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#1
Which One?
I have the Windows 7 RC and am planning on getting the full version. But I don't know which I need to get. I used to have Windows Vista before the RC so can I get the Upgrade?
I have the Windows 7 RC and am planning on getting the full version. But I don't know which I need to get. I used to have Windows Vista before the RC so can I get the Upgrade?
Yes you qualify for Upgrade version even if you don't reinstall Vista to launch it. Just use the workaround here: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
or boot the DVD and it will scan the HD and should see the RC then pass a flag allowing use of Upgrade key, even if you then use Custom>Drive Options to delete partitions, create New and format (good idea).
No you don't need anything but the Product key for your Win7 upgrade.
But if you have Vista on the machine, you should audit the Product Key using Magic Jellybean or Belarc Advisor in case you ever want to reinstall it or MS decides to tighten Upgrade requirements on reinstalls. But you can avoid reinstalls by saving a Win7 Backup Image after installation so you just reimage the HD in 20 minutes and never have to reinstall again.
An OS key should be protected like a valuable worth over $100 for the life of the OS.