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

[LobsterEar]

Ok, so the RC is expiring in 11 days and I have a few options. I can:

-Buy the OEM, which is cheaper, but I can't install it on a different mobo.

-Buy the full version, but it's more expensive

-or I've heard about this RTM, which let's me use the Windows 7 upgrade to upgrade from the RC instead of buying the full version, but I've heard that there are some issues with this.

On top of all of that I will need to buy an external HDD to back-up my data onto if I do options 1 or 2. I don't think I need to wipe my HDD for the RTM option, do I?

So what do you guys think is the best option for my situation?

Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[valtonray]

well what to do here depends on you as a user. first ignore the RTM talk RTM is release to manufacturer it was what OEM vendors recieved to start installing on new pcs between the RC and the retail launch date and doesn't apply to the home user(although most of us probably upgraded into the rtm cycle before 7 launched)

if you plan to build a new computer within the next two years go ahead and buy the full retail version it's cheaper in the long run. if you will not be upgrading your computer or will do so with a system bought from a retailer then the OEM will be fine since it's unlikely you will need to install it on another system in the future.

 

[LobsterEar]

Thanks. I have a custom built PC, and I don't necessarily plan on upgrading it any time soon, but who knows. Maybe my mobo will die and then I'm out of luck, but I have heard that with the OEM you can call MS and they will give you a code if you get a new mobo. I'm not sure if that's true though.

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

You will find the following interesting:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

 

[ken9122]

I'd go with the OEM. It's almost half the cost compared with the full retail product.

ken

 

[LobsterEar]

You will find the following interesting:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

Interesting...the only thing I wonder is if that applies to the Windows 7 RC. They only mentioned XP and Vista.

 

[LobsterEar]

Wow, if this is legit I might jump for it.

Amazon.comirectWin7 Storefront

It seems a little fishy though. I mean why sell all the versions for the same low price of $99. And this is supposedly the full version too. What do you think?

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[animex]

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.

 

[LobsterEar]

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[theog]

Have a read:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

 

[valtonray]

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.

 

[animex]

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.

 

[LobsterEar]

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?

 

[tw33k]

It is the full retail version

 

[valtonray]

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.

 

[theog]

Have a read:

http://www.sevenforums.com/software/41571-must-read-oem-license-users.html

 

[HerrKaLeun]

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.