Windows 7: Installation of Windows 7 RTM

I currently have XP and 7 RC installed as a dual boot system on separate partitions and all works well. I am being led to believe that I will not be able to do this with the final retail version of Windows 7 in October and that I will not be able to run my licensed copy of XP if I install a licensed copy of Windows 7. Surely this cannot be right!
Appreciate any advise

No you can still run XP in a dual boot system when Windows 7 is released. You could install a fresh copy of Windows 7 over the Windows 7 RC.

Unless, the OP's question assumes that the Windows 7 installation is a full retail version, I think the answer is "it depends." Others may have a better answer. But my understanding is that if you purchase an "upgrade" for XP to 7, the installation process will invalidate or transfer the XP license to 7. If you purchase a full retail version of 7, obviously it would be possible to do a dual boot with XP.

I still think that until the actual discs are released or until MS starts answering some of these questions, this is all just speculation.

BTW, slightly, OT somewhere on another thread I thought someone said that you would be able to use the public Win 7 RC "key" as the "previous OS license" by which you could then "upgrade/clean install" the upgrade version of Windows 7. I thought that sounded bizarre and there was no link to a source. Does anyone know anything about this?

Damon

You will be able to use the Windows 7 boot manager to boot to almost any OS, from XP to Linux.

The Windows 7 boot manager is much more dynamic than traditional Windows boot loaders (ie: XP). Even if it doesn't detect all of the operating systems installed on your PC, you can always go in manually and add them with the help of online tutorials.

As for RTM there should be no difference for the boot manager when compared to Beta or RC-1.

My thought on this are that.
Microsoft Do have a preference when it comes to this...
What you should do now is, have a seperate drive for "DATA" as your library of files to be kept and used between the two Operating systems.
Now when you go to install the new windows 7, just delete the preveious partion or even format. as it is very easy to interchange Operating systems in windows seven.

PS: I would not Download or install any UNOFFICAL Builds unless downloaded from the source.
With the imagex Capture hardrive to WIM. Lots of people are creating their own custom install and interchangining the install wim on the windows RC1 Disk/image and re-releasing..
I KNOW OCTOBER IS FAR AWAY!!!!

Thanks to all for response but there does still seem to be a lot of confusion about this. I thought that MS are saying that it is not possible to upgrade from XP to 7 so therefore I should be able to install 7 on the current 7 RC partition as a clean install without it having any effect on the XP partition.
I am curious about SPYDAZ suggestion and would appreciate more detail. Do you mean a separate HD for 7 as distinct from a separate partition and what is the DATA? Sorry to be thick.

Well Ideally - You Either Need A seperate Partition for DATA - IE: movies, games, videos stored apps...

BCDEDIT (\Boot) <<< HIDDEN PARTITION<<< only to be edited by Windows 7 / 2k8 Diskpart 200mb
The Xp Can Reside on ITs Own Partition (Fat32 or Ntfs) 25GB
The Win7RC Can reside on its own partition. 50GB

The Data Stored On a Seperate Harddrive <<< Acessable By Both Systems >>>> As Long as its not DYNAMIC....

Now when upgrading to RTM >>>> the Windows 7 RC partiton can be deleted and reinstalled with the RTM.

SO. If You need the XP install << Install XP FIRST <<preferably Fat32>>> Windows 7 will protect drive and Hide in Windows 7 <<<< BCD EDIT Will put leagasy options in the boot file> Install Windows 7 Second, on seperate partition.

Anything that you may need to access from both instalations can be store on a seperate drive or partition.

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO THIS DUAL BOOT that is!
But Windows 7 is a new KERNAL so it needs a FRESH INSTAL

I just posted about this issue, I have an older computer that can't handle Windows 7.

I'm building a new one and I guess that legally transfering XP from the old unit to the new one will be the key to be able to use the cheaper upgrade software later on.

As to installing Windows 7 over Windows 7 RC, Microsoft site says that is either imposible or at best not recomended.

I also understand that an OEM version of Windows 7 will be about half price that one supported by Microsoft, just like previous Windows versions.

If I am correct, the best way to go will be to use the RC version until next year and then buy an OEM version.

Am I correct?

I hope so! I want to keep my XP installation and dual boot with Windows 7.
I also pre ordered an upgrade disk.