I'm currently using the evaluation (build 7100) of Windows 7, and I love it. I pre-purchased "Windows 7 Professional Upgrade" when they had the sale at half price.
When I get my copy, can I just change the Product Key and activate, or do I have to reload Windows 7 all over again?
If I have to reload, it will be a pain in the @ss, as I spent a lot of time getting the settings, drivers, and various other programs loaded.
Unfortunately you are using the RC version (build 7100), so you will have to reinstall from your purchased copy.
There are some slight differences between the RC and the final build (7600).
Tom
Hi and welcome to the forums..
Unfortunately, you will have to reinstall. You cant use a retail key to activate beta software... Good Luck...
You can transfer all your drivers very easily.
Just copy the folder \Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository to an external drive or a USB stick. Later, you can just point the Update driver software.. function in Device Manager to this folder - it will find them all and reinstall them.
You could try this:
How to Upgrade the Windows 7 RC to RTM (Final Release) :: the How-To Geek
Not sure if it will work with the upgrade only version of Windows 7, but it works perfectly with the full install of Win 7 RTM.
All those drivers are in that folder too - but any 'unknown device', something that he had to search for because it wasn't on the 7 disc or on WU will be in that folder - he just needs to point to it (similar to Have disk) and it will be installed by Windows momentarily.
All the installed drivers on an installed Windows OS together with their .inf files are there in that folder. Believe me. Check it out, make it a tutorial.
I don't want to steal this thread, but I didn't want to repost the same style question.
Will I have to reload Win7 Home Premium if I purchase a Win7 Home Premium Upgrade license under the Student price of $29.99?
I signed up for it, but did not purchase it yet, been waiting.
Thanks for all your replies. I've decided to purchase another SATA II drive, and install my new copy of Windows 7 on that. I'll keep the old drive to help with all the drivers, and then format it later and use it for backups.
Thanks Guys!
* Just seems to me, MS should have allowed a "Non-Destructive" install in Windows 7.
All good suggestions.
I am also upgrading RC to a formatted second hard drive. Technet has suggested that this is accomplished by unplugging all but the XP/Vista/RC drive and the target drive which I will fomat primary. After Custom install, I will change the boot drive to the second HDD and run Startup Repair on it 3 times. XP/Vista/RC is not deactivated but only restricted by license agreement to use only for reinstall of upgrade. So I will copy files and any special drivers over using explorer. After programs are reinstalled and it's finished, I will image the drive using Win7's excellent Backup Imaging app, save it to a primary Recovery Partition and an external drive in case of failure of HDD. This way a reinstall will never again be necessary, just 20 minute HDD reimage. But if a reinstall were necessary, it would have to be done from XP/Vista if the RC has expired.
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