New Info release from MS on UPGRADE

dmb219 said:

I just read in another thread that a validated install of XP, Vista or W7 Beta will qualify you for a clean install from the upgrade disc, but once you've installed the final version, you can't do a clean install again with the upgrade disc - the final version of W7 isn't acceptable. That makes no sense but that's what is being said. I find that hard to believe.

This is not "Mission Impossible" the disc is not destroyed upon implementation, you can install as many times as you like.

This is the info I'm referring to, I know the disc won't self-destruct.


Now here's the bigger catch: While you won't need to downgrade from Windows 7 RC to Vista or XP in order to install Windows 7 final the first, time, you will need to install one of those operating systems and activate it first if you want to do a clean install in the future. Because the Windows 7 upgrade disc will only work with an activated version of Windows. That means you'll need an activated version of Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 RC to start with or the disc will be useless.

fakeasdf said:

Can do Upgrade installation (No Need to Reinstall Programs etc)
Windows Vista

Can Buy Upgrade (Must clean install, reinstall programs etc)
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista (see above as well)
Windows 7 RC (Activated*)


Some people state that you must upgrade from ultimate to ultimate, home premium to home premium etc. This would imply that you would need to upgrade RC to Windows 7 Ultimate. I'm not sure if I believe this, seeing as you can buy the 7 ultimate upgrade for 2000, xp, Vista Ultimate all at the same price... I personally think you can upgrade any version of Windows 7 from any of those versions as long as they are genuine. If someone has some better reliable information lemme know and I'll change this so I don't have it etched down for the rest of eternity incorrectly...

*You can only activate Windows 7 RC until June 2010, If you choose to upgrade past this date you will need to use a different source such as Windows 2000, XP, or Vista when using your upgrade edition (whether for upgrading or clean installing)...

well start correcting then. Upgrading to Windows 7: what XP and Vista users need to know - Ars Technica

The fact that you can use a Upgrade version on top of Seven RC can cause headaches down the road. Its weird that they would allow that. After Seven RC goes Dead, what ya do if you need to reinstall and you can't activate RC to show as a pre-owned OS?

I've had conflicting sources and I want to know whats the truth.

I have Windows 7 RC on my computer, its the only OS to ever be on the computer. Is it possible to upgrade to the final version of Windows 7 by using the Windows 7 upgrade?

harpua said:

After 7RC "goes dead" you would presumably already have a copy of 7 RTM already installed and activated. I would expect one could simply upgrade again from that using the upgrade media and key, if there was a need to do a clean install or repair install.

I think you're right, that certainly makes sense. Once Windows 7 is installed and activated there surely won't be a need for a previous OS to validate unless maybe you format the drive (before starting the installation).

YupYup said:

Yes.

I'll believe you, even though everyone is saying something different.