Confusion over upgrade to Windows 7

Whizzkid_amerWhizzkid_amer
edited February 2010 in Science & Tech
I've currently got the 64-bit version of Windows 7, the Release Candidate. Build number of 7100. Despite only having 2GB of RAM, it seems to work fine, but as it'll expire soon, I want to get the full version. As cheap as possible.

I was arguing with my ICT teacher about whether I would be able to install the upgrade version. The place I want to buy it from cheap for students only sell the upgrade version. The thing is, I can't upgrade directly from the RC, but I would have to install a clean copy. I've heard of a method where you copy the upgrade files onto the hard drive, change a file to accept a build number of 7100, and then install from there, but I'm not sure.

But he says that with the upgrade version, I will still be able to clean my hard drive and install a fresh copy of 7. I'd like to do this do clear my drive of loads of crap, but as far as I know, you can only install an OEM version on a clean hard drive. Any ideas?

Comments

  • pigflipperpigflipper The Forgotten Coast Icrontian
    edited January 2010
    The downloadable "upgrade" student edition of Win7 Pro 64-bit that I downloaded, installed just fine as a new install. Also, for updating from the Release Candidate go here: http://tech.icrontic.com/articles/upgrade-the-windows-7-rc-to-retail/
  • Whizzkid_amerWhizzkid_amer
    edited February 2010
    So I can just wipe my hard drive completely clean, and install the upgrade version of Windows 7 from scratch?
    Then...what's the difference between the upgrade and full version of Windows?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited February 2010
    It's technically illegal to perform a clean install of the upgrade without a prior *retail* version of windows, but nobody except Microsoft cares, and nobody can tell you've done it.
  • Whizzkid_amerWhizzkid_amer
    edited February 2010
    But then, why send the upgrade version with all the core files that all Windows OSs share? Why not just sell the one version and charge through the nose for that?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited February 2010
    Because that doesn't exactly cultivate customer loyalty.
  • CrisCris Buenos Aires, Arg
    edited February 2010
    Whizzkid_amer wrote:
    But then, why send the upgrade version with all the core files that all Windows OSs share? Why not just sell the one version and charge through the nose for that?
    I could be wrong but I believe there is no difference between the upgrade and the full version of w7.

    The difference is the license. If your license only allows upgrading you shouldn't be able to do a clean install (it will give you an error when activating it upon installation). You can easily crack it though.
  • ardichokeardichoke Icrontian
    edited February 2010
    Actually Cris, as was pointed out earlier, the upgrade version will allow you to perform a clean install. The only difference is in the terms in the licensing agreement. If you install using an Upgrade license, you are stating that you legally own an XP or Vista license for the computer that you are using the upgrade license on and that you are no longer using the previous license elsewhere. Technically Microsoft can sue you and/or press charges if they find out you're using an Upgrade license without meeting the criteria, but the install isn't any different anymore (allegedly, I haven't personally tried this.... yet).
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