Windows 7 preorders begin in the US, Canada, and Japan

[Night Hawk]

The problem is those are limited to the upgrade disks only as well as only two editions. They also lack when presenting their compare editions page as well. Which one is right for you?

Now take a look at a real comparison between editions! http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/14422-compare-windows-7-editions.html

 

[markst]

Well I pre-ordered the Windows 7 Professional upgrade from the Microsoft store (store.microsoft.com) and much to my surprise it comes with both 32 and 64 bit versions in the box.. Saves a little time and money.

 

[unisol0]

windows 7 on barebones system

i have a system and the only os on it is windows 7 RC. what path do i take to upgrade or do i buy full version? my system came with no os installed.

 

[chmillman]

From reading elsewhere, I thought I understood that you need to have an equivalent version to do an upgrade install without having to do a clean install... So if you install 7 Pro over Vista Ultimate you will need to do a clean install. If you install 7 Ultimate over Vista Ultimate then you don't need to do a clean install... Or did I get that wrong? --ch

 

[techie2008]

UK has to wait until 31st August

Why do we have to wait longer for? any particular reason?

 

[jimbo45]

Hi all

If you joined technet after the "Free Membership Fiasco" (I did at 20% discount) you'll be able to get it FREE anyway so don't rush out and PAY for it if you don't have to.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Lordbob75]

Hey everyone.

Yes, its true the UK gets it late (sorry guys).

Also, a lot are asking about the upgrade vs full (or Dl vs retail). Upgrade is what you can use to install Seven IF YOU OWN M$ PREVIOUS OS (vista). There are two ways to install it:
Upgrade install: You install it over your existing OS, and (I THINK) keeps all your files and such.
Full Install: Yes, this is possible with an upgrade disk! Full Instructions here: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/14415-upgrade-full-what-difference-2.html#post145142

Full Installation Retail Disk: This is the more expensive version, for people that DON'T own Vista. This allows a clean install (the upgrade clean install is not well known). More for system builders who need to buy a new OS for a new system.

The difference for DLing vs Retail:
It is the EXACT SAME OS. The difference is that if you DL it, you have to burn it to a DVD yourself, and write down the key somewhere. If you go to the store and buy a physical copy, it comes on a nice DVD for you, with a CD key all in a nice, plastic box.

Hope that answers a lot of your questions!
Remember to ask if you have more! (there are no stupid questions )

~Lordbob

 

[Night Hawk]

I already own Vista here but will still be going for the full version disk. For cost saving many will elect to go to regular online vendors to order an OEM disk of the 32bit or 64bit version for the edition they select once 7 is already out while the preordered disk option can save for those on a tight budget.

In fact someone I was keeping updated was elated about the offer upon hearing about still not having gone for one of the RCs. Remember your charge card won't actually be billed now but on 10/22 when 7 is released at that time despite placing the preorder now.

 

[jim84]

Ok, I am still a little unclear on this, after reading through this thread...

I never upgraded to Vista. I was running XP Pro However I installed the RC of 7 and have been using it only. Can I upgrade from the 7 RC to 7 with the upgrade disc?

The following leads me to believe I can make this upgrade, but I am not certain, and don't want to waste my money if I can't... Thanks.

"You've been using Windows® 7 for a while now, and we hope you've been enjoying a simpler PC experience. Because you've been a loyal Windows customer, we're offering you the Windows 7 upgrade at a great introductory price* - only $49.99 for Home Premium or $99.99 for Professional. It's our way of saying thanks for trying it out. To take advantage of this deal, pre-order your copy while supplies last."

 

[Night Hawk]

Can you perform an upgrade from the RC itself or something that sounds a bit more encouraging and found on the Vista forum is the guide on how to do the same with a Vista upgrade disk. Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums

The other option many use to save costs when buying a full install version is the OEM for system builders single disk where you either end up with the 32bit or 64bit depending on which one you choose. For the 64bit Vista Ultimate edition included with SP1 and now seeing the free upgrade to 7 coupon offer, Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - Operating Systems

 

[Lordbob75]

Ok, I am still a little unclear on this, after reading through this thread...

I never upgraded to Vista. I was running XP Pro However I installed the RC of 7 and have been using it only. Can I upgrade from the 7 RC to 7 with the upgrade disc?

The following leads me to believe I can make this upgrade, but I am not certain, and don't want to waste my money if I can't... Thanks.

I do not believe that we have ever gotten a clear answer on this. I have heard both sides of this, from good sources. Not M$ though. Any 100% certain answer?

~Lordbob

 

[jim84]

Thanks for the response, it would be nice to find out for sure, since the price discount only lasts 1 more week...

 

[Night Hawk]

The offer may last another week while the numbers at some places have already been taken up for any preorders! The only you will likely find now is the free upgrade coupon if you buy one of the Vista editions.

 

[jim84]

Well I'm not buying it only to find out it won't work later.

 

[Night Hawk]

With any preorder at this time your charge card isn't charged. You are simply reserving a copy of an upgrade disk.

Once the 10/22 date arrives your card is then billed being the official release date. The problem now is once the news was out on the preorder options the number of discounts being offered were used up fast! You had to move fast since 7 is growing popularity at an alarming rate!

 

[jim84]

It isn't sold out in Canada... Though, I still am not clear whether I can upgrade from 7 RC... When I visit the 7 site from the personalize menu, I get this...

 

[Fishdoc]

I talked with a M$ rep other day, because I had the same question. I was told, we do qualify for the upgrade. I do think however we might have to do the double install.

 

[Chappy]

A few basic questions -

1) I live in canada, and I see on the microsfot Canadian website, there's nowhere to order W7 . I cant order through the US website either, since they require an area code to calculate taxes.

2) I have a legit version of Vista , but it's OEM. Will I still qualify for the W7 savings ? ( Assuming I will be able to order it from Canada at some point )

thanks guys !

You don't order from MS, you order from an Affiliated site, Amazon.ca, Best Buy, Furure Shop...the list is on the MS site.

Now I'm still amazed at how many people say "I don't want Upgrade, I want the FULL version.."
Upgrade is a full version folks, it doesn't contain a partial copy of the OS...what good would that be? And you can do FULL clean install from an Upgrade disk, all an upgrade requires is that you own a legit copy of a previous MS OS so you can unlock the upgrade path. The install disk from Vista or XP is all you need, and if they stay the same as they did with Vista, if you don't have the disk (or it's badly damaged), you can enter the product key instead.

 

[Chaytik Chiken]

I talked with a M$ rep other day, because I had the same question. I was told, we do qualify for the upgrade. I do think however we might have to do the double install.

what is a double install?

 

[Sammy]

what is a double install?

Clean install no entered then do ungrade install with key entered on top of that thus double install.