Windows 7 testers have long path to upgrade
Going from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is relatively straightforward. So one might think that moving from a pre-release version of Windows 7 to the final version would also be simple.
One would be wrong.
That's because the upgrade versions of the Windows operating system (the cheapest way to move to the final version) check for a previous paid version of Windows on the drive. That means, if a user did a clean installation of Windows 7 on their test system (as recommended by Microsoft), that same user will have to back up their data, reinstall their original operating system (XP or Vista), then install Windows 7, restore their data, and then reinstall their applications.
For testers who were running XP, that means doing a clean installation of Windows XP over their Windows 7 test build and then a clean installation of Windows 7 over that. Vista users have the option of reinstalling that operating system and then doing an in-place upgrade or a clean installation of Windows 7.
Testers looking to move from a test version of Windows 7 to the final product may find the move not only costly, but time consuming.
(Credit: Microsoft)Microsoft says that, for what it's worth, that's roughly the same thing that was required for those moving from pre-release versions of Windows Vista to the final release.
Even so, it's an unfortunate burden for those who have provided lots of feedback and indeed been some of the operating system's biggest champions. Users were also pushed to do a fresh installation when moving from Windows 7 beta to the latest test version, although some users found ways around having to do this.
It's just one of several scenarios in which users may find getting to Windows 7 to be a tricky proposition. In general, most people get Windows through buying a new PC. But there are still plenty of folks who decide to update their existing machines.
That's proving to be tricky, not just for testers, but also for people who want to upgrade their Netbooks. That's because such machines, by their nature, don't come with a DVD drive. However, a source says Microsoft is considering offering Windows 7 via flash drive--a move that could make that upgrade easier.
Microsoft is also trying to lower the other barrier to those moving from a test version to the final Windows 7--the cost. The software maker has a limited promotion--through July 11 in the U.S.--that lets people buy an upgrade copy of Windows 7 for as low as $49.
As for those who haven't been testing Windows 7, Microsoft notes that the upgrade version of Windows 7 just looks for a copy of Windows XP or Vista, so users don't need to find their original system discs. It should be able to tell by looking at the hard drive.
Users can also use the upgrade as a chance to move to a higher-end or lower-end version of Windows. To move from Windows Vista Home Basic, for example, to Windows 7 Home Premium, a user need buy only the upgrade version of Windows 7. Likewise, one could move from Windows XP Home to Windows 7 Professional just by purchasing that upgrade version.
Moving down in versions is also possible, say from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Professional. However, with any downgrade, a clean installation is required.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
Unless you import/pirate an upgrade copy of course.
Say again what browser come bundled with linux that you have to install for the system to work?
Remember that Microsoft has faced several legal issues in the U.S. as well. It's not just a European thing. When there is a monopoly, state intervention is necessary. The market won't self-regulate, contrary to what we're sometimes made to believe by some market fundamentalists.
Also, as mentioned, neither Apple/Mac OS nor any Linux distribution has a monopoly or even any significant market share (> 20%) in operating systems.
On Linux, you are free to completely uninstall Firefox and use (or don't use) whatever you want. There's no intermingling of browser components with the operating system.
On Mac OS, things seem to be going the Microsoft/IE way. Still, Safari at least respects most web standards, whereas IE is just either holding back the web (because of non-supported features) or forcing website creators to make special IE versions of their pages (because of IE's poor or no implementation of standards).
It is a hose job, what good is a clean install if it's just a clean install over an older version?
It's got nothing to do with MS hate, so go easy.
Sounds to me like MS is saying, buy the full version or end up with some half baked install when you're done.
Not that I hadn't backed up or moved to an external almost everything first, but I was pleasantly surprised.
This article is just another sad example of news twisted up by CNET.
If you are sold on the benefits of Windows 7 and many testers I have spoken to are and have already purchased their discounted upgrades, migrating from RC to RTM will be a breeze. Simply use the built in Easy Transfer Utility in 7 RC and create a WET file and restore it on Windows 7 RTM. As for Vista users, if you would like to return to it after testing 7, I would simply backup the User folder, and paste the contents of each folder back into their respective folders on Vista. The same can be done for XP users, although I recommend they move to Windows 7 too.
Windows XP users can probably work around the migration to Windows 7 by borrowing a friends Vista DVD, upgrade to appropriate edition, then upgrade to Windows 7 to save the trouble of having to reinstall your applications and reapply settings.
Windows XP Professional > Windows Vista Business > Windows 7 Professional
Windows XP Home Edition > Windows Vista Home Premium - Windows 7 HP or higher
Windows XP MCE > Windows Vista Home Premium > Windows 7 HP or higher
Users of Windows XP Professional x64 should already knows its a clean install.
At least for me going from Beta to RC (which so I was told required a "clean install") I didn't even have to back up any data, since I didn't need to format my drive (it installed fine to my Beta partition).
where did you get that win7 can't upgrade from xp? what are you talking about? hey, if linux works for you, then good for you.
it's was a friggin BETA, do you know what the meaning of a beta software is? go look up and understand the meaning. why would they put upgrade mechanism in the beta release?
(sorry, couldn't help chucking that in :) )
Anyrate, when did they get rid of their install media checking?
While it would suck for those who were dumb enough to buy an OEM machine without install/restore media, I do recall an instance where one could install XP even with an ancient (but readable) MS-DOS boot disk, an ancient Win3.1 boot floppy, or any old NT 4.0 disk or CD... all the thing wanted was to see a "valid" MSFT license somewhere.
Ah well - not my prob... g'luck with that, folks...
so what u think? free petitions online?Power to the people?
Really, Ina... Some basic research would have avoided this gaff.
I've got my simple workaround to this: Pirate Windows 7's full version! I swear, they are going to have to realize that they are just PISSING PEOPLE OFF by doing things like this, and driving people who gave them lots of feedback to piracy.
Go back to replacing MacBook Air screens for $1200...
Sure, they make a lot of noise about piracy and whatnot, but consider - where would Microsoft be if Windows 3.1's diskette pile wasn't so flaming easy to make copies of? Why do you think they go out of their way to make sure that students and etc. can get free copies that can be in turn used roughly forever (MSDNAA OS copies are not time-bombed, after all).
No - Microsoft doesn't make its money from the consumer realm anyway. It makes its bank from the corporate/enterprise realm, where individual companies can be (and usually are) expected to pay through the nose in licensing fees (companies are far easier targets to find and sue, the act will carry little sympathy from anyone, and unlike individual households, the BSA can rape a business faster than you can say "burned copy" ).
Sure, they make a lot of noise about piracy and whatnot, but consider - where would Microsoft be if Windows 3.1's diskette pile wasn't so flaming easy to make copies of? Why do you think they go out of their way to make sure that students and etc. can get free copies that can be in turn used roughly forever (MSDNAA OS copies are not time-bombed, after all).
No - Microsoft doesn't make its money from the consumer realm anyway. It makes its bank from the corporate/enterprise realm, where individual companies can be (and usually are) expected to pay through the nose in licensing fees (companies are far easier targets to find and sue, the act will carry little sympathy from anyone, and unlike individual households, the BSA can rape a business faster than you can say "burned copy" ).
http://forums.macnn.com/90/mac-os-x/347434/leopard-beta-installed-unable-install-final/
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=375338
For this upgrade situation, when I go to install windows 7 onto its drive, will Windows tell me it cant find a previous install on that harddrive and so I need to go buy the full version? Will I need to install the new Win 7 onto the harddrive that currently has my vista install?
Yes. Unless you want to buy the full version of Win 7, instead of the upgrade version.
Scrub it all, and reinstall! My GOD people, it literally takes 15 minutes to install RC1, what is your problem?
While I agree a clean install is best. If the upgrade works it saves a lot of time and effot that most of us have spent. It's amazing how many programs I install and system tweaks that I make. With a clean install I've got half an hour invested in the new OS. And a heck of a long time after that in everthing else.
If you have 2 cents you know that running a pre-release OS should not be done on a primary computer.
If you own a netbook, I hope you have figured out how to install software without a DVD drive by now.
Bigest rip off company.
Right now I am testing Windows 7 along with Ubuntu and another major non Microsoft OS. If you build your own hardware or make cutting edge changes Microsoft Windows just isn't worth the hassle any more. The old XP sp3 works for what little you absolutely need windows for now a days.
I have installed multi-boot OS on numerous PCs for friends and given them Ubuntu to use for surfing the Internet and most common tasks, It is a very nice user experience which soon will rival a Macintosh. With WINE many discover there is no need for booting into the windows.
This type of lame complaint is like someone complaining about having to bend over to pick up $100.00 bills that are raining from the sky.
- by sargess25 July 6, 2009 11:22 PM PDT
- "Windows 7 testers have long path to upgrade"
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- by lennie22 July 7, 2009 1:33 AM PDT
- lol, you crack me up. now go back in the other room with your jokes, grown ups are talking.
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- by shellcodes_coder July 7, 2009 7:00 AM PDT
- Get a new MacBook--pay more apple tax, vendor locked os, and get your computer easily hacked. That's cool
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- by Dalkorian July 7, 2009 9:13 AM PDT
- LOL @shellcodes_coder!
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (72 Comments)why's that? it couldn't be easier; just ditch your PC running Windows OS, and get a shining new MBP. As easy as 1-2-3. It may seem expensive initially, but it'll give you a far more rewarding computer, hassle free, more cost effective experience.
1. There is no such thing as an Apple Tax. Period.
2. Vendor locked OS - yup, gotta give you that one.
3. Easily hacked? Try it. You'll find a Unix derivative under the covers (OpenBSD was the basis for Darwin). Point out all the Unix viruses and worms. I bet I can find 10 for winblows for each one you can find for Unix.
4. That's cool. Again, gotta give it to you.
Hmm, 2 out of 4. Most schools would fail you for such a score.