I finally received my pre-ordered copy of Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium and promptly unwrapped the late-arriving package, which included both the 32 and 64 bit versions on DVD. Earlier in the evening, I installed VM Ware Fusion 3.0 to become compatible with Windows 7 as a virtual machine.  I was eager to see how Windows 7 compared to Vista, XP, and of course Apple’s Snow Leopard. The Windows 7 installation was the easiest installation of a Windows O/S I’ve ever done – the process was almost flawless…. except the Product Key kept popping up – “Invalid Product Key, Please Try Again.” Could I have entered it wrong? I tried once more, making sure to enter the code exactly as displayed inside my plastic Windows 7 case, but the same result occurred. I had to call Microsoft Windows Technical Support.
Here is a summary of the key points of the service request:

• Action: Tried installing Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Result: The product key was coming up as, “Invalid Product Key.”
• Cause: The registry settings had to be changed for the upgrade version of Windows 7.
• Resolution: Changed the registry settings and re-entered the Product Key, which allowed for Windows 7 to activate successfully.

The entire process took 3 times as long as the installation of Microsoft Windows 7, but my problem was resolved with a helpful support staff probably located in India.  I still have one question: Will everyone upgrading to Windows 7 need to change their Registry Key and re-enter the Product Key?

How many people does this effect? Thousands, I bet… Here’s a related article from PC World.

You may have been running Windows 7 as a Beta or using the release candidate for a few months now, but as of Thursday, October 22nd, it’s ready for prime time. Microsoft Windows 7 is now available for purchase. I’ve only had it running less than 8 hours, but so far, so good. Besides the bright colors, more Mac-like desktop features, and it’s easy sharing capabilities, it’s also the fastest install I’ve ever performed for a Windows OS.  There are tons of customizations ahead and more reading, but early signs show some promise. Hey, it’s not Vista! More to come…

*note: If you’re running VMWare Fusion 2 on a Mac and want to install Windows 7 before VMWare Fusion 3 arrives, check out some short cuts from the VMWare Fusion official blog.

Apple is almost ready to release it’s next operating system, Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6). This September, users can upgrade from Leopard (OS X 10.5) and it will only cost 29 bucks. Not bad, huh? From all the information available at Apple’s WWDC 2009, it looks like there are many fantastic new updates and services coming our way this September, but in my opinion, one of the biggest updates for the new Apple OS is the ability to integrate with Microsoft Exchange. Using Address Book, Mac Mail, and iCal with Exchange is huge, especially if you’re not a fan of Entourage, or have seen it’s flawed behavior when trying to act like Outlook.  Of course, the other major factor in OS X Snow Leopard is speed. It is going to get a heck of a lot faster installing software, opening email, web pages, and ejecting drives. There are tons of other new features, but what tops the list? Speed and Exchange support of course. See more OS X Snow Leopard here.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 on October 22, 2009. Prices vary, but right now you can pre-order Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade for just $49.99.  In my opinion, this new release is what Microsoft Vista was supposed to look like – Windows ME became Windows XP and Windows Vista will become Windows 7. It just seems that Microsoft rushes through every other release, but finally gets it right – I can see Windows 7 being the new Windows XP across the business and corporate landscape, lasting quite awhile. Now, before upgrading to Windows 7, make sure your computer can handle the upgrade.  Microsoft Windows 7 has many new features, but a faster Windows search feature that saves the end-user time is key. HomeGroup is a new tool created for sharing music, movies, documents, and other files all from your computer to others in the same household. It’s simplified home networking.  Microsoft also says that Windows 7 will make joining wireless networks a snap by making connection times quicker and easier, no matter where you are. Besides many new features and speed enhancements, the new OS will work more efficiently and will include many of those missing drivers not found in Vista.  Find more Windows 7 info here.