If you purchased a Windows 7 PC within the last 11 weeks you're in luck. Microsoft on Monday began taking orders for upgrades to the PC's for $14.99.
Consumers that purchased a Windows 7 PC, starting June 2 can now file an online queue up for the Oct. 26 release of the upgrade.
"Starting on October 26, we will start sending out promo codes via email with purchase instructions," said company spokesman Brandon LeBlanc on a Microsoft blog.
The code will change the upgrade's price to the discounted $14.99; Microsoft will serve upgrades as a download that installs the new OS.
Customers who qualify for the $14.99 deal must provide Microsoft with name, email address, phone number, the date of purchase, the retailer, the PC brand and model, and in some cases, the 25-character Windows 7 product key associated with the PC. "You may be required to enter this as part of the registration," said LeBlanc.
The key requirement may be part of Microsoft's anti-piracy strategy. When Computerworld tested the upgrade registration process, first posing as a U.S. customer, Microsoft did not ask for a key and approved the registration. A second test, however, posing as an Indian consumer, asked for a key.
"We can only validate your registration when you submit a qualifying Windows 7 product key," the registration site stated during the second test.
According to the Business Software Alliance, India's 2011 piracy rate of 63% was more than triple the 19% in the U.S.
Computerworld's tests, including the one that was quickly approved, were conducted on a Mac, even though the upgrade offer FAQ clearly states, "This upgrade offer requires you to use your Windows PC to register."
Closer to the Oct. 26 ship date for Windows 8, registered users will receive an email that includes the promo code, download links and instructions, and information on how to buy the optional $69.99 installation DVD.
Microsoft has expanded the deal from 131 markets to a total of 140. The company has posted a list of eligible countries, upgrade languages, and accepted currencies on its website.
The second Windows 8 upgrade offer -- a $39.99 upgrade to Windows 8 Profor owners of older Windows XP and Vista PCs, and Windows 7 machines ineligible for the less-expensive upgrade -- has not yet begun taking registration information.
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