Register VS2008 Professional on Windows 7

Question

I received from Microsoft a free copy of VS2008 Professional, which is cool. But when I went to install on Windows 7 Beta, it installs fine, but is marked as being "unregistered". I have my license key, but cannot get to where I can enter the key.

The deal was I had to DL the trial version and then do an upgrade. I was able to do this on Vista because I already had VS2008 Team installed and then just "switched" to the Professional version.

But on Windows 7 (may just be due to clean install), I cannot get the prompt to allow me to enter the serial number. When you install the trial, you only get a hardcoded trial serial number pre-entered.

The suggestion to use Programs and Features to amend the installation doesn't work as it does not give me the "upgrade / enter serial #" option as described.

Anyone else solve this?

I know I'm 89 days away, but I hate leaving this issues outstanding. :)

TIA!

EDIT: This is NOT a software piracy question, but a valid legitimate issue. This works in Windows Vista, but not on Windows 7 -- so I'm hoping someone here has solved this issue. Thanks.

UPDATE: Wrote the PR Firm who was handling this for Microsoft and they are shipping me out the DVD later this week. Still this might prove valuable for someone else.

Answer 1

Although not the "best" way to do it. I strongly recommend just uninstalling and reinstalling VS.

I have had so many issues going from Trial to full that I haven't even bothered trying recenty due to issues like this.

It may be a bit painful at first, but realistically it will be better than one day going to start VS and having it not come up due to an invalid license key.

Answer 2

Just tested this for Vista Ultimate with the VS2008 Trial:

1. Go to Control Panel -> Programs & Features
2. Find "Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition - ENU"
3. Click "Uninstall/Change"
4. Once it has finished checking resources and loading Config click Next
5. You should be presented with four options, the fourth option is "Upgrade to Microsoft Visual Studio 2008"

Hope that Helps

Answer 3

Still no solution here -- it's busted in Windows 7 it would appear.

Thanks for looking!

Answer 4

The problem is that some controls are hidden, there is a software that could help you to change this hide state to show, but i don't remember the name of that program.