Extend trial for Windows 2008 Server or Windows 7

Sometimes provisioning a new machine into production takes longer then expected. Ideally a windows license is activated when one is sure that the hardware is finalized and it is a sure go to launch. If for any reason hardware config is changed dramatically and/or OS has to be scratched, there are headaches with license counts. Typically Microsoft allows Windows 2008 / Windows 7's trial period to be extended.
Windows 2008 gives you 60 days before activation is required. This can be extended 3 times @ 60 days each for a total possible of 240 days.
Windows 7 gives you 30 days and can be extended similarly for up to 120 days.

Command to do so is "slmgr -rearm"



"slmgr" - Software Licensing Management Tool. Windows Activation and Key Management Service (KMS), has a lot of other features as described in the following resources:

• http://ss64.com/nt/slmgr.html
• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472
• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-7/extend-the-windows-7-trial-from-30-to-120-days/

For evaluation purposes, it is still best to get a technet membership and have access to non-expiring versions of Microsoft products.