Windows 7 installation: The product key does not match current Windows SKU

I just finished installing Windows 7 on my iMac, I had no problems during the installation until I got to the product key part, I grabbed a new key from the MS site, only to find out it didn't work, then I tried with another key, no luck, long story short, I tried at least 5 keys, including one I had already used to install it on my laptop, none of them worked.

Google has very few links to people who have had the problem, and the only answer seems to be that you may have downloaded the checked build, and you need to chose the Ultimate version; I had chosen Business edition.

Chris responds: You are probably installing from the "checked" ISO image. Please choose "Ultimate" and your key should work.

However, when you are on that screen there is no way to go back, do I don't know how you would select Ultimate.

Anyway, the solution that worked for me was to simply leave the field empty, yup, that simple.

So, if you downloaded the checked build, chose the Ultimate version; if you're stuck in that page, I hope this helps you

Windows 7 beta availability extended until Feb 10th

Due to the high interest in Windows 7, Microsoft has once more extended the download deadline

Because enthusiasm continues to be so high for the Windows 7 Beta and we don’t want anyone to miss out we will keep the Beta downloads open through February 10th. Customers who have started but not completed the download process will be able to do so through February 12th.

This will give you more than enough time if you want to try the beta. There are good reviews everywhere you look, so if you haven't decided, you are missing out a lot, especially if you are using Windows Vista. It is important to note that product keys will be available even after that

Product keys for the Windows 7 Beta will continue to be available. So if you have the Windows 7 Beta but didn’t get a product key you will be able to do so even after February 12th.

MSDN and Technet subscribers need not to worry about any dates as they will have access throughout the entire Windows 7 Beta phase

download link

Windows 7 beta availability extended until Jan 24th

If you haven't been able to download Windows 7 beta you can still get it; due to the high demand MS has extended the availability to 2 more weeks and they won't limit it to a fixed number of downloads.

Due to an enormous surge in demand, the download experience was not ideal so we listened and took the necessary steps to ensure a good experience. We have clearly heard that many of you want to check out the Windows 7 Beta and, as a result, we have decided remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (thru January 24th). During that time you will have access to the beta even if the download number exceeds the 2.5 million unit limit.

you can download it here
source: Windows Team Blog

Windows 7 beta now avaiable to the public (first 2.5 million downloaders)

They are going to go fast, so if you want to try it, go get it now

First post from Windows 7 beta

I'm running Windows 7 beta 64bit on my Mac using VMWare Fusion, even in this configuration things are looking pretty good, definitely a good improvement over Vista, they got rid of a lot of the UAC popups in areas where it just makes sense that way. The new task bar seems pretty good, it will take me a little bit getting used to, but mostly because I use it different than most users. My quick launch is gone!! I'm definitely going to need my quick launch back (I think).

I love the snipping tool, similar to the one found in Mac, users who have always used Windows will find it really nice, is like a print screen on steroids, you can capture free form, rectangular area, window, and full screen; very intuitive and very fast, pretty much instant

Perhaps this is what Vista should've been, so far all the reviews I have seen have been very positive in all areas, this post is just another "me too!"