Windows 7 Upgrade path

[MacAttack]

I am building a new rig. My current rig has XP as the primary OS. I installed Win 7 RC1 32-bit on another drive in the rig. I also have Vista upgrade that I never used.

My new rig has a brand new Intel G2 80GB drive for the Win 7 OS. I will be going to Win 7 Pro 64-bit. I would prefer the SSD to be blank or only have Win 7 RC1 on it. Will I be able to upgrade the Win 7 RC1 with the Win7 Pro 64-bit or just hold off for a clean install?

 

[13Gigatons]

The RC is upgradable but their is no path for 32 to 64, you will need to do a clean install.

 

[MacAttack]

Thanks for the info. I will just hold off on the SSD for 3 weeks and use my SATA for the time being.

 

[themusgrat]

I have a question about upgrading too. I'm building a new system and am wondering what the cheapest route to windows 7 is. I need an OS now, and I'm a student. Apparently students will get windows 7 ultimate for almost free, but is that a full version, or is it only an upgrade? I haven't seen much specific information on this, and since so many upgrade paths are invalid, I'm wondering if windows 7 will indeed require a valid vista/xp license, since you'll be reformatting and installing anyways. Any help would be appreciated.

Right now it looks like maybe buying vista business/ultimate is the best way to go about this, then getting the upgrade. Then again, if I can install windows 7 RC, then just get the upgrade to ultimate for $5, that's obviously ideal.

 

[Scotteq]

Originally posted by: themusgrat
I have a question about upgrading too. I'm building a new system and am wondering what the cheapest route to windows 7 is. I need an OS now, and I'm a student. Apparently students will get windows 7 ultimate for almost free, but is that a full version, or is it only an upgrade? I haven't seen much specific information on this, and since so many upgrade paths are invalid, I'm wondering if windows 7 will indeed require a valid vista/xp license, since you'll be reformatting and installing anyways. Any help would be appreciated.

Right now it looks like maybe buying vista business/ultimate is the best way to go about this, then getting the upgrade. Then again, if I can install windows 7 RC, then just get the upgrade to ultimate for $5, that's obviously ideal.

Thirty Bucks - Full Version - Requires a .edu eMail address
http://windows7.digitalriver.c...AE&rests=1254756031486

 

[themusgrat]

It does rather clearly say "upgrade" in the picture in that link, are you sure it will work as a full version?

 

[themusgrat]

Actually I checked, it's definitely only the upgrade versions that are offered to students. So my main question now is whether you need a vista/xp key to install an upgrade of windows 7, or if i could install windows 7 RC, then upgrade to a full version.

edit: nevermind, seems I need a full install license. So I guess the cheapest route to go is to get a vista business, which then will upgrade to 7 professional without having to do a clean install. Still doesn't seem so cheap though....