How to: Upgrade from Visual Studio Trial Edition

Trial Editions can only be used for a limited amount of time, usually 90 to 180 days. After that time period has expired, you cannot use the product again without a valid product key.

To obtain a product key

Purchase a copy of Visual Studio Professional Edition at a retail location. The product key is listed on the sleeve of the DVD or CD.

—or—

Order a Visual Studio Professional Edition product key online at http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/howtobuy/. The product key is sent to you in an e-mail message.

To upgrade Visual Studio 2005 Trial Edition

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs.
3. Select Microsoft Visual Studio Professional and then click Change/Remove.
4. On the Visual Studio Maintenance screen, enter the product key in the section Upgrade to Visual Studio Professional and then click Upgrade.