Windows 7 pre-orders begin, now (update: but not for Europe)
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Jun 26th 2009 1:58AM
posted Jun 26th 2009 1:58AM
Update: Reduce priced pre-orders for the UK won't begin until July 15th with prices set at £49 for Windows 7 Home Premium E and £99 for Professional E, both will ship without Internet Explorer.
Update 2: For those wondering about the upgrade prices for Europe... there aren't any. In the UK, the Home Premium "upgrade" is actually a full-version of the OS and will cost £80 (about $131), Professional "upgrade" will cost £190 (about $312), and Ultimate will cost £200 (about $328) until the end of the year -- they'll cost £150 ($246), £220 ($361), and £230 ($377), respectively, starting January 1, 2010. According to the BBC, Microsoft claims that it can't offer the lower upgrade pricing ($120, $200, or $220 for Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate in the US) in order to comply with European competition regulations, a claim that EU regulators dismiss. As such, going from Vista to Windows 7 will require a clean install in the EU in order to remove Internet Explorer -- no in-place upgrades will be possible according to Microsoft. Look EU, if you're going to fine Microsoft billions for anti-competitive behavior then you have to expect this kind of tail-between-the-legs retribution, honest or not. You certainly can't say that Microsoft is using its market dominance to push out the competition when Apple's Snow Leopard is coming in September for a mere $29. Happy now?
[Thanks, Gavin]
when will it be available to un-americans like me? :(
me too
Preorders are being offered in the US, Canada, and Japan: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/windows-7-preorders-begin-in-the-us-canada-and-japan.ars
Note that it's not just Amazon, the article has tons a long list of other online retailers that are participating.
Does anyone know if it comes with a basic DVD codec, unlike XP, Vista, or is this like other Microsoft operating systems?
At just $99 which is much less then XP and Vista unoperating systems I'm thinking not likely?
@Steveorevo - Probably not... but just like XP and Vista there's one ready on Windows Update straight away. Though I could have sworn Vista comes with one out of the box...
@Steveorevo
Only Vista Home Basic didn't come with DVD codec I think. Rest did.
XP doesn't come with any DVD codecs at all. Not even via Windows Update.
Probably same thing with Win7. There's definitely DVD codec in Home Premium and above. Heck, it even comes GPU-ACCELERATED h.264/mpg4 codec in the box. Love that thing in Win7 RC. I can finally play my HD video files with minimal CPU usage! And that's with my crappy integrated DX10 AMD motherboard! (100% CPU before with CCCP on XP/Vista, now 15% CPU afterward without even installing any codecs at all. :D )
Having read the updates, I don't think it really matter when it comes to the UK =(
£150 as of 2010! A HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS!!!
I have to say, Microsoft need to get their pricing act together. And I can understand why taking IE out would mean no upgrade version, but this is just eww... I think I'll be sticking with RC1 and just hoping there aren't any gaping flaws =(
(£150! I could have a GTX260 for that! well... almost, £10 extra =P)
The no IE = no upgrade is plain and simple bullshit!
How hard would it be to set up a web page where you need to validate an old XP or Vista key to use a "upgrade" version (even if it technically formats the hard drive, the technical aspect doesn't matter to anyone but MS morons who think the people of europe will rise up in protest against what the evil EU is doing to nice, sweet MS)?
JUST SO YOU KNOW:
EUROPE IS NOT ONLY THE UNITED KINGDOM. EVERY TIME YOU TALK ABOUT EUROPE YOU HAVE TO MENTION THE PRICE IN POUNDS? WE HAVE SOMETHING CALLED "EURO" IN THE REST OF EUROPE.
"You can not upgrade windows because it involves deleting internet explorer."
How about we delete it ourselves and install the upgrade? Or why does it not offer us to remove IE prior to 7 install?
Just a lame reason to charge premium.
OK, missing DVD codecs aside. I think I would just be happy if the OS came with some modern conveniences like, oh, a spell checker. For email and webforms w/out having to pay another $299 for office. Now that'd be swell!
Just checked. No XP never came with a DVD codec, not through windows update either. You have to pay for power DVD, nvidia cinema or some other third party crap like cyberlink. Vista too in exception to ultimate. And still no spell checker. Boooo! To play DVDs and spell check your mail you'll need over 300$ in extras. That's an unoperating system! What gives? If apple can play a DVD out of the box and spell stewwwwpid correctly why can't M$?
"Just checked. No XP never came with a DVD codec, not through windows update either. You have to pay for power DVD, nvidia cinema or some other third party crap like cyberlink. Vista too in exception to ultimate"
No, Home Premium and above included DVD playback. Do better research.
" And still no spell checker. Boooo!"
There a plenty of free ones.
" To play DVDs and spell check your mail you'll need over 300$ in extras."
No, you need $0 in extras if you have a version that isn't starter (and that only comes on pre-built machines and if there was a DVD drive the OEM would include a player)
On newegg-
http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Windows7/PreSale/index.html?cm_sp=Homepage_Top_Right-_-Windows7/PreSale-_-http%3a%2f%2fpromotions.newegg.com%2fMicrosoft%2fWindows7%2fPreSale%2f362x130.jpg
@mocax: You just don't feel like an american today?
@Dan
There is no Home Premium version of XP. XP came in either Home, Professional, or Media Center Edition. Neither Home or Professional came with DVD decoding support-it had to be added by installing a 3rd party DVD player that had DVD support and then you could use Windows Media Player to play DVDs after that.
I believe MCE supports DVDs out of the box though, but it was never available as a retail installation and only came OEM on Media Center PCs.
Would love one for my laptop but I guess many driver are not available for Win7 so oh I'll give this a pass.
a lot of vista drivers work on win7.
what would make you think that.
Just bought mine BTW
Depends on your laptop I guess. All Vista drivers should be compatible. If you have a machine with Dx9 or higher, you should be fine.
Go try the RC and see. I think they also have some tools to tell if drivers are available for all your hardware. I tried RC on 5 machines now and so far everything has been flawless.
A fresh install of Windows 7 yielded these results for me:
- On our new Dell Studio XPS desktop - a completely clean device manager
- On my Dell XPS M2010 "laptop" - only one device with an error, fixed by the vista driver
- On my Toshiba Satellite craptop - only two devices with errors, fixed by xp drivers
So you've nothing to fear.
I haven't had a Vista driver yet that I couldn't get working on Windows 7. Considering how long Vista has been out, unless the manufacturer has basically completely abandoned support for your device years ago, there should be drivers.
That said, whats the pricing for OEM disks going to be? These were $99 when Vista launched, and the upgrade much more expensive, so is W7 going to be ueber cheap (compared to XP and Vista at launch at least)?
This is the little O/S that's going to take a quick glance over to OSX Snow Leper, smirk, and continue on its way to world domination glory.
SUCK IT, Apple Vampire Nation.
This is why I hate fanboys of all types.
Well said. CrApple is now in deeeep do do. Why?
1). WIndows 7
2). Netbooks
3). CrApple overpricing and underperformance.
Their sales are already falling so let's hope that the finally fade into well deserved oblivion.
but you read his comment and even posted a reply. unfortunately he wins
@red Yeah those sales are really failing. Do you not have the ability to do a google search before you make idiotic comments? Oh of course not, cause someone in 1998 said apple computers suck so you’ve been fighting the good fight ever since. Get an effing life and use what you like.
I looked at the Amazon page and didn't see any mention of 32 or 64-bit. Can anyone confirm if the disk contains both versions?
Everything I'm reading says 64 and 32 bits are in the same box (or 64 bit upgradeability is there). Ordering, there was no distinction unlike XP or Vista.
Amazon is probably one of the better places to buy - no sales tax and cheaper shipping (especially if you're a Prime member). The microsoft website was really really slow and crashed a ton on me right at 11PM cdt.
Oh - order up to 3 of any edition and you pay one shipping chez Microsoft.
yea, they come with both 32/64 bit. Or mail you the missing DVD for free. Did this for vista arleady.
Looks like Newegg still has copies, and free shipping:
http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Windows7/PreSale/index.html
ZEERRGGG RRRUUUSSSSHHHH!!!!
Already bought my copy.
so did skyblaze :)
you really can't beat 99 bucks as ridiculously high as it'll retail
I can't decide between Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional. I need advice. I like the location aware printing feature of Professional and I think it's a steal for $99 but I'm not sure if I'll use all that other stuff.
And then $49.99 for Home Premium is ridiculously inexpensive so I am leaning towards that (especially since I have Vista Home Premium)...
Any thoughts?
The Pro version has an XP Mode. I ordered from Amazon 1 Pro version and 2 Home versions. I'm currently running Windows 7 RC1 on my Dell Mini 9 netbook.
ill help ya out lion :)
it depends on what you do most with your computer... if you're a media guy and don't do much server or business oriented shizzle (or don't feel the need to emulate xp in virtual desktop) then you aren't missing much with home premium... im a perfectionist so i just went with professional edition cuz i had the extra cash to burn... (ill upgrade to ultimate when it actually comes out...)
Any techies out there that can let me know whats the difference between getting and upgrade as opposed to buying the thing??
I've never upgraded to a newer OS on my computers... Usually I just upgrade the computer by the time a new Windows is already out.
But since I just bought my laptop like 6 months ago and is pretty rock solid, I might just want to get these upgrades.
If you just bought a new laptop, I'm sure Vista drivers are available for it already. And since Win7 supports all vista drivers, you should be fine.
Basically all you need to do is, pop-in your Win7 DVD, press upgrade, wait a veeeeeeeeery long time (thanks to a gazillion app most laptop put on your machine), and your laptop should be upgraded to a nice brand-new Win7. :)
Alternatively, if you want to get rid of the gunk laptop vendors stick on your laptop, find a Vista DVD, install a clean Vista OS with the Vista product key (usually taped to bottom of your laptop), upgrade to Win7, and you get a nice gunk-free Win7. :D
go to windows secrets website where they tell you how to do a clean install of vista from an upgrade disk instead of having to install something first, and I'll bet you the same technique works for w7
The upgrade gives you the ability to do a FULL install. You do NOT need to have vista installed and then do an in place upgrade. The only thing you need is a valid windows 2000, xp or vista license. If you want to keep all of your apps, however, you will need to do the in place upgrade and for that you need to have vista (not xp or 2000) installed.
WOW, office depot sold out already!
WTF.....I thought the limited quantity thing is a joke/marketing ploy. They can actually sell out ? @.@
Limited quantity in software is a marketing ploy. They can sell it as "Sold Out" to drive to convince people that the demand for it is tremendous.
retailers who aren't MS can sell out.... even MS can sell out since they are selling something physical. If you were downloading the OS and suddenly it was "sold out" and the server just "had no more copies", that would be a gimmick, but I doubt office depot put in an order for millions of boxes of windows 7.
I agree with Andir. Its mostly a marketing ploy, but to be honest since I was planning on getting it anyway I'm okay with it.
Why is the Ultimate upgrade $219.99 opposed to the $100 dollar Professional version? Shouldn't it have gotten a cheaper price as well?
Probably because people are mostly likely going to skip Home and Professional and go straight to Ultimate.
What they lose in dicounting the other versions, they make up in the fact that most people would rather have everything than some of everything.
Thing is that there really isn't any good reason to get Ultimate this time. All you get is BitLocker and some other Enterprise features that have no use in a home environment (unless you run a Domain in your house for some reason). You get XP Mode in the Professional edition if you really need that.
For 98% of home users, Home Premium has everything they need until computers start shipping with more than 16GB of RAM :-p
http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp
I already bought mine too on Amazon, however their page didn't tell whether it was 32 or 64 bit. I just need 32 bit since my lappy doesn't have 64 bit processor.
Should come with both 32 and 64 bit. (Product key works for either.)
The WOW starts NOW*#1
* again
# this time for real
1 not guaranteed
....
+ For 300 dollars.
I'm in for Professional, now to wait till Oct. 22 so I can see what I bought.
Thats the part I giggle about.
"Woo just spent 100$ on a new os...that I'll get in 4-5 months
These online shops need to make distinct the 32 and 64-bit versions...
You will get both 32-bit and 64-bit versions with your purchase. If you chose to receive physical discs, you will get both versions on their own discs in the package. If you opted to download the OS, you will get a choice to download either or both versions of the OS. [You will only be able to use the key with one version (32-bit or 64-bit) on one machine at a time.]
/story
So where is my Ultimate edition sale????
So excited to get one!
What's everyones opinion on Upgrading Vs. Clean install?
I, like most people, recommend a fresh install.
The upgrade edition still requires a clean install. It just requires you have a (legit) version of Vista or XP installed before it will let you install the "upgrade" edition.
Yea, that means more time sitting on your a** installing windows, ill take the real "clean" install disc.
Just purchased 5 copies, one for each computer in the house.
Can't you use the same license for multiple computers?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure you only needed to get two...
I just bought 2 for 2 pcs (desktop and laptop) .....was this necessary? I always thought each key was for one pc only.
Thanks for any response.
Pretty simple - you boot on the upgrade disc, it looks for an installed OS. Then goes off and does a bunch of work, then asks if you want an upgrade or a clean install. Upgrade means your programs stay installed and most of your settings transfer to the new OS. Clean install means all your programs get wiped out. You have to reinstall them.
There are reasons to do both. Clean install starts you off with a fresh not polluted system. But you have to do a ton of installing. Upgrade means you don't have to install many programs, but you also might have pollution on your computer.
6 month old laptop - upgrade, don't do the clean install.
What if you want to do a clean install but don't have an older OS installed? Do you really have to install the old OS then install 7?
Matt - of course you do. It's been that way since Microsoft offered upgrades for OS, Office, any of their products. If they don't find a qualified product installed on your computer, no install for the upgrade, the installer quits. Figuring you must be running Linux or something like that. No way man, that won't work for the upgrade.
Just wait until the OEM pricing comes out at Newegg or other places and buy the full product then. It'll probably be $100 for home premium and $200 for Professional. But who knows for sure.
That sucks, they should just ask you to insert the disc/CD-key of an older version to prove that you're eligible for an upgrade.
Um, Dan, pretty sure you are incorrect there buddy. Just need a CD key from Vista/XP to do a clean install of the OS.
Matt
they'll just ask you for the key to either XP or vista when installing the upgrade and the genuine check will check that both keys are valid.
Sorry - the post just above was meant to be a reply to HC's post.
And then you do it again -.-
Use the reply button on the post you're replying to.
So if I "Buy Vista Today, Get Windows 7 for $9.99", can I just sell my Vista copy on eBay, and then keep Windows 7 upgrade? Because I'm betting I could end up getting it a lot cheaper...
To those asking, the Win 7 install disk has the 32 and 64 bit versions already on it - no need to buy the specific version.
Thank you sir :D
Yes, this wasn't readily apparent nor easily found out. Talk about frustrating. I had already ordered it, and then realized, hey...does that include 64 bit as well?!?!!
In for 3 on amazon with release day delivery guarantee!!!!! total $159.93
I do have a question
There are no distinction between 32 and 64 bits version, on the description it just says u need 16gb for 32 bits and 20gb for 64 bits.. I'm assuming that this windows 7 has 32 and 64 both on one disc and just pick which version when I install?
Yea that's right. Has been that way since Vista (works for both 32/64)
Why is there a 3 per customer limit, and not just 1? Can't you install it on multiple computers without any problems?
I seriously doubt that you can install it on multiple computers.
One license one computer. If not, I could buy one, and all my friends could use it.
One licence, one computer. Microsofts favourite (and now outdated) business model.
The day I see them offer a family pack for Windows (like Apple do for OS X) I'll eat my hat.
I just got mine from the microsoft store. You can choose x64 or x86 when you download it. And it's $50 no tax (home).
I get the usual amazon phrase "Important Message * Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade cannot be shipped to the selected address."
No need to buy the Os.I plan on getting a new system come xmas.Probably the studio xps 13 which will definately come with windows 7.Yay.
Yea, i think all Vista machines from all OEMs like Dell, HP, etc. sold starting....(I forgot when. is it also today?) will come with free Win7 upgrade. So you don't even have to wait that long.
Just verifying before I buy... You can clean install with the upgrade disk... correct???
Yes
if i bought home premium now would i be able to upgrade to professional later?
Yes, If you do it online
In vista they and an upgrade anytime program. To go from home premium to pro will probably set ya back anywhere from 90-170 bucks. It could be cheaper but who knows. This is the current page with anytime upgrades. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/anytime-upgrade-overview.aspx
They don't list a Home basic to business tho... strange
I have a question, I just bought the upgrade home premium from amazon because I want to do a clean install for my current desktop build. The desktop is currently running windows 7 RC and does not have another OS installed on it. It is also 64 bit. Is there a way that this upgrade I just bought can be used to install to this new build? I have a couple of laptops with a valid 32bit XP cd keys, maybe that can be used for the installation? Or is it simply not possible and I have to cancel and wait for the OEM version? Thanks
Can you do a clean install with the upgrade? I thought they were thinking of taking that out.
That'd be shocking since they don't support overinstalls over Windows XP. So most of their customers will be doing clean installs.
@Rbk - that's a head scratcher. I'd guess it won't work. You don't have a legit full version of XP or Vista on your machine - and I'll bet the upgrade disc is looking for one of those. I'd also bet it won't take a key manually inputted either. But, you never know.
@Eh - I read on the Microsoft website that clean install with professional was possible (either upgrade or clean install). Might be different for Home Premium - don't know.
I got my copy of Professional. I think the Ultimate version is a bit to pricey for an upgrade. But 99 bucks I Feel is Fair for the Professional Upgrade. Good thing I Got it now at that price rather than having to fork out 200 bucks later on.
upgrades dont come with a key right???
yes they do, but need to "connect" with your valid xp/vista key in order to be successfully activated.
I think there's technically 4 different "product keys" for Windows OS.
- Upgrade, the cheapest, must have a prior XP/Vista installation/legit key in order to work
- OEM, the common, usually pre-installed in a computer from HP, Sony, Dell etc... can only be used on the hardware that's been activated on first. Very basic support from microsoft.
- Retail, the expensive, you can install it on different systems but must de-activate it from the old system before activating it on the new one, and there's also a time limitation (can't re-activate/re-install more than once in a 3 month period or something...). Also comes with MS premiu support.
- Corporate, the MS internal, usually illegally distributed on the internet, doesn't require activation key (I only know XP has this version).
Correction: for the retail license you don't need to de-activate it to install it on a new system. Just don't connect the old system to the internet ever again. And if your motherboard blows right after re-installing the system, you can always call MS customer support and ask them to give you a break for the "minimum time" between re-installs.