The bottom line is this: if you want to upgrade to Windows 7 from RC, you are going to deal with some crap.
Apparently, a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that “you will not need to reinstall an older version of Windows before using an Windows 7 upgrade disk.” Awesome right? No, not really. The problem is that you will not be able keep your current programs and data using this method. Instead, you are performing a “custom installation” that will herd all of your personal files into a folder labled “WINDOWS.OLD.” The items in that folder are dead to the world, so you will have to reinstall—essentially making it more like a fresh install than an upgrade. However, since you don’t have a full copy you would have to install XP or Vista first then upgrade to Win 7 should you ever have to reinstall down the line.
Yeah, it’s kind of a hassle, but we can always hope that the process will be simplified before it goes live on October 22nd. [TechBlog]
monky_duck
July 15, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Who the hell cares? Do a fresh install noobs.
Report Permalinkmatt
July 15, 2009 at 11:49 AM
agreed, if your loosing all your installs anyway, you would be crazy not to fresh install
Report Permalinkwok
July 15, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Vista did this when doing an install with the OS already on there… works well.
A fresh install with easy access to your files.
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