Microsoft confirms Windows 7 RC upgrade rules

As October 22nd hastily approaches, Microsoft is slowly but surely dropping all sorts of knowledge on to-be Windows 7 buyers. The latest tidbit about the forthcoming OS revolves around upgrades, with a company spokesperson reportedly confirming that users running an activated version of Windows 7 Release Candidate will not have to "reinstall an older version of Windows before using a Windows 7 upgrade disk." Unfortunately, those who choose this path will see all of their files and such ushered into a folder labeled "Windows.old" when the final version of Win7 is installed, essentially putting a damper on what would've been an otherwise awesome experience. Interestingly, the fun doesn't stop there; if you ever need to reinstall the final version of Win7 from scratch using the upgrade copy you purchased, you'll first need to install (and activate) a copy of XP or Vista, which is different that Vista's somewhat more lax upgrade policies. Check out the read link for the full spiel, and make sure you wrap your noodle around it good before you go off pre-ordering the wrong box.

[Via HotHardware]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 15th 2009 3:42AM]

OK, which moron was responsible for this idea? When I want to reinstall Windows 7 Microsoft is going to make me install 2 operating systems unless I buy the full version? Seriously, no more drugs for that company.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 15th 2009 10:31AM]

What about when in a year, you want to buy a new machine. No we have to worry about getting Vista installed on it FIRST....just to freakin' activate it, then install Windows 7?

-k

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 17th 2009 2:32PM]

This is crazy. I can't believe they didn't share this before putting it up for sale.

I might have to cancel my upgrade order and just pirate it instead.

[macdoc Posted Jul 17th 2009 6:33AM]

Rule number one! Buy a Mac.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 2nd 2009 4:21AM]

Anyone tried HP's Windows 7 upgrade programme only to get the error message "Sorry, but given the model number is not in our database." ?

Really annoying! Not the only one with this problem, and their support haven't emailed back... Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 6th 2009 2:08PM]

Brilliant! This is not crazy? Its INSANE!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 17th 2009 3:52PM]

Hey,

I just bought a new computer. It comes with Vista Home Premium 64bit and a free upgrade to Windows 7. Can I just install the Windows 7 RC now, and then whenever that upgrade shows up, transition easily to the full version?

Thanks!