Windows 7 Upgrade - programs stay installed?

Question

I have the windows 7 Ultimate RC and want to upgrade to the full version:(http://www.software4students.co.uk/Microsoft_Windows_7_Ultimate_32_bit_Edition_Upgrade-details.aspx)

I currently have many programs that have licensing restrictions (such as Spore) on my machine that I would like to keep.
Would it help to un-install the software to get the license use back?

Answer 1

If you are able to do the upgrade then yes everything will keep as is.



Problem is inherintly upgrade is not supported for beta nor RC. You may be able to bypass this by doing some alteration on the installation CD.



There is a file called CVERSIONS.ini in the sources folder in the CD you will get. Change the value of MinClientVer to 7000.0.



I was able to use this using the upgrade option in the full package (not purchasing an Upgrade version of Windows 7) to convert RC to retail version.



There is no guarantee that an upgrade version will work against the RC version.

Answer 2

When performing an upgrade, all your files and applications remain on your computer. It is however not advised to upgrade from a release candidate to the full version. It would be better to do a clean install.

Answer 3

when you install / uprgade windows 7 all programs saved on your hard drive and your RAM, are erase (deleted). they do sell a special upgrade disc that simply updates to windows 7 and doesnt erase programs.