Windows 7: vista + win7 retail discs to upgrade win7 RC to retail

can i somehow use my vista disc at some point to allow the Windows 7 retail install to upgrade the Windows 7 RC AND NOT HAVE TO REINSTALL MY PROGRAMS?

i currently have vista 32 bit home premium. i have the install discs for it too.

i want to create another partition and put Windows 7 RC 64 bit on it (dual boot).

i have Windows 7 home premium preordered.

i want to upgrade Windows 7 RC to the retail when it comes out, WITHOUT REINSTALLING MY PROGRAMS.

i read the Windows 7 retail discs will allow you to upgrade the Windows 7 RC, but you will have to reinstall programs.



i am wondering if using the vista disc will allow me to upgrade and keep my programs.

thank you!

Plenty of threads to choose from on that info, why don't you try this one.New Info release from MS on UPGRADE or for other info Windows 7 Upgrade Guide: All Your Questions Answered

thanks, but i already read that stuff.

if you read my post carefully, what i'm asking is slightly different.

i want to go from Windows 7 RC to retail *and keep my installed programs* by using my vista disc.

well i realized i may not be able to do this for another reason since the RC is Ultimate..and i'll have Windows 7 home premium and vista home premium discs/keys.

edit:
but then again there is the ei.cfg trick

You are better off doing a clean install. You will only run into problems if you do an upgrade. Create a backup of your personal data a make a list of your current programs that you have. Its your best bet.

If you want to try and upgrade make sure that you ordered the same type of 7. If you currently 32-bit you can only(possibly) upgrade to a 32-bit retail. You cant go from 32-bit to 64-bit, just an FYI.

You may run into issues anyway since the RC is Ultimate and you are theoretically "downgrading" to Home Premium Ed. It may not even allow you to upgrade because of this.

Whichever way you chose hope it works out.

what about this idea:

1) download RC
2) delete the ei.cfg
3) install RC as home premium (that's what i preordered)
4) either not enter the ultimate key or let the installation be invalid
5) when Windows 7 retail comes out, somehow enter my valid Windows 7 key into my RC installation
6) reinstall windows 7 using the retail key/disc using the upgrade method to keep my programs

I am still yet to understand how to install it as Home Premium. If you did get it to install like that, you would have to install it as Home Basic and then upgrade to Home Premium. I cant guarantee that an upgrade from Home Premium to Home Premium would even work.