windows 7 release candidate upgrade?

Question

Im running the windows 7 release candidate right now. do you think i can use the upgrade edition of windows 7 or do i have to buy a full version because i dont have a os i can use other than the rc version which will be starting to have bi hourly shutdowns in march. and i had this emachines, but i swapped out the motherboard and mostly all the parts, will the cd key on the case of xp be usable so i can install xp so i can buy a upgrade edition of windows 7? thanks

Answer 1

Microsoft has indicated you can use the upgrade versions coming from the Release Candidate -- it will be recognized as a genuine activated prior version of Windows.



It will still technically fresh install, however -- you can't have it truly upgrade and carry settings over.



You *can* upgrade from a genuine version of XP to Windows 7, but again, it will technically fresh install and not carry over settings and programs. Only coming from Vista do things carry over, but you *can* use the upgrade discs coming from XP.



The CD key is not enough to use the upgrade discs however. The upgrade discs require a prior genuine activated version of Windows be present. Some places have indicated a prior genuine disc may be enough during the install process, too, but no one will know for sure until release.



Anyway, mainly make sure your RC is activated and you're supposed to be able to use the upgrade discs with it.

Answer 2

Microsoft has indicated the (activated) Release Candidate will be recognized by the upgrade discs as a legitimate prior version of Windows. Many people with legitimate versions of things like XP and Vista installed the RC, and they're not making them go back and reinstall and reactivate their prior OS to get the upgrade discs to work. The upgrade discs supposedly will mandate a fresh install coming from the RC, however, just like they do with XP. Anyway, you're supposed to be able to use the upgrade discs. Do keep in mind that if you ever change hard drives in the future, you could run into issues fresh installing. Once the RC expiration date hits (or before), they'll no longer allow new activations of the RC if you try to follow that installation path again, and thus the upgrade discs won't be able to see what they need to to go in. If you want to be absolutely sure you can use the upgrade discs, you might want to wait for the final version to actually come out and "official" reports to come in once people actually try to use them.

Answer 3

I give thumb up for "paul V" . He is right.

Note: Microsoft Windows Vista® Home Basic, Windows Vista® Starter Edition, and non-Bonus versions of Windows XP and Windows XP Professional do not qualify for upgrades to Windows® 7 under this program. Windows® 7 can only be upgraded to the same language version of Windows (e.g. English to English).

No upgrade but clean install for xp.

Answer 4

you can not upgrade to windows 7 from XP