Can Windows 7 Release Candiate be updated to final release (when issued) using same serial

[Kwad Guy]

I have a Microsoft Technet subscription, and so I can get legit keys for the Windows 7 Release Candidate when it's made available. My question: Is an install of Win7 RC automatically upgradable to Win7 final, or will I need to reinstall and use a different key?

Same question for Win7 Beta -> Win7 RC -> Win 7 final. Here I'm assuming the key used for Win7 Beta won't work for the other versions, but I guess I'll ask...

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Kwad Guy
I have a Microsoft Technet subscription, and so I can get legit keys for the Windows 7 Release Candidate when it's made available. My question: Is an install of Win7 RC automatically upgradable to Win7 final, or will I need to reinstall and use a different key?

Same question for Win7 Beta -> Win7 RC -> Win 7 final. Here I'm assuming the key used for Win7 Beta won't work for the other versions, but I guess I'll ask...

The beta keys were shared keys, I expect the RC ones will be as well. So you are likely to need to upgrade with a different key. Also, the RTM will not be an 'automatic' upgrade, it will require an overinstall (if allowed at all)

 

[corkyg]

I too am a TechNet subscriber. When Win 7 final is released, you will then get a permanet key for it. Any Beta will have to be uninstalled first - like it was for Vista Sp1. Other than basic playing around, I can't see investing any time and effort in installing software on any RC version, . . . unless you don't have a lot to do.

 

[Kwad Guy]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I too am a TechNet subscriber. When Win 7 final is released, you will then get a permanet key for it. Any Beta will have to be uninstalled first - like it was for Vista Sp1. Other than basic playing around, I can't see investing any time and effort in installing software on any RC version, . . . unless you don't have a lot to do.

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. If a reinstall is required, I won't bother until the final is ready...

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I too am a TechNet subscriber. When Win 7 final is released, you will then get a permanet key for it. Any Beta will have to be uninstalled first - like it was for Vista Sp1. Other than basic playing around, I can't see investing any time and effort in installing software on any RC version, . . . unless you don't have a lot to do.

Thats not necessarily true, Vista RC was upgradeable to RTM and W7 is likely to be (even if you have to manually set the minclient version)