Windows 8.1, AND it does as much or less spying than 7/8.1 (we can only hope), bring it on!
The MS Account will probably be needed for 'Activation' as the 'Device Hardware Hash' will be stored in the cloud, but it shouldn't be needed for the install.
Although XP's hash could be a bit flaky and cause an activation request with a H/W change, i.e. a HDD swap. MS's stand has always pretty much been changing the MoBo means its a new device. So HDD, GFX and possibly CPU changes 'should' be fine.
so I just went ahead and updated an Asus that had Windows Home Premium x64 to Professional using a retail key. Lets see if the Win10 Upgrade gets confused when its time. Since the reservation originally came in when it was Home Premium. Shouldn't matter since you don't even need a reservation to get the Free upgrade (if you read all the links before hand that Ive post).. One lost retail key is worth a test, we shall see he he he
I'm gonna dig out my old Lenovo, it came with 7 starter. But accidently picked up a Pro key on a reinstall. I'll update it and see if it gets the 'reserve' adware.
