Windows 7: *UPGRADE* to 7 from RC??

hey, i want to get 7 set on my computer before school starts, so if i download and install the rc, will i be able to upgrade to the final version without doing a clean reinstall of 7?

Not recommended. RC was RC 7100 and there have been numerous changes since. The default retail installation will not allow an upgrade from the RC and most pre-release versions for a reason.

If you have not installed any version of Windows 7 as of yet why not wait and install the retail version and be done with it. If you have a copy of the RTM you can install it and activate it later when you have purchased your key.

K

As muad dib says its really not recommended. you might be able to upgrade dependant on what version of windows you buy. could you tell us more abt your system, OS, etc

Ken

yeah, sorry i was in a hurry before, right now i am running vista home premium x64, um... idk what else to tell you, i got intel core 2 duo 2 ghz, 4 gb of ram geforce 9600m gt. My plan was to download the Windows 7 rc, and do a clean install before school started just so i wouldn't have to make the change during school. then i was hoping to purchase the final win 7 when i comes out in...october, i think...so i was wondering if i should just wait till october and then make the switch to 7 or if i could switch now and upgrade to the final version in october

IMO, wait until October. RC upgrade to Retail is not recommended by most or supported by MS.

K

You can dl and install 7600 (RTM) and re-arm it 3x for a total of 120 days. When its released to the public you COULD just install your legit key and no problem, but whatever problems you will have then would still be there. MS does recommend a clean slate install, but ppl here know enough to figure it out themselves. A word of caution, try to find all the 64 bit drivers for win 7 before you do. It will save you some headaches

Ken

A hybrid option for you, if you have time to kill now, would be a dry run knowing that you would be doing the "real" switch to Windows 7 when you acquire your licensed copy in October.

Create a second partition, download all the necessary drivers and do a test install. If you use the RC 7100 there is a greater risk of driver incompatibilities/system quirks than if you use one of the "leaked" 7600 RTM versions. But you can discover what, if any, problems there might be with your hardware/drivers and what the solutions are (keep notes!).

It would not be necessary to install all of the 3rd party apps just to test for basic system level issues and verify the solutions.

The danger is that you will get too attached to the dry run install!

alright thanks a lot guys