Can you upgrade the Release Candidate of Windows 7 to the official retail copy of it when it comes out?

Question

Windows 7 will have 5 editions coming out this fall. I haven't used the RC of Windows 7 yet (Still using XP, but I've heard good reviews of W7). I know that on June 1st, 2010, the RC will expire and you'll have to purchase a retail copy of Windows 7 otherwise the computer will shut down every 2 hours. So, when that comes (or even prior to that) can you directly UPGRADE the RC to the retail without losing your files, or do you have to do a clean installation to do that?

peace

- GTA

(P.S. I'm just curious because I'm very intrigued by Windows 7 and I'm interested in the release candidate version that came out)

Answer 1

Nope! Microsoft has stated that you have to do a clean install.



And, on a personal note, Windows 7 really is worth a try, in spite of the upgrade issue.

Answer 2

Gun Violence,



Thank you for your support of Windows 7! If you are planning on purchasing Windows 7 when it is released it may be helpful to know you don't have to wait until October to reserve your copy of Win 7! You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://tinyurl.com/nldc8p



Jessica

Microsoft Windows Client Team

Answer 3

no>you will have to have a released copy of xp or vista installed on your computer to upgrade to windows 7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/home?os=nonwin7