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

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  1. Posts : 46
    Windows 7 Release Candidate
    Thread Starter
       #11

    gregrocker said:
    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.
    How exactly does that work? The computer I'm on now has never had anything besides the RC on it, but I believe I have an old XP disc that was already used on my old computer. I don't even have a case for it, so how would I qualify that I have it without installing it?

    Also, are you saying that I CAN just buy the upgrade version and install it on my RC as long as it's a clean install? How exactly does a clean install work? Do I have to manually wipe my whole HDD or will an option come up when I install the OS?

    Sorry for all the questions.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #12

    The article by Paul Thurott from the link I gave earlier will answer nearly all of your questions. If you have questions regarding the procedure he gives, then you will probably want to post there or on his blog site.

    His site is one of the few I keep up with using Google Reader.


    Another source, is the Windows Secrets forum/newsletter.
    Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, Windows Update

    and then subscribe to their newsletter.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #13
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,470
    Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
       #14

    animex said:
    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.
    i think the OEM practice of allowing it to be switched over after a bit of hasseling will soon change. MS is starting to take a firmer stand on the fact that OEM is for system manufacturers and not home PC builders, and they have the right to refuse the key once tied to particular hardware.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8
    7 ult
       #15

    valtonray said:
    animex said:
    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.
    i think the OEM practice of allowing it to be switched over after a bit of hasseling will soon change. MS is starting to take a firmer stand on the fact that OEM is for system manufacturers and not home PC builders, and they have the right to refuse the key once tied to particular hardware.
    the way i got microsoft to give in was simply to remind rather i am selling, giving away, or keeping the computer i built with or without a business license by the definition of manufacturing i am a manufacture. i may not have built the parts from scratch, however i did use the parts to build the end product.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 46
    Windows 7 Release Candidate
    Thread Starter
       #16

    Wow, this is awesome. So about a year ago I took a computer programming class and I completely forgot that they give you access to MSDNAA where you can buy tons of software for free. Including Windows 7 Professional.

    It just took me awhile to remember my Login and Password, but once I did it was smooth sailing. I'm currently downloading Windows 7 Professional for $0.00.

    My only confusion is it didn't necessarily say if it was the update or the full version. They give you an option of either downloading Professional or ordering the retail disc for $23, but under the disc option, in bold it says:

    Please note that this mail order includes Windows 7 Professional 64-bit version - Upgrade only.

    This makes me assume that the download is the full version since it only mentions the upgrade in relation to the disc version. Is anyone here experienced with msdnaa? What do you think?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,028
    Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
       #17

    It is the full retail version
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,470
    Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
       #18

    animex said:
    valtonray said:
    animex said:

    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.
    i think the OEM practice of allowing it to be switched over after a bit of hasseling will soon change. MS is starting to take a firmer stand on the fact that OEM is for system manufacturers and not home PC builders, and they have the right to refuse the key once tied to particular hardware.
    the way i got microsoft to give in was simply to remind rather i am selling, giving away, or keeping the computer i built with or without a business license by the definition of manufacturing i am a manufacture. i may not have built the parts from scratch, however i did use the parts to build the end product.
    and this is why MS is starting to make a stand against it and has made an official statement that home builders will not be considered OEM manufacturers. it's an abuse of their software and they have the right to enforce this.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #19
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 328
    W7 Pro 64
       #20

    upgrade: you can esily install it on a virgin HDD. Google for the ways to make an iso. I purchased the student version, worked great. I could even install on 32 -bit PC (I purchased the 64-bit), just need to find the appropriate file (32-bit 0r 64-bit)

    OEM: I'd define myself a system builder at the moment I build a system. for myself, or my wife, or for my cat. Plain english: system builder = someone building a system.
    I'd take the risk of not being able to move in 2-3 years. First, there is a fair chance MS will let you anyway. Second, the W8 is out and maybe you want to buy that then anyway and spending more money now to be able to keep W7 will be wasteful.

    the main difference between full version and OEM is, with a full version MS is supposed to give support (like for people who don't know Google and sevenforum . As an OEM you are supposed to give support. Like I have to help my wife setting up her PC I built for her.

    I guess (and an attorney might disagree), MS is happy about anyone who pays at least something and doesn't just pirates it. It solidifies their monopoly. When I think of all the Win 95, win 98 etc. I had with PCs I purchased and don't use (but paid for them somehow) I think MS still got a fair deal. I have 2 laptops with XP (OEM of course) originally, I put the student W7 on one of them. So I already paid twice to operate the very same laptop since no one will ever buy my old XP CD. Once I'm not a student anymore, I just wait out for OEM versions, family packs or in case of laptops whatever comes with them. It is a natural tendency to scope out the best deal.. and OEM is stil somehow desirable by MS. IF they wanted to prevent it they could. You also have to see that they give the large PC manufacturers huge discounts, they maybe pay $ 30 per license and add their crap ware. So if I create a "deal" where I pay $ 100 I don't feel bad. the alternative would be sticking with XP longer, then MS would get $ 0. so they better take the $ 100.
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