Windows 7

[#1]

We are beginning to near the end of the Windows 7 RC being usable. Below is a timeline of changes that are coming to those folks who are currently using the Windows 7 Release Candidate.

-> Beginning February 14th, Windows 7 RC will display expiration reminders.
-> Beginning March 1st, Windows 7 RC will automatically restart every 2 hours.
-> Beginning June 1st, Windows 7 RC will disable the background and display the Windows Activation screen.

To avoid these shutdowns you will need to revert to your previous OS or purchase a copy of Windows 7 if you wish to continue using Windows 7. If you have a question feel free to ask!

[#2]

Hi Jeff, thanks for the reminder!

I'm actually still running RC on my desktop, Vista on my laptop and I'm starting to look at my options.

I have been told I could simply purchase a key to activate the full version, at which point i wouldnt need to do any upgrade or reinstall. Is that true? 

I did purchase a copy of Home Premium for my laptop (HP dv4, running Vista Home Premium 64) however, since the laptop is a tad old and is likely to get replaced towards the end of the year, Im now thinking I may be better off only purchasing the Home Premium upgrade, and use the full retail copy for my desktop instead.

Or, if purchasing a key is indeed possible, id just do that and return the full retail copy (hasnt been opened yet)....

Decisions, decisions. Could anyone help enlighten me?

Thanks!!

[#3]

You can't "officially" upgrade from RC to Retail.  There are people who have "unofficially" done it, but the official way is to do a clean install.

Another complication is that fact that "RC" is considered to be "Ultimate" edition.  Therefore only Ultimate RTM can "upgrade" from RC.  Home Premium will still require a clean install regardless.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/release-candidate.aspx

[#4]

Thanks for clarifying mtrump!!

[#5]

If your laptop and desktop both had XP or Vista on them, there is no need to buy a full retail version; the upgrade will do. However as you probably know you will have to buy a separate upgrade for each of them.

Should you decide to use an upgrade copy for the desktop with the RC, you will have to reinstall XP or Vista (whatever was on prior to the RC) prior to installing the upgrade.

One last piece of advice, personally I always prefer a clean install, so you might want to consider backing everything up on the laptop and choosing clean install when "upgrading" to Windows 7.

Hope this helps.

Cheers