Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade to be Sold at Retail

[Marcus Yam]

Microsoft confirms that Windows 7 Anytime Upgrades will be offered in stores.

Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade to be Sold at Retail : Read more

 

[jhansonxi]

That didn't work well with ID Software's shareware Quake CD. Anyone remember Qcrack?

 

[koss64]

I thought thats how it worked the first time around.Ah well at least now my dreams have become a reality a hassle free windows version upgrade.

 

[hellwig]

How does the upgrade work with OEM software? Will I be able to purchase a Dell or HP computer with Home Basic, and buy an upgrade to Home Premium at Best Buy? Will it actually work with the installed OEM version?

 

[gaevs]

@hellwig; it should work, as it worked for Vista, so there should be no problem with OEM.. i think it's designed for that.

 

[Marcus52]

Kinda makes you ask, "Why is there more than one price for Windows?" once again, doesn't it?

Good question hellwig, my guess is no, because the OEM versions are far cheaper than the retail ones, and with most computer purchases you don't have the original install disk anyway; you at best have a 'repair' disk, which isn't the same. The difference though is minor, it is just a matter of running out to pick up a new upgrade DVD (or waiting to get one from an etailer) or already having it on a disk in your home/office.

It has long been the practice of hobbyists such as myself to recommend a fresh install over an upgrade install anyway; if you format the hard drive and start from scratch, you start from a clean system, which will run better than upgrading the old one. Any files you want to save can be put on a CD or DVD and loaded back after the new install. This isn't the problem it used to be, but still is a better option for an upgrade - and still a MUST for a re-install. It doesn't matter whether or not you use the same installation disk, the process is the same, and you'll pay for the upgrade, just the same.

 

[DJ898]

I lol'd at the amount of acronyms in Microsoft's instructions....

 

[zerapio]

If you have the ultimate version installed from the RC1, how does it work when you want to buy a lower version, say home premium? Will one have to reinstall?

 

[Guest]

Yes, the Windows 7 anytime upgrade will work with OEM copies installed on HP or Dell or any other PC manufacturer. That's the point of selling them at retail, about 90% of computers sold at retail will have Home Premium on them so if you need Professional or want Ultimate you'll have that option without having to pay the full upgrade price. They did this for a while with Vista but I haven't seen it in a year or so. It's actually really convenient for those that want more features than the Basic or Home Premium.

 

[womblez]

What I would like to know is, can I purchase the key at retail, use it to upgrade say my primary machine, and use the now-freed-up key to run a second install....after all, I will own two licence keys

 

[belardo]

"loyalty program" .... how about a lower price?

1 version disc is the best, period. Rather than having to locate the "right one".

 

[zerapio]

[citation][nom]womblez[/nom]What I would like to know is, can I purchase the key at retail, use it to upgrade say my primary machine, and use the now-freed-up key to run a second install....after all, I will own two licence keys[/citation]
Only if the Win7 license is full instead of upgrade

 

[masop]

[citation][nom]jhansonxi[/nom]That didn't work well with ID Software's shareware Quake CD. Anyone remember Qcrack?[/citation]

I sure do! I still have that CD somewhere in my software collection along with the crack. I believe it was $4.99 at EB Games and the crack unlocked all games on the disc. It was the first time I had ever seen a company do that. I'm surprised MS is contemplating that. They know what will happen if they do, hehe. Or perhaps they think it can't be cracked? LOL

-- MaSoP

 

[wfrantz]

Well, this just means it will be easier to crack all the versions of windows with just one DVD just like vista! yahoo!

 

[samely]

[citation][nom]zerapio[/nom]If you have the ultimate version installed from the RC1, how does it work when you want to buy a lower version, say home premium? Will one have to reinstall?[/citation]
When you're running the RC, Microsoft says you'll have to reinstall regardless, when the final version comes out.

 

[widcard]

Will Windows 7 be a worth while upgrade from XP as far as Gaming Frame Rate is concerned? Are there any benchmarks out there to show this? Because if we're only talking about 4-5 FPS difference it won't be worth it to me at this time. From what i am reading we won't see very many directX 11 games until late 2010.

 

[hannibal]

Hmmm... I think that XP will allways be faster, but the difference is not so big. If you want fastest possible frame rates use with old games use XP if you want better value to your new games chose Win7.
The XP is just lighter than Win7. Win7 on the other hand support more new features. It would be nice to know if there is difference in multi treath aplications?
But if you are upgrading now, go to win7, ig you are upgrading 2011 take win7 then. It's not a must at this moment, but it most propable will be sooner or later...

 

[jdw5155]

Prices?

 

[anamaniac]

I'll gladly get a legit version of windows if I can, but only the cheapest...
*Starts trolling TPB for cracks*