My windows 7 RC is about to expire and I need advice

LobsterEar · 19 Feb 2010

Ok, so the RC is expiring in 11 days and I have a few options. I can:

-Buy the OEM, which is cheaper, but I can't install it on a different mobo.

-Buy the full version, but it's more expensive

-or I've heard about this RTM, which let's me use the Windows 7 upgrade to upgrade from the RC instead of buying the full version, but I've heard that there are some issues with this.

On top of all of that I will need to buy an external HDD to back-up my data onto if I do options 1 or 2. I don't think I need to wipe my HDD for the RTM option, do I?

So what do you guys think is the best option for my situation?

Thanks for the help in advance.

valtonray · 19 Feb 2010

well what to do here depends on you as a user. first ignore the RTM talk RTM is release to manufacturer it was what OEM vendors recieved to start installing on new pcs between the RC and the retail launch date and doesn't apply to the home user(although most of us probably upgraded into the rtm cycle before 7 launched)

if you plan to build a new computer within the next two years go ahead and buy the full retail version it's cheaper in the long run. if you will not be upgrading your computer or will do so with a system bought from a retailer then the OEM will be fine since it's unlikely you will need to install it on another system in the future.

LobsterEar · 19 Feb 2010

Thanks. I have a custom built PC, and I don't necessarily plan on upgrading it any time soon, but who knows. Maybe my mobo will die and then I'm out of luck, but I have heard that with the OEM you can call MS and they will give you a code if you get a new mobo. I'm not sure if that's true though.

gregrocker · 20 Feb 2010

There are reports of MS making exceptions for new mobos on OEM but I wouldn't count on it. You can call the MS Store Customer Service to learn exactly what the rules for OEM are.

You can do an in-place upgrade from RC to any retail version of Win7 with a popular workaround, but better to clean install for the best possible performance.

karlsnooks · 20 Feb 2010

You will find the following interesting:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/cle...rade_media.asp

ken9122 · 20 Feb 2010

I'd go with the OEM. It's almost half the cost compared with the full retail product.

ken

LobsterEar · 20 Feb 2010

karlsnooks said:

You will find the following interesting:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/cle...rade_media.asp

Interesting...the only thing I wonder is if that applies to the Windows 7 RC. They only mentioned XP and Vista.

LobsterEar · 20 Feb 2010

Wow, if this is legit I might jump for it.

Amazon.com

irectWin7 Storefront

It seems a little fishy though. I mean why sell all the versions for the same low price of $99. And this is supposedly the full version too. What do you think?

gregrocker · 20 Feb 2010

To buy an Upgrade version you need to have a qualifying copy of XP or Vista. It doesn't have to be installed but you should not use it again if used to qualify for Win7 Upgrade.

That said, having the RC on there when you boot or run the DVD to clean install Upgrade will allow use of Upgrade key, as the installer looks only for another OS. If not, use the workaround posted.

Amazon is a legitimate site. You can call their Customer Service if you want assurance.

animex · 20 Feb 2010

gregrocker said:

There are reports of MS making exceptions for new mobos on OEM but I wouldn't count on it. You can call the MS Store Customer Service to learn exactly what the rules for OEM are.

You can do an in-place upgrade from RC to any retail version of Win7 with a popular workaround, but better to clean install for the best possible performance.

if you push microsoft hard enough they will allow you to move your oem copy to a new machine. the idea of not being able to move it is if you had built the machine and then sold it. as far as microsoft is concerned you sold the oem copy of the os with the machine. now if you are building for your own use then you have the right to move the oem copy to new machine you built. microsoft will try to get you to buy a new copy which is not necessary since the copy you have is only going to be on one machine. unlike retail the oem manufacture actually owns that copy and not microsoft. even though you are not selling the machine you built it so you are the manufacture. i did this with xp and vista. as i said i had to prod microsoft a little, but they did finally agree and reauthorized me.