Windows 7: win7 evaluation copy to a retail copy install

I am getting win7 Ultimate (it should be in the mail right now), I install the win7 evaluation copy with a build I did back in the summer & installed win7 evaluation copy with a clean install. Now I want to do another clean install to get rid of the junk I have collected over the last couple months & because the copy will expire in a couple months. So my question is what is the best way to remove the evaluation copy & install the retail copy without losing all of my programs, drivers & user settings. I was thinking clone the area I want to save & then after the install happens merge the two back. Anyone have a better way or will the above work

Thank,

You can't clone and merge the two OS's. If you clean install by booting the new DVD to do a Custom install with Drive Tool formatting, you must reinstall your programs.

Many have reported excellent results doing an in-place Upgrade from the RC to any version using this workaround: Upgrade the Windows 7 RC to any retail version Icrontic Tech

You could try this to see if performance suits you, and if not then do a clean install.

So you are saying I can use the retail version as a upgrade & keep all fold in place, That would be nice if it would work.

Yes, this is one of the biggest surprises since Win7 release since everyone thought RC couldn't be upgraded.

But performance is not compromised in any case we have seen here and there are these cases every day including this one from right now: upgrade to 7 WITHOUT reinstalling; HOW TO??

Hey thanks for the info!