shockz Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I've googled around and am getting conflicting answers... what happens to your technet keys after your subscription expires? Does the product still activate? Normally I wouldn't have to worry about such things, as I would just renew my subscrption, but since MS made the ridiclously goofy decision of ending subscriptions, I'm left with this question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahhell Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 As far as I know, the keys still work you just can't download the ISOs of the software any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tews Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Microsoft TechNet/MSDN keys will expire at end of subscription period' http://www.ghacks.net/2012/07/03/microsoft-technetmsdn-keys-will-expire-at-end-of-subscription-period/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 They're supposed to expire but I'm not convinced. I've got a couple VMs I use for testing sites in older version of IE and they're still activated via (a now expired) TechNet sub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tews Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Previously, subscribers were allowed to keep using the products that they had installed on systems. With the change this is no longer the case. The subscription provides you with access to software and associated benefits. When your subscription concludes, you will no longer have access to the software or any associated benefits and must discontinue your use of the software. While it is technically still possible to continue using the products after a subscription has expired, it is now explicitly prohibited to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shockz Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 Well dang, that's disappointing. No more test VM's for this guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian M. Veteran Posted July 20, 2013 Veteran Share Posted July 20, 2013 Such a stupid move by Microsoft :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 In case you haven't already done so... sign the petition at https://www.neowin.net/news/petition-wants-microsoft-to-continue-technet and maybe they'll come up with an alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aergan Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 You shouldn't but doesn't mean they wont work except for maybe the Windows 8 / Server 2012 as they now have activation validity periods in-place (see Pro Media Center keys) for this kind of thing where keys can expire whereas on WIndows 7 / earlier era they didn't. EDIT: The current Windows 7 MSDN and TechNet keys appear to be the same at time of writing for my account (can't compare for Windows 8 as my TechNet account isn't eligible for it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc302 Veteran Posted July 21, 2013 Veteran Share Posted July 21, 2013 They're supposed to expire but I'm not convinced. I've got a couple VMs I use for testing sites in older version of IE and they're still activated via (a now expired) TechNet sub. If it has been activated during your subscription you will be fine. It is supposed to be if you try to activate it after your sub is up it will not activate, it will not deactivate after your sub is done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+John Teacake MVC Posted July 21, 2013 MVC Share Posted July 21, 2013 That makes sense I guess, So am I right in thinking if I had to format my hard drive tomorrow I could still activate my PC using the key I was previously using that came from Technet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aergan Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 That makes sense I guess, So am I right in thinking if I had to format my hard drive tomorrow I could still activate my PC using the key I was previously using that came from Technet? For 7 and below it should be fine, for 8 maybe / maybe not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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