Upgrade WIN XP or Downgrade 7 RC build 7100

[dmciver]

I don't post often, but I do read a lot, and there is a lot of good info here. Background: I am running a dual boot Win XP (32 bit) and Win 7 RC 7100 (32 bit). I have the Digital River WIN Pro Upgrade (32 bit). I have read the UNAWAVE downgrade scenario from Ultimate to Pro and the WIN XP to WIN 7 PRO upgrade here.
I am debating which OS to change. I really like the RC version and have been using it for quite a while. But since it is my main OS, I would hate to screw it up doing the downgrade as suggested by UNAWAVE.
If I upgrade the WIN XP OS, I am not sure If I would still be able to dual boot between WIN 7 RC and WIN 7 Pro.
If I do upgrade XP to PRO, would I be able to use WET to transfer my settings from RC to PRO. I am leaning towards the downgrade option, but wanted some more input from the "experts".
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DocBrown]

Your RC version will start expiring in March 2010, so now would be a good time to make a decision what to do about your programs, files, & settings.

 

[Kari]

You know that on March 1, 2010, your RC build 7100 will start shutting down the computer every two hours and will expire and stop completely working on June 1, 2010?

If you keep the RC and upgrade your XP to Seven Pro, it works only four more months before these bi-hourly shutdowns begins.

I would downgrade the RC Ultimate to Pro. Only things you lose are the Bitlocker Drive Encryption and language packs, otherwise they are similar.

Good luck, what ever you decide.

Kari

 

[wilfj]

Is there not some rumors out there that MS may well allow us to purchase RC 7100 through the net and life carries on for thousands of valued customers? You would just use pal Pal and MS would send you a reg # and a download patch/ update. They could follow up with a reload disk or you would have to prepare your own image. maybe thats to easy for MS to figure out.....

 

[win7clutz]

Is there not some rumors out there that MS may well allow us to purchase RC 7100 through the net and life carries on for thousands of valued customers? You would just use pal Pal and MS would send you a reg # and a download patch/ update. They could follow up with a reload disk or you would have to prepare your own image. maybe thats to easy for MS to figure out.....

I don't know if those rumors are out there or not, but if so they are certainly nonsense.

Why not just do it right and backup your data files, Internet favorites, and email. Blow out all existing partitions and do a clean install of Win7.

Since your main OS is currently RC7100, you already know that you like Win7, so you might as well take this opportunity to do a clean install and be done with it. There is NO scenario like Downgrade this or Upgrade that which will give the final result you'll experience with a fresh install of the final product...

Good luck.

 

[wilfj]

Your absolutely correct. I have windows 7 Home upgrade ready to go but i would prefer Ultimate and my RC7100 is working like a charm so there is no reason to reformat. I have some time at least 2 months and I'll just wait and see. thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

RC was beta buggy and loaded with monitoring software. Win developers warned in a special bulletin not to try upgrading with it. However I have heard of a few who used Unawave workaround to downgrade it to Premium. I used Unawave to successfully downgrade RTM to Premium upgrade.

You can certainly try it and see how performance proves and holds. The worst case is actually the best case here: You would have to do a clean install of your Win7 Pro!

Downgrade: Change Windows 7 Ultimate to Premium or Professional

Can I do an In-Place upgrade from Windows 7 Release Candidate To Release Code??