Windows Anytime Upgrade. Risks?

[TheAnonymity]

I'm thinking of upgrading from 7 Professional to 7 Ultimate. I'd really like the ability to boot from a VHD. I've heard that Starter, Home Premium, and Professional, are all the same as Ultimate, they just have alot of features locked. Is this true? I'm also aware that an upgrade to 7 from Vista could bring system instability/slower performance, and I'd like to know if there are any risks by using WAU. Thoughts?

Edit: After reading my post, I realize what I said might confuse some of you. I'm not wanting to upgrade from vista, I don't have vista. I was using that as an example.

~TA

 

[richc46]

You are correct, all the versions are the same with some of the features locked, this is what makes the anytime upgrade possible. I hve heard that the locked features are just unlocked. If the anytime upgrade is an actual upgrade, hwever, rather than just unlocking features, I do not think that this would affect performance in any way. Problems arise when going from a version such as Vista and then upgrading, especially if the original has been used for a while. All the bugs virus etc, will carry forward to the new OS.

 

[TheAnonymity]

You are correct, all the versions are the same with some of the features locked, this is what makes the anytime upgrade possible.

So with that being said, there's no need for a clean install? It won't bring any reduced performance or system instability of any sort?

Edit: Appreciate the info. Upgrading now.

 

[richc46]

Since I never used it I can just give my opinion, as I have. But, here is some information from someone, who should know.

Microsoft prepares Windows Anytime Upgrade, v2 | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com

 

[TheAnonymity]

Since I never used it I can just give my opinion, as I have. But, here is some information from someone, who should know.

Microsoft prepares Windows Anytime Upgrade, v2 | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com

I upgraded. Everything's working fine, it was well worth the cash. Thanks for the info!

 

[richc46]

Thats great, Have a great New Year from everyone here at seven forums
Rich

 

[TheAnonymity]

Thats great, Have a great New Year from everyone here at seven forums
Rich

You too, Rich.

 

[GerryR]

Hi "TheAnonymity"

This is all that you have to do:

Control Panel -> System & Security -> Windows Anytime Upgrade

Of the two choices, this one seems obvious:

"Go online to choose the edition of Windows 7 that’s best for you.
After your purchase, Windows will upgrade automatically."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Your programs, data, and settings are not affected by this process.

As to the different features, there is a Windows 7 Forum Tutorial by Brink which runs something like six pages that lists all of the possible features and then which of these that each version of Windows 7 has.

The only thing that seems obvious is that with the price difference of only $20 (US) between Professional and Ultimate it seems to me that buying Professional is a strange decision. I have Home Premium and if I do upgrade I'll go right up to Ultimate.

That's all there is to it.

Gerry

 

[Ztruker]

I just checked and it's $129 to upgrade from Pro to Ultimate. Seems a bit much for VHD support.

 

[NoN]

I just checked and it's $129 to upgrade from Pro to Ultimate. Seems a bit much for VHD support.

Yeah...Better upgrade directly from Home to Ultimate , but from a Pro to Ultimate should a 50$ MAX!!!!

Not only VHD features, but Bitlocker, Branch Cache, Multi Language support and others little features.

 

[Ztruker]

I can see where Bitlocker, Branch Cache and Multi Language support would be useful in a business/corporate environment but not for a home user like me and probably not for most Win 7 users.

I suspect many people buy Ultimate because it, well, Ultimate and they want the top of the line. For me, other than VHD support (which I don't need as I have Sun VirtualBox installed) which I would like to play with, there is nothing in Ultimate that I need.

I'll save my $$$ for Win 8

 

[richc46]

I can see where Bitlocker, Branch Cache and Multi Language support would be useful in a business/corporate environment but not for a home user like me and probably not for most Win 7 users.

I suspect many people buy Ultimate because it, well, Ultimate and they want the top of the line. For me, other than VHD support (which I don't need as I have Sun VirtualBox installed) which I would like to play with, there is nothing in Ultimate that I need.

I'll save my $$$ for Win 8

Sounds like, for you, it is the right way to go.

 

[NoN]

As I did either...even if i could upgrade directly from home to Ultimate for 5$ more.