Windows 7 RC To Final Upgrade Possible

I'm pretty excited about the upcoming launch of Windows 7, Microsoft's next operating system. Not only because I'm running a very successful Windows 7 blog but also because I finally have the opportunity to install and use a new computer operating system.

Windows 7 has seen lots of praise since its first announcement and it is very likely that it will be a good - if not great - operating system that combines the best of Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Many users are already running a beta or release candidate build of Windows 7. Some even on their main computer system as Windows 7 has proven to be very stable and reliable.

These users may  be interested in the following news: Microsoft is offering Windows 7 Upgrades to give users running specific Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems the opportunity to upgrade to the new operating system.

Windows XP users will have to do a clean install but can purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade editions which are cheaper than the full retail editions.

Microsoft recently confirmed that it is also possible to upgrade a pre-RTM version of Windows 7 with a Windows 7 Upgrade edition. This means that users who are already running Windows 7 RC (or another build) can buy a Windows 7 Upgrade edition and get a full installation of Windows 7 this way.

That's definitely an interesting strategy by Microsoft as it ensures that many users will adopt early or at least purchase a copy of Windows 7 for the discounted price.

There are some limitations on the other hand. No data will be taken over. The installation will move the old data into the folder windows.old from where the files are accessible. Most programs on the other hand will not work unless they are portable.

It also has to be noted that a clean install at a later time requires a Windows XP or Windows Vista installation (or a new installation of a pre-RTM build of Windows 7).

Now Read: My Windows XP to Windows 7 Upgrade Experience

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