Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7 in Microsoft Help

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:14:39 EDT

howie :

said by Matt :

said by IllIlIlllIll :

i know it doesnt, but as far as the upgrade advisor and some forum members are concerned, i cant upgrade to win7 pro from win vista ultimate... :(

Yeah, that part makes no sense to me either. Hopefully there will be a workaround.

I highly doubt it. A fresh install would be the only option in that case. It's like trying to do an in-place upgrade of Vista Ultimate to Vista Business... just as with Business, Windows 7 Professional is considered a "downgrade" from Vista Ultimate.
I never saw any workaround for Vista and I'm guessing the same will be true with Windows 7

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:13:42 EDT

IllIlIlllIll : ill just wind up coughing up the money for the upgrade sooner or later.
ill write it off at the end of the year anyhow.
--
☺

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:10:48 EDT

Matt :

said by IllIlIlllIll :

i know it doesnt, but as far as the upgrade advisor and some forum members are concerned, i cant upgrade to win7 pro from win vista ultimate... :(

Yeah, that part makes no sense to me either. Hopefully there will be a workaround.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:57:10 EDT

IllIlIlllIll :

said by Matt :

said by IllIlIlllIll :

said by howie :

Am I missing something or are all Ultimate users being screwed out of a special price for 7 Ultimate via the "Pre-Order Special"? If so, that sucks big time! :mad:

yes, you are not missing anything.
vista ultimate users, as it appears, will have no choice in the upgrade procedure but to use the win 7 ultimate upgrade if you wish to keep your existing programs/settings installed.
additionally, it doesnt appear this "discount" applies to win 7 ultimate upgrade.
so, with that, im in no rush to "pre-order" anything at this point.

If it makes you feel any better, Ultimate doesn't bring a whole lot to the table over Professional. I run Ultimate on a few PCs and I'm going to replace it with Professional.

i know it doesnt, but as far as the upgrade advisor and some forum members are concerned, i cant upgrade to win7 pro from win vista ultimate... :(
--
☺

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:38:22 EDT

Juke Box :

said by howie :

Yes, that is true... I still think they should have offered a pre-order special price for Ultimate, though... Why the two other "retail" versions and not Ultimate?
Oh well... I will give Home Premium a test drive but will most likely continue to use Vista Ultimate as it's been a rock-solid performer for me. :-)

Good point howie . I have believed that there isn't any reason for not upgrading to Windows 7. Except price. why on earth MS didn't offer the special to Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade is the reason why I am holding off.

I am currently running Vista Ultimate 64 and it is rock solid but I would like to get some performance charge that would come with Windows 7 Ultimate.

219?? Bummer... :huh:
--
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:33:27 EDT

Tel : I've always run Vista Ultimate and except for Backup, I haven't really needed Ultimate. Since I'll always be networking with Vista or XP on my other computers, it looks like I could probably go with Home Premium unless I want Bitlocker, Homegroup, automatic backup or XP mode (which my processor doesn't support anyway.) Or unless I'm missing something.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:17:34 EDT

howie :

said by Matt :

said by IllIlIlllIll :

said by howie :

Am I missing something or are all Ultimate users being screwed out of a special price for 7 Ultimate via the "Pre-Order Special"? If so, that sucks big time! :mad:

If it makes you feel any better, Ultimate doesn't bring a whole lot to the table over Professional. I run Ultimate on a few PCs and I'm going to replace it with Professional.

Yes, that is true... I still think they should have offered a pre-order special price for Ultimate, though... Why the two other "retail" versions and not Ultimate?
Oh well... I will give Home Premium a test drive but will most likely continue to use Vista Ultimate as it's been a rock-solid performer for me. :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:30:32 EDT

Matt :

said by IllIlIlllIll :

said by howie :

Am I missing something or are all Ultimate users being screwed out of a special price for 7 Ultimate via the "Pre-Order Special"? If so, that sucks big time! :mad:

If it makes you feel any better, Ultimate doesn't bring a whole lot to the table over Professional. I run Ultimate on a few PCs and I'm going to replace it with Professional.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:09:10 EDT

IllIlIlllIll :

said by howie :

Am I missing something or are all Ultimate users being screwed out of a special price for 7 Ultimate via the "Pre-Order Special"? If so, that sucks big time! :mad:

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:22:19 EDT

Warzau : Just picked up 2 copies.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:46:32 EDT

Koil :

said by Matt :

Koil , pretty much any app that is not a game and can run via Terminal Services or Remote Desktop. (An app that doesn't require DirectX or OpenGL, etc.)

Goitcha! Thanks for that!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:33:48 EDT

Matt : Koil , pretty much any app that is not a game and can run via Terminal Services or Remote Desktop. (An app that doesn't require DirectX or OpenGL, etc.)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:29:59 EDT

Koil :

said by JessicaD :

Koil,

Please note that the upgrade program with Windows 7 Home Premium available for $49 and Windows 7 Professional $99 is valid for a limited time and only while supplies last. If you plan on purchasing Windows 7 when it is released, I would recommend a pre-order today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: »tinyurl.com/nldc8p

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

Oh...heyyyy Jessica...maybe you can help me with this question, as I don't think anyone here has been able to answer it, or if they have, I've conveniently missed it.

The list of differences between Premium and Professional has this bulleted item which I am not too clear on:

Run many existing Windows XP productivity applications in Windows 7

...and then there is this footnote to that item:

2 Requires download of Windows XP Mode (which runs on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate) and virtualization technology such as Windows Virtual PC.

What exactly are "Windows XP productivty applications"?
Is this a generic term for any app created for XP, or only certain ones? Can you shed a little light?
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:02:19 EDT

MSeng :

said by Greg_Z :

The thing is, there still are not any vendors writing for 64bit code, same with MS for MS Office.

Stay tuned...I believe this is going to be changing soon.
--
If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:22:20 EDT

Koil : :D I feel special.

Thanks, JessicaD ...Already ordered! :)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:20:50 EDT

jabarnut :

said by JessicaD :

Please note that the upgrade program with Windows 7 Home Premium available for $49 and Windows 7 Professional $99 is valid for a limited time and only while supplies last.

Yes....thanks for the post JessicaD.
The key here is "while supplies last".

I noticed today that Newegg (where I pre-ordered my Home Premium version), is now sold out.

Get 'em while you can folks, wherever you can.
Or, until the expiration date, which ever comes first. ;)

(Edit) Well, ok..I just looked again and it appears they have another "batch" since I last looked earlier today.
Anyway, I'm fairly certain this offer won't last forever.
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:08:38 EDT

JessicaD : Koil,

Please note that the upgrade program with Windows 7 Home Premium available for $49 and Windows 7 Professional $99 is valid for a limited time and only while supplies last. If you plan on purchasing Windows 7 when it is released, I would recommend a pre-order today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: »tinyurl.com/nldc8p

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:49:31 EDT

dibbb :

said by Jammers :

I actually haven't really had many problems at all with Vista like so many people seem to be having. Is it worth upgrading to Windows 7 if Vista has worked for me?

If Vista is working for you, I personally wouldn't
upgrade. I'd just wait until you buy a new PC one day.

Edit: Actually, go ahead and get the RC1 beta, it's good until next April or so. You may buy a new PC by then anyway. The RC1 is fine btw.

--
Certified Medisoft reseller.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:58:37 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by Jammers :

I actually haven't really had many problems at all with Vista like so many people seem to be having. Is it worth upgrading to Windows 7 if Vista has worked for me?

It will be a little more secure and a little faster, but for the most part it is very similar to Vista and it wouldn't be urgent to upgrade.
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:58:31 EDT

Koil :

said by Jammers :

I actually haven't really had many problems at all with Vista like so many people seem to be having. Is it worth upgrading to Windows 7 if Vista has worked for me?

Hard for me to say, I never used Vista...but, I guess I am of the opinon of two conflicting ideas here.

1) If it ain't broke...

2) $50 for the latest OS ain't too shabby...

I am sure others will weigh in, tho
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:35:46 EDT

Jammers : I actually haven't really had many problems at all with Vista like so many people seem to be having. Is it worth upgrading to Windows 7 if Vista has worked for me?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:35:37 EDT

Koil : And might I recommend going ahead and pre-ordering now. Not sure if you've seen the info in this and other threads, but somewhere in July, the price for the OS goes up quite a bit.

RIght now you can pre-order for $50, and in the land of Window's OS...thats a pretty good deal.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:20:05 EDT

Matt :

said by Jammers :

So what am i looking at if i decide to upgrade to Windows 7? I've never install another operating system before usually i just get a new computer with the OS already installed. How hard it is to install one OS over another?

You pop in the disc and tell it you want to perform an upgrade. It's extremely simple. You shouldn't have any trouble at all.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:09:01 EDT

Jammers : So what am i looking at if i decide to upgrade to Windows 7? I've never installed another operating system before usually i just get a new computer with the OS already installed. How hard it is to install one OS over another?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:35:31 EDT

Matt :

said by Jammers :

So am i shit out of luck for getting the free upgrade of Windows 7 because i bought a new PC with Vista home premium on it last September? What are the requirements for the free upgrade then?

Yes you are as is everyone else (myself included) who bought it before the date the offer started. I believe it started June 15th.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:24:29 EDT

Jammers : So am i shit out of luck for getting the free upgrade of Windows 7 because i bought a new PC with Vista home premium on it last September? What are the requirements for the free upgrade then?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:30:38 EDT

RR Conductor :

said by Keizer :

Just pre-ordered my copy of Win 7 Home premium from Newegg. I would have ordered from the MS store, but since I live close by they would have charged me sales tax.

I'll get charged CA sales tax on my pre order of Windows 7 Pro from Newegg, but the shipping is free so it evens out I guess. I order a ton of stuff from them, we're a Newegg house lol
--
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:10:02 EDT

Keizer : Just pre-ordered my copy of Win 7 Home premium from Newegg. I would have ordered from the MS store, but since I live close by they would have charged me sales tax.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:23:44 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by burner50 :

Anyone know what the requirements for the free upgrade for people who bought new systems?

I bought a new laptop 2 days before this announcement.

Too bad!! If you bought PC after the announcement the upgrade is FREE.

But since you bought before, you get the same upgrade options as everyone else - $50 for 7 Home Premium & $100 for 7 Professional.
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:01:02 EDT

burner50 : Anyone know what the requirements for the free upgrade for people who bought new systems?

I bought a new laptop 2 days before this announcement.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:11:46 EDT

Phasewolf : So to upgrade my computer do I still need the cd like the old way updates worked in the past or do I just need my key for the update to install. If it is just the key how would it see if it is a good key sense you would be doing a clean install and not online at the time.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:39:22 EDT

Warzau : Hmm, okay to finalize if you have any XP version Home, Pro, OE, Store. You can buy it. I'll prob use my Amex in case something goes wrong.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:53:41 EDT

CCat : I hope you're right. That would be totally bad.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:50:05 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by CCat :

I just read the other thread and according to StorminNorm (bottom of page) he called MS store and they said it was a mistake and the upgrade will not apply to XP users.

»Windows 7 Pre-Order Offer

He got bad info. It does apply to XP users.

»www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/of···faq.aspx

How do I know if I am eligible for this offer?

To be eligible for the offer, you need to be running a genuine copy of the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems.
----
I am running Windows XP, can I upgrade to Windows 7?

Microsoft designed Windows 7 Upgrade media for Windows Vista. A customer with Windows XP can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade media but must back up their files, clean install, and then reinstall their applications.

From Amazon.com

3. Check which operating system your PC is currently running
How you make the move to Windows 7 depends on your current operating system.

* Windows Vista
The transition to Windows 7 should be pretty smooth, although you may need to update your system to the latest service pack first.

* Windows XP (or any other operating system)
We recommend that you experience Windows 7 on a new PC. While we don't recommend it, you can opt to upgrade your current PC from Windows XP or another operating system to Windows 7. We recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider. You'll need to back up your current files and settings, perform a custom (clean) installation, and then reinstall your files, settings, and programs.

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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:42:58 EDT

CCat : I just read the other thread and according to StorminNorm (bottom of page) he called MS store and they said it was a mistake and the upgrade will not apply to XP users.

»Windows 7 Pre-Order Offer
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:48:56 EDT

Warzau : Thanks so it will do a clean install if I read it right.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:31:05 EDT

dunworkin :

said by Warzau :

Another question if anyone can answer. I've been trying to make sense, if you have XP right now, I understand it will check your key. Will you get a full install or a upgrade over XP?

(From MS Site) If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. But you must back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:29:44 EDT

Warzau : Another question if anyone can answer. I've been trying to make sense, if you have XP right now, I understand it will check your key. Will you get a full install or a upgrade over XP?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:56:54 EDT

Matt :

said by Phil :

Office 2007 is great in my opinion and you're completely over-exaggerating Microsoft's losses. When you see businesses switching to Apple or Linux then you can say they're at a hemorrhaging point, but that's not even close to the case.

I agree Phil. Businesses are not switching to Linux or Mac and MS isn't hemorrhaging. They are a victim of the worst recession since they have been in business, which was followed by an operating system (Vista) that an extremely large majority of the business world skipped.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:07:36 EDT

Phil :

said by Greg_Z :

Please explain why? And do you know that all W7 is, is a Service Pack of Vista. When Vista came out, people could not wait, but after they saw that it would not run on their archaic machines, then they decided what you are stating, which is incorrect.

As for W7, MS is attempting to regain a marketplace that they are loosing to those staying with XP, Vista, have chosen to switch to Apple, or trying Linux. MS is hemorrhaging, and does not know what to do, so they re badge a server edition as a desktop edition, and try to shoot themselves in the foot. They also shot themselves in the foot with the redesigning of MS office.

Office 2007 is great in my opinion and you're completely over-exaggerating Microsoft's losses. When you see businesses switching to Apple or Linux then you can say they're at a hemorrhaging point, but that's not even close to the case.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:10:51 EDT

Koil :

said by TKJunkMail :

said by Koil :

So, if you can do a clean install from an upgrade version, why would anyone buy a full version?

It will prompt you to provide the Vista auth codes to do the upgrade - even if doing a clean install.

Ahh..so an upgrade lets the prior OS key be used...gotcha TY!
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:09:57 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by BoToMaTiC :

The retail yes but this is the upgrade media like the special pre-order.

The MS link I provided is for the special discounted pre-order upgrade pkg.
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:09:13 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by Koil :

So, if you can do a clean install from an upgrade version, why would anyone buy a full version?

It will prompt you to provide the Vista auth codes to do the upgrade - even if doing a clean install.
--
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:08:08 EDT

Koil : So, if you can do a clean install from an upgrade version, why would anyone buy a full version?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:07:23 EDT

BoToMaTiC : The retail yes but this is the upgrade media like the special pre-order.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:06:22 EDT

TKJunkMail :

said by BoToMaTiC :

Here is the information that some requested about the Windows 7 Upgrade disk and how it will work.

»community.winsupersite.com/blogs···des.aspx

I take exception to one item in that link. And that is that to go from 32-bit to 64-bit you have to download the product from a web site. Microsoft's web site says that the retail Windows 7 DVD's will have both versions on them.

And from Microsoft's web page:
»store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Wi···B0F9E641

This product includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

--
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:02:16 EDT

BoToMaTiC : Here is the information that some requested about the Windows 7 Upgrade disk and how it will work.

»community.winsupersite.com/blogs···des.aspx

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:53:03 EDT

Koil : Guess I am going to go with Pro, just to avoid any potential headaches down the road. Not sure what they mean by XP productivity apps..does this just mean MS Office? If this is just a few odd man out apps, maybe I will go w/ Premium...can anyone shed some light?

I still don't know the answer to this...since this is an upgrade, XP MUST be installed first correct, and then you upgrade to W7? The reason I want to clarify, is that, down the road if a nuke & pave is required, do I have to then go through 2 windows installations? One for XP and then again for W7?
If this is the case, I can see some drive images in my future.
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:25:18 EDT

Gungerdin :

said by CCat :

Just got this e-mail from Micro Center.
If you have one near you, its in store only 6/26 - 6/28.

$40 for Home Premium and $90 for Pro

Thanks for the heads up. I had purchased the Pro on new egg and had to go to Micro Center today. The floor staff were not so well informed on how it worked and even thought that you had to put up a down payment to get it (not true). They directed me to go to the return line and they asked what version I wanted and printed out a receipt. Limited to one coupon per person for one copy only with no up front cash required.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:21:19 EDT

Matt : Grabbed me a copy of Professional. It looks like Ultimate only includes Bitlocker? If so, I doubt sales of it will be that high.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:23:26 EDT

elios :

said by BigReds42 :

Stupid question forthcoming...

What exactly are "XP productivity programs"?

in house aps that becouse some one sucks at programing only run on XP or older OS'

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:20:08 EDT

BigReds42 : Stupid question forthcoming...

What exactly are "XP productivity programs"?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:38:56 EDT

jabarnut :

said by PeteC2 :

All in all, Win ME was not a bad OS, but as a DOS-based OS, at the end of that era, it really could have gone without being released, MS should have gone straight from Win 98SE to XP.

I agree...and many would argue that they should have gone directly from XP to Windows 7 as well. (Although, I think Vista is fine, but I just couldn't resist the deal above). ;)
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:35:27 EDT

quatrix :

said by Matt :

Overall, I think those are great price points, especially with the pre-order promotion.

Price points? You mean "prices"?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:33:44 EDT

PeteC2 :

said by jabarnut :

lol...everybody always picks on Windows ME (Of course, they pick on Vista too).

I'll bet I'm the only person in the universe who never really had any problems with Windows ME. :hmm: :)

Nope, I've said it before: Win ME worked just fine for me, aside of one printer driver that the manufacturer never did update.

As with Howie, I simply did not find it far different from Win 98SE, that would be my biggest "complaint".

I did use, system restore, and it saved my bacon at least a few times, although ME's impelmentation of restore was not perfect by any means.

All in all, Win ME was not a bad OS, but as a DOS-based OS, at the end of that era, it really could have gone without being released, MS should have gone straight from Win 98SE to XP.
--
Deeds, not words

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:14:45 EDT

howie :

said by jabarnut :

said by howie :

One quick question... Do you think I can "upgrade" to 7 Home Premium from Vista Ultimate or would I need to install Vista Home Premium first? I assume a fresh, full install is impossible from the upgrade DVD.

I'm wondering that myself.
Maybe it will be like the Vista "Upgrade DVD" though, where a full clean install was still possible...(if I remember correctly). :D

Yeah, I remember that "workaround". Maybe they fixed that loophole.... I hope not! ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:12:03 EDT

jabarnut :

I'm wondering that myself.
Maybe it will be like the Vista "Upgrade DVD" though, where a full clean install was still possible...(if I remember correctly). :D
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:03:54 EDT

howie : I agree.... if they don't let you choose, they most likely supply both 32 and 64-bit media. I hope they don't make you request new media for 64-bit and make you pay S/H for it.

[EDIT] I guess they could supply a download link for 64-bit, as mentioned. That sounds entirely possible...

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:01:44 EDT

howie : One quick question... Do you think I can "upgrade" to 7 Home Premium from Vista Ultimate or would I need to install Vista Home Premium first? I assume a fresh, full install is impossible from the upgrade DVD.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:00:11 EDT

KickMe :

said by howie :

said by CCat :

Wonder if the disk versions have both platforms on it.

Unless they asked you to specify when ordering, I'm guessing you'll get both. I could be wrong, though.

Yes, no one is being asked which version they want at check out at the Microsoft Store so you most likely will get both.
It looks like Paul Thurrott's SuperSite was incorrect in posting:
The second most common questions regards "upgrading" from Windows Vista or XP (32-bit) to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. (You cannot do an in-place upgrade between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.)

Yes, it's possible. The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically (preferably through the presale and directly from Microsoft). If you do so, you're given the choice to download the x64 bits. So if you qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade--i.e. you own Windows XP or Vista--you can buy the Windows 7 Upgrade version of your choice, download the x64 version, burn it to disc, and do a clean install. (Per the previous question.)
--
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:35:48 EDT

howie : Agreed... I never used the Ultimate Backup, BitLocker or DreamScene (for very long) nor played Hold 'Em Poker on a regular basis. Home Premium should suit me just fine. :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:31:47 EDT

jabarnut : Yeah, system restore never worked all that well...otherwise, I thought it was ok.

Anyway, looking forward to Windows 7. (Like you said, I'm running Vista Ultimate on one machine, but I never got all those promised "extras", nor do I need some of the other bells and whistles of the Pro version in this case).

For a lousy $50.00, I think I'll still have some fun. ;)
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:27:43 EDT

howie :

said by jabarnut :

lol...everybody always picks on Windows ME (Of course, they pick on Vista too).

I'll bet I'm one of the only people in the universe who never really had any problems with Windows ME. :hmm: :)

To me it was 98 with thumbnails and System Restore... wasn't too bad for me either, actually.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EDT

jabarnut : lol...everybody always picks on Windows ME (Of course, they pick on Vista too).

I'll bet I'm the only person in the universe who never really had any problems with Windows ME. :hmm: :)
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:23:27 EDT

howie : Not quite as good as the $49.95 Windows Me deal, but still not too bad! ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:22:05 EDT

jabarnut :

said by howie :

Congrats! I doubt you'll see it anywhere near this price after 7/11. :-)

Yeah, I'm thinking you're right Howie.

Darn it! If I hadn't seen this deal, I'd still be $50.00 richer though......it was just impossible to pass up. :D
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:19:40 EDT

howie :

said by jabarnut :

Well, I never thought I'd see the day, but I just pre-ordered Home Premium from NewEgg.

$50.00 for a new OS ain't bad.....I'm too much of a cheapskate to go for the Pro Version this time around. :D

Congrats! I doubt you'll see it anywhere near this price after 7/11. :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:15:01 EDT

jabarnut : Well, I never thought I'd see the day, but I just pre-ordered Home Premium from NewEgg.

$50.00 for a new OS ain't bad.....I'm too much of a cheapskate to go for the Pro Version this time around. :D
--
I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:08:30 EDT

howie : Oh, I agree that some may benefit. I'd probably save a buck or two myself but just the traffic here isn't worth the hassle for me.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:07:19 EDT

CCat : Same here, but someone else might benefit.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:06:23 EDT

howie :

said by CCat :

Just got this e-mail from Micro Center.
If you have one near you, its in store only.

$40 for Home Premium and $90 for Pro

[att=1]

For two round trips to MicroCenter, I'd spend more in gas than the 10 bucks saved.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:04:00 EDT

CCat : Just got this e-mail from Micro Center.
If you have one near you, its in store only 6/26 - 6/28.

$40 for Home Premium and $90 for Pro

[att=1]
--
Sometimes My Mind Wanders.....Other Times It Leaves Completely!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:58:32 EDT

howie :

said by Abiosis :

M$ should offers somethin' like US$129.99-149.99 for Ultimate users...

they're just trying to push the sales for the pro version while skipping promotion offer for Ultimate version...

Shame~

I agree 100%. 219.95 is way too much. For 170 less, I grabbed Home Premium. I really don't need the few extra features Ultimate offers anyway. You would think for 219.95, they'd at least throw in a few more "Ultimate Extras"! ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:41:27 EDT

CCat :

said by Warzau :

On another question, does it matter what if XP is from a Dell? Or it has to be OE or store purchased?

According to what I read, you have to have a valid installation of XP on your machine. Then the Win 7 software will check your install and proceed with the upgrade.
Also said the upgrade has to be put on the same partition as XP is on.
--
Sometimes My Mind Wanders.....Other Times It Leaves Completely!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:24:27 EDT

CCat :

said by Warzau :

My question is if I need programs that only will work in XP will I have to purchase Pro 7?

According to the chart you will need the pro version.

»windows.microsoft.com/en-US/wind···editions
--
Sometimes My Mind Wanders.....Other Times It Leaves Completely!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:16:20 EDT

Abiosis : M$ should offers somethin' like US$129.99-149.99 for Ultimate users...

they're just trying to push the sales for the pro version while skipping promotion offer for Ultimate version...

Shame~

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:15:19 EDT

howie :

said by CCat :

Wonder if the disk versions have both platforms on it.

Unless they asked you to specify when ordering, I'm guessing you'll get both. I could be wrong, though.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:52:32 EDT

howie : Just got my confirmation e-mail. :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:49:11 EDT

RR Conductor : »promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/···x130.jpg

$49.95 for Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
$99.95 for Windows 7 Professional

Pre orders are being taken, though the page says the prices are only good until July 11th. I just pre ordered the Windows 7 Professional upgrade from Newegg, free 3 day shipping too :)
--
You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything.

Windows 7 available at 7 stores in U.S.

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:53:33 EDT

TKJunkMail : Advertising tactic or mere coincidence?

[att=1]

P.S.>> I ordered my 2 copies at Amazon.com. They won't actually charge my credit card til the day they ship in October(normal Amazon policy on pre-orders).

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:07:06 EDT

Warzau : On another question, does it matter what if XP is from a Dell? Or it has to be OE or store purchased?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:05:32 EDT

destroyah : That is also something that I am rather interested in finding out. Already pre-ordered my copy from Newegg, so here's to hoping microsoft does not pull a vista upgrade headache again.
--
--20/20 FIOS ~ 19.6D--23.8U--

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:52:23 EDT

Warzau : My question is if I need programs that only will work in XP will I have to purchase Pro 7?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:10:23 EDT

Abiosis : I'll wait for the Ultimate x64 version~

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:56:30 EDT

CCat : Wonder if the disk versions have both platforms on it.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:49:37 EDT

Logan 5 : As of 10:45PST The Microsoft Store for the U.S. remains down for upgrades until Midnight PDT.

quote:
We will be back very soon...

We will reopen in about 30 minutes.

Microsoft Store U.S. is being updated tonight, Thursday, June 25th, between 8 p.m. and midnight PDT.

If you are visiting from outside the United States, please visit one of the other Microsoft Stores:

* Belgium (French)
* Belgium (Dutch)
* Deutschland
* Espana
* France
* Nederland
* Osterreich
* United Kingdom
* 日本
* 대한민국

After we are back later tonight, you can:

* Pre-order Windows 7
* Buy and download Windows, Office, and games directly to your computer
* Purchase software, hardware, and accessories and have them sent through the mail

We apologize for any inconvenience,

The Microsoft Store Team
Redmond, WA

--
There are 3 sides to every discussion: Mine, Yours & The Truth.
Check out the Dungeon Runners Site & Forums!
Download & play the game for free!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:47:09 EDT

howie :

said by KickMe :

My Amazon order was placed and confirmed but I want to download a copy for my laptop as I want to go from Vista 32 to Win 7 64, but the microsoft site is getting hammered and is down again now.
As posted on the "supersite for windows", that can be done but "The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically (preferably through the presale and directly from Microsoft). If you do so, you're given the choice to download the x64 bits. So if you qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade--i.e. you own Windows XP or Vista--you can buy the Windows 7 Upgrade version of your choice, download the x64 version, burn it to disc, and do a clean install".

Yeah, I assumed that we'll be given a choice to download x86, x64 or both, as the same key would be valid for either platform.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:19:22 EDT

KickMe : My Amazon order was placed and confirmed but I want to download a copy for my laptop as I want to go from Vista 32 to Win 7 64, but the microsoft site is getting hammered and is down again now.
As posted on the "supersite for windows", that can be done but "The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically (preferably through the presale and directly from Microsoft). If you do so, you're given the choice to download the x64 bits. So if you qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade--i.e. you own Windows XP or Vista--you can buy the Windows 7 Upgrade version of your choice, download the x64 version, burn it to disc, and do a clean install".
--
The god of the religious is the one that they were programmed to believe in, and the god the atheist doesn't believe in isn't the God that is.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:08:48 EDT

CCat : I had mine in about 3 minutes

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:08:03 EDT

howie : I didn't get a confirmation via e-mail yet. :huh:

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:05:54 EDT

howie : Yeah, I thought about it but I can't remember the last time I used an original disc to setup Windows. A burned DVD will be just fine. :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:04:38 EDT

CCat : I ordered the disk

Me either

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:00:31 EDT

howie : Me tooooooooooo :-)

I couldn't see spending $170 more for Ultimate.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:58:20 EDT

CCat : :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:56:51 EDT

KickMe : Can preorder @ AMAZON and NEWEGG now.
--
The god of the religious is the one that they were programmed to believe in, and the god the atheist doesn't believe in isn't the God that is.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:47:10 EDT

howie : It's available now but not quite ready (can't add to cart)...

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:55:40 EDT

Boricua65 :

said by howie :

LOL!
I still have my Me and will sell it for 24.95... 50% off for just you! ;-)

I wouldn't even bootleg that piece of defecation :p.
--
Yo te digo, el mundo esta jodido

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:51:36 EDT

howie : The store opens in 9 minutes! Who's gonna be first? :-)

We will be back very soon...

We will reopen in about 30 minutes.

Microsoft Store U.S. is being updated tonight, Thursday, June 25th, between 8 p.m. and midnight PDT.

If you are visiting from outside the United States, please visit one of the other Microsoft Stores:

Belgium (French)
Belgium (Dutch)
Deutschland
Espana
France
Nederland
Osterreich
United Kingdom
ìíÜâ
´ëÇÑ¹Î±¹
After we are back later tonight, you can:

Pre-order Windows 7
Buy and download Windows, Office, and games directly to your computer
Purchase software, hardware, and accessories and have them sent through the mail

We apologize for any inconvenience,

The Microsoft Store Team
Redmond, WA

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:48:56 EDT

CCat : Anyone need windows 3.0?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:47:54 EDT

howie :

said by Koil :

said by howie :

said by TBD :

I remembered that you could even upgrade to Vista from Windows 2000 with the Vista upgrade package. It only makes sense that Windows XP is upgradable to Windows 7.

I don't remember any deals like this at all for Vista upgrades from XP back in '06-7. Maybe someone can refresh my memory...
I do remember the 49.95 upgrade offer from Windows 98 to Me, though... I took advantage of that! :o

Sucker! ;)

LOL!
I still have my Me and will sell it for 24.95... 50% off for just you! ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:41:57 EDT

Koil :

said by howie :

said by TBD :

I remembered that you could even upgrade to Vista from Windows 2000 with the Vista upgrade package. It only makes sense that Windows XP is upgradable to Windows 7.

Sucker! ;)
--
Let us so live that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry. -Mark Twain

My Blog - Raising Connor - »raisingconnor.blogspot.com/ - updated 3/11/09

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:11:16 EDT

TBD :

said by howie :

said by TBD :

I remembered that you could even upgrade to Vista from Windows 2000 with the Vista upgrade package. It only makes sense that Windows XP is upgradable to Windows 7.

Or, I could be wrong :uhh:

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:36:34 EDT

howie :

said by TBD :

I remembered that you could even upgrade to Vista from Windows 2000 with the Vista upgrade package. It only makes sense that Windows XP is upgradable to Windows 7.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:26:48 EDT

TBD : I remembered that you could even upgrade to Vista from Windows 2000 with the Vista upgrade package. It only makes sense that Windows XP is upgradable to Windows 7.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:10:28 EDT

mikedz4 : so i can buy the upgrade to professional from vista home premium but I will have to do a clean install?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:02:53 EDT

howie : Looks like XP users are covered (see above from the FAQ)!

If so, XP users are gonna jump all over this!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:01:49 EDT

CCat : MS isnt exactly a fountain of information.
I was just trying to get a simple yes or no....I'm confused enough.
--
Sometimes My Mind Wanders.....Other Times It Leaves Completely!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:58:43 EDT

howie : I can see the confusion as they do not explicitly mention you have to have Vista to upgrade using the special offer on this page:
»www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/of···der.aspx
(unless I missed it, which is entirely possible). ;-)

{EDIT] OMG! I may be wrong about this!
"To be eligible for the offer, you need to be running a genuine copy of the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems."

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:53:32 EDT

CCat : This is part of the article from ars technica that KickMe posted on page 2 of this thread.

Upgrading from XP or Vista with a retail copy

While these price changes are positive for consumers (none of the products has increased in price), they are rather disappointing for those hoping for much more aggressive price slashes given the current economic climate. Thankfully, retail pricing is typically used as a starting point; most users will not be buying retail versions anyway. Retail sales account for less than 5 percent of Windows sales, the rest of sales are via OEM. Some consumers will either grab an OEM copy via an online or in-store purchase, but most will be getting a copy of Windows 7 with the next purchase of their PC.

Windows XP users need to know that regardless of which edition they currently have installed (Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP Media Center Edition) and regardless of which edition of Windows 7 they are moving to (Home Premium, Professional , or Ultimate), they will need to perform a clean install, whether they buy the upgrade or full version. The hassle of backing up applications and user data will fall on the user; a clean install will not back up anything. Using Windows Easy Transfer, users can copy their important files and settings to an external USB stick, external hard drive, or DVD, and then move the data back after the installation.

The installer will verify that XP is genuine and Windows 7 will have to be installed on the same partition as the XP installation. The good news is that Microsoft is allowing XP users to buy the cheaper upgrade version if they want to (Microsoft typically lets owners of the two previous releases of Windows to do this, in this case XP and Vista).

This is why I questioned the upgrade vs retail.
--
Sometimes My Mind Wanders.....Other Times It Leaves Completely!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:52:29 EDT

howie :

said by Greg_Z :

said by howie :

Am I correct in assuming that this pre-order upgrade offer does not apply in any way, shape or form to current XP users?

You are correct. Why would MS discount for users of a OS that is over 9 years old?

Thought so, thanks! :-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:51:05 EDT

Greg_Z :

said by howie :

Am I correct in assuming that this pre-order upgrade offer does not apply in any way, shape or form to current XP users?

You are correct. Why would MS discount for users of a OS that is over 9 years old?
--
I threw out the map a long time ago. Now I follow my own direction!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:45:12 EDT

howie : Am I correct in assuming that this pre-order upgrade offer does not apply in any way, shape or form to current XP users?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:33:03 EDT

Greg_Z : MS is going to state that you will need the full edition. Personally, if I had to upgrade, I would purchase a new machine if needed with 7 on it, if there was no choice to get Vista or XP.
--
I threw out the map a long time ago. Now I follow my own direction!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:27:21 EDT

mikedz4 : I want to upgrade from vista home premium 64 to windows professional 64. Is it possible to do this with an upgrade edition that is clean installed or do I need to pay $200 for the full edition?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:00:25 EDT

Greg_Z : None, stick with Vista. If it is not broke, why fix?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:59:47 EDT

Greg_Z : The thing is, there still are not any vendors writing for 64bit code, same with MS for MS Office.
--
I threw out the map a long time ago. Now I follow my own direction!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:57:02 EDT

delt4 : I currently use Vista Home premium OEM. I definitely want to upgrade to Windows 7 since I'm only running the 32bit edition of Vista right now and have 4gb of ram avail and I am also planning to add more starting with 6gb once I get my i7-x58 system ordered.

Looking at the differences in Windows 7, I see that there are 5 according to the page I hot-linked above. Has anyone used bitlocker before with Vista or the RC of Windows 7? It seems like something that one would use to encrypt banking and CC information. That would mean that I would have to upgrade to at least Ultimate. I'm sure there are 3rd party programs out there that also do this as well.

What flavor of Windows 7 would one recommend for me to upgrade to from my Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit edition?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:56:29 EDT

Logan 5 : According to various sources, the pricing for W7 Ultimate is almost the same from report to report:

Information Week:
»www.informationweek.com/news/win···18101425

Full Version:$319
Upgrade: $219

Gizmodo:
»gizmodo.com/5302371/windows-7-pr···s-mostly

Full Version:$320
Upgrade:$220

There's more but it's looking like ultimate is not a very good deal at all considering the Extras that Microsoft once supported (and that were what partially justified the higher price for Vista Ultimate) were removed as they are no longer being offered....yet the price remains as high as it was before.. WTF?
--
There are 3 sides to every discussion: Mine, Yours & The Truth.
Check out the Dungeon Runners Site & Forums!
Download & play the game for free!

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:33:03 EDT

taytong888 : What about XP owners who wish to "upgrade" to Windows 7, i.e. bypassing Vista altogether? Will we get similar deals? Secondly, can I use a Win7 Pro upgrade version to upgrade my current XP Home or XP Pro editions?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:22:43 EDT

howie : Yeah, 49 bucks seems almost too good to pass up. I may dual boot Vista (running issue-free) and install 7 on another partition and work out any bugs I've seen with the beta/rc versions. I love a challenge. ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:19:06 EDT

Matt :

said by howie :

I might end up getting the $49 Home Premium pre-order upgrade deall as I have a valid Home Premium license as well as Ultimate. That seems like a decent deal.

I've been thinking about that too since my laptop came with Vista Home Premium. It's a heck of a deal. I'm just worried about my hybrid SLI driver. The Vista driver "works" but eventually hard-locks Windows 7. Since it's managed by Dell, not nVidia, I can't use the standard reference nVidia driver.

I'd be fine with ordering it and waiting on a Dell driver though. I'm perfectly happy with Vista x64 SP2 on my laptop.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:13:43 EDT

howie : I might end up getting the $49 Home Premium pre-order upgrade deall as I have a valid Home Premium license as well as Ultimate. That seems like a decent deal.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:57:11 EDT

GameGuy369 :

Eh I would disagree. I have been running Vista Ultimate x64 for awhile and it was alright. Nothing special. Nothing bad. But I am now running Win7 Ultimate x64 and my comp runs so much better. Multiple programs load much faster, run smoother, just a good experience overall.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:26:54 EDT

urbanriot : I'm not going to argue definitions, semantics, version numbers or byte differences with you. For all intents and purposes, the kernel is similar and I haven't wandered. My original point and comment that, " The kernel is directly based off the Vista 2k8 kernel, which is also what the Vista kernel is based off of" is completely factual and inline with what Microsoft representatives are also saying.

Maybe they haven't propagated some of the Windows 2008 R2 kernel changes they've made to Vista SP2 as they did to Windows 7, such as spinlock adjustments, but such 'tweaks' (which I did reference in my first post) are insignificant to the end user and certainly not enough to incite fervour over my use of 'similar.'

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:12:28 EDT

Matt :

said by urbanriot :

I'm basing my comments from interviews with Microsoft personnel, official Microsoft programming blogs and industry analysts. Microsoft has said in very clear terms that Windows 7 does not contain a new kernel.

You're wandering from the original assertion that they were identical. Similar, yes, but not identical.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:08:43 EDT

urbanriot : I'm basing my comments from interviews with Microsoft personnel, official Microsoft programming blogs and industry analysts. Microsoft has said in very clear terms that Windows 7 does not contain a new kernel.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:46:07 EDT

Matt :

said by urbanriot :

I don't take it personally, you're incorrect about the kernel. The kernel is directly based off the Vista 2k8 kernel, which is also what the Vista kernel is based off of. At one point, you could have identical kernel versions with various updates / patches.

Windows 7 kernel = Windows Vista kernel.

Vista Service Pack 2 = Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6002]
Windows 7 RC Build 7100 = Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7100]

Directly based off of is not identical. I believe I agreed they were similar, but they are not by any defintion of the word "identical."

Windows 7 is an evolutionary step from Vista and introduces significant changes to the kernel as well as almost every aspect of the OS. Just because the layout of the GUI is similar and a few select drivers "work" from Vista to Windows 7, doesn't mean they are identical.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:26:27 EDT

Gaff : Don't forget that these prices refer to the full retail version.

You will likely be able to buy an OEM of Windows 7 Home Premium for ~$100 as you can for Vista right now.
--
My PC Gaming Blog
»thegaffadin.blogspot.com

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:08:42 EDT

urbanriot : I don't take it personally, you're incorrect about the kernel. The kernel is directly based off the Vista 2k8 kernel, which is also what the Vista kernel is based off of. At one point, you could have identical kernel versions with various updates / patches.

Windows 7 kernel = Windows Vista kernel.

Microsoft politically evades the question every time they're asked by stating that the Windows 7 kernel is based off the latest Windows 2008 kernel. If pressed, they'll admit the Windows Vista kernel is also based off the Windows 2008 kernel.

I can point you to some interviews and technical white papers if you're interested in reading more.

Edit: You could argue the kernel in Windows 7 will be newer than Windows Vista SP2 since it came out later, but that will most likely be patched with a later service pack to bring it inline with the latest Windows 2008 kernel version. According to various documentations, all kernel versions will be kept inline until they drop support to Windows Vista.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:07:10 EDT

howie : My Vista is fast, never crashes and is a pleasure to use. I'll agree that it went through a lot of "growing pains" with drivers and program compatibility, but in it's present form, on a reasonably fast PC, it's a perfectly capable and rock-solid OS. If it is indeed "Me2", then I'm a proud Me2 user! ;-)

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:04:45 EDT

Matt :

said by urbanriot :

The kernel's the same, the drivers are the same, the OS itself fundamentally functions the same. They've gussied it up a bit, tweaked it a little, took out my sidebar, but it's the same OS. I've upgraded to every new W7 build since RC, and we sell Vista on every system, and they're so similar I don't bother telling people to wait to buy W7 on a new system.

No, they are not and the drivers are not the same. Vista video drivers for example are only WDDM 1.0, not WDDM 1.1 ... there are significant differences. Additionally, the kernel is not identical. Similar yes, but not identical.

Please don't take this personally, but I wish people would stop spreading this falsehood. It's one thing to say they are not different enough to warrant an upgrade or to say the upgrade should be free, but they are not even similar enough for it to be a service pack upgrade.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:00:13 EDT

urbanriot :

said by Rob :

I am not sure how many people agree with me, but I see Vista as the "Windows Me" of operating systems. Windows 7 is 10x better than Vista.

10x!? Windows 7 is Windows Vista.

The kernel's the same, the drivers are the same, the OS itself fundamentally functions the same. They've gussied it up a bit, tweaked it a little, took out my sidebar, but it's the same OS. I've upgraded to every new W7 build since RC, and we sell Vista on every system, and they're so similar I don't bother telling people to wait to buy W7 on a new system.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:24:17 EDT

Frydays : thanks for the link

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:15:40 EDT

mikedz4 : i ran the upgrade advisor and it told me I can ONLY upgrade to home premium or ultimate NOT professional. For professional I need to perform a clean install. I guess this means I gotta plunk down $200 for professional since that will be my choice?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:07:33 EDT

Koil : Ok, thank you so much for that...so, a clean install means a nuke & pave, install XP and then upgrade to W7?

Sorry for the seemingly dumb questions, but I've always just purchsed full versions before, never gone the upgrade route.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:59:33 EDT

KickMe :

said by Koil :

said by mazhurg :

said by kringles :

1) Can the Upgrade versions be used for a "clean' install? This was possible with Vista and XP as I recall

Did a quick look, and so far I have not yet found an answer to this question. One can upgrade from a existing instalation, but otherwise it looks like we may have to go through hoops similar to the vista upgrade(s) to do a clean install.

I, too, would like to know this, as I don't have Vista, so I would be (hoping I can) update from XP to W7.

Anyone know if this is possible, or will it have to be from Vista -> W7?

I really hope so, as I have been running W7RC and just love it...Potentially better than XP, I believe and that has been there best ever, imo.

From ars technica:
"Windows XP users need to know that regardless of which edition they currently have installed (Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP Media Center Edition) and regardless of which edition of Windows 7 they are moving to (Home Premium, Professional , or Ultimate), they will need to perform a clean install, whether they buy the upgrade or full version."
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:59:23 EDT

howie : Am I missing something or are all Ultimate users being screwed out of a special price for 7 Ultimate via the "Pre-Order Special"? If so, that sucks big time! :mad:

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:55:41 EDT

mikedz4 : this upgrade doesn't start until the 26th which is tomorrow.

Here is my question though. What happens if I decide to wipe my hard drive clean and install windows 7 will i have to buy the full version of can i use the upgrade?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:42:55 EDT

Koil :

said by mazhurg :

said by kringles :

1) Can the Upgrade versions be used for a "clean' install? This was possible with Vista and XP as I recall

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:31:35 EDT

Logan 5 : Looks like the MS site is getting hammered.... I had to refresh like 6 or 7 times before the error in my screenshot went away and their normal page view came back....

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:26:38 EDT

Matt :

said by Logan 5 :

No mention of Ultimate anywhere to be found at the link above though.....

It says "Windows 7" will be offered at 50% off. I think citing Home Premium and Professional was simply for illustrative purposes. I guess we'll all find out.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:06:06 EDT

Logan 5 :

said by Frydays :

whats the link to preorder windows 7 ?

From the google link in the OP's initial post:

quote:
People can buy the software on Microsoft's download site or at retailers including Best Buy Co. Inc., which said it is limiting sales to three per customer.

And, for the google challenged since there's no direct download link to Microsoft's site from the OP's article and to save people the hassle of having to go to Best Buy, here you go: »www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/of···der.aspx

No mention of Ultimate anywhere to be found at the link above though.....
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:01:48 EDT

Frydays : whats the link to preorder windows 7 ?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:00:21 EDT

Logan 5 :

said by BoToMaTiC :

Question

I got Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit from Acer during that Windows Upgrade Program. I was thinking about pre-ordering Windows 7 Home Premium tomorrow for this computer to replace Windows Vista Home Premium. Now $50 bucks is a okay deal but how will this work. When I pre-order it tomorrow, can I get the 64-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium and then do a clean install since I have a 64-Bit CPU or am I stuck at just getting the 32-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium?

When I received the Acer Windows Upgrade Disc, it allowed me to do clean install and everything so can I format even with a 32-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium or will it have to be installed while in Windows Vista.

Why not go directly to the source and ask Acer? They should already have a plan in place for offering versions of Win 7 for their hardware.

ACER DIRECT # TO LEVEL 2 TECH SUPPORT-(254) 298-4000
 
ASPIRE PHONE NUMBER: (800) 910-2237
TRAVELMATE-(800) 848-3927
ACER EXTENSA-(800) 848-3927
ACERNOTE NUOVO-(800) 816-2237
PRE 7000 TRAVELMATE-(800) 816-2237
PRE 610 ACER EXTENSA-(800) 816-2237
 
FAX: 	(800) 428-0140
BBS: 	(408) 554-2494
WEB SITE: 	»www.acer.com
E-MAIL: »global.acer.com/support/index.htm 
 
US ADDRESS: 	
Acer America Corporation
2641 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134

Source: »www.computerhope.com/comp/acer.htm

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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:40:48 EDT

BoToMaTiC : Question

I got Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit from Acer during that Windows Upgrade Program. I was thinking about pre-ordering Windows 7 Home Premium tomorrow for this computer to replace Windows Vista Home Premium. Now $50 bucks is a okay deal but how will this work. When I pre-order it tomorrow, can I get the 64-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium and then do a clean install since I have a 64-Bit CPU or am I stuck at just getting the 32-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium?

When I received the Acer Windows Upgrade Disc, it allowed me to do clean install and everything so can I format even with a 32-Bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium or will it have to be installed while in Windows Vista.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:37:00 EDT

mazhurg :

said by kringles :

1) Can the Upgrade versions be used for a "clean' install? This was possible with Vista and XP as I recall

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:24:29 EDT

Eat Me : I guess this is in response to people who are basically waiting for Windows 7, and PC manufacturers are hurting as a result.

I am one of those people.

I refuse to get Vista. My wife's PC has it and I hate it.

I'm holding on to my old computers with XP until 7 is stable enough, which may be a year or two.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:20:24 EDT

TK Junk Mail : "People who buy Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate computers starting Friday"

That sucks. I guess I should have waited a few days to get my new Vista Home Premium PC.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:28:42 EDT

anon :

said by Rob :

quote:
Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that prices for the Windows 7 computer operating system are largely in line with those for Vista, and that people who buy PCs before the new system goes on sale in October will get free upgrades.

To drum up demand among people who aren't in the market for a new PC, Microsoft also said it is taking limited pre-orders for Windows 7, selling some for as little as $50.

»www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art···991NCD01

I am not sure how many people agree with me, but I see Vista as the "Windows Me" of operating systems. Windows 7 is 10x better than Vista.

Windows Vista is nowhere near ME was
Vista is a very good OS Windows 7 is pretty much the same as Vista.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:07:49 EDT

lorennerol :

said by kringles :

1) Can the Upgrade versions be used for a "clean' install? This was possible with Vista and XP as I recall

It was with XP. With Vista it was a big PITA- you have to do a clean install of Vista, then rerun the install in upgrade mode.

Hopefully they fix this with Win 7.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:03:09 EDT

kringles : 1) Can the Upgrade versions be used for a "clean' install? This was possible with Vista and XP as I recall

2) Is Vista HP eligible for the Win 7 Pro upgrade? or only for the Win 7 HP upgrade?

3) Is Vista Ulitimate eligible for the Win 7 Pro upgrade? What about upgrade to Win 7 Ultimate?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:50:07 EDT

Tsume :

said by ThaDark1 :

Ok so I have a question. Say I'm running the Win7 RC right now. Could I just use the upgrade copy and just "upgrade" my Win7 RC so that I don't have to start from scratch? I just hate to get my system configured where I want it and then have to start over again.

And Matt the pre-order is actually Home Premium for $49 and Professional for $99. No mention of an Ultimate pre-order price.

»news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10272···esArea.1

You could, but if I learned anything by upgrading the beta to RC and all the problems that happened afterward you need to reformat to do it the right way. Microsoft themselves said you should not be upgrading software that is not final release.
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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:26:44 EDT

TKJunkMail : MS blog entry on the Windows 7 upgrade policies announced today:

»windowsteamblog.com/blogs/window···-ga.aspx

The special offer to pre-order the upgrade on Microsoft's web site at special rates til July 11 will have details here starting Friday:
»www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/of···der.aspx
Also on Friday, you can pre-order here:
»store.microsoft.com/home.aspx

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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:06:55 EDT

Greg_Z : Please explain why? And do you know that all W7 is, is a Service Pack of Vista. When Vista came out, people could not wait, but after they saw that it would not run on their archaic machines, then they decided what you are stating, which is incorrect.

As for W7, MS is attempting to regain a marketplace that they are loosing to those staying with XP, Vista, have chosen to switch to Apple, or trying Linux. MS is hemorrhaging, and does not know what to do, so they re badge a server edition as a desktop edition, and try to shoot themselves in the foot. They also shot themselves in the foot with the redesigning of MS office.

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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:40:16 EDT

lorennerol :

said by DownTheShore :

Pardon my ignorance, but what happens if you upgrade from Vista to Win7? Do you lose all of the software that you already have loaded on your computer, does it just wipe everything clean, or what? Why should Vista users upgrade - what is better about Win7?

My understanding is that upgrading from Win XP requires a clean install (wipe and reload). PCs with Vista can do an in-plaec upgrade.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:33:26 EDT

JoelC707 :

If you do an *upgrade* then yes your files and programs should stay intact. You can get the upgrade version and choose to do a fresh install though. There are some cases where an upgrade won't be possible. Moving from x86 to x64 is an example or vice-versa. But since Win 7 isn't completely finished, Microsoft could potentially require a clean install but I see no reason for them to do so - it would be just plain dumb on their part.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:29:52 EDT

Matt :

No, the upgrade will keep all your programs.

The latter part of your question has been beaten to death in this forum, a search should turn up several threads on the topic with opinions both pro-Windows 7 and pro-Vista. Here are a couple to get you started:

»I'm sold, Windows 7 is wonderful. What will Windows 7 cost?

»[WIN7] Share Your Win 7 RC Upgrade or Clean Install Experiences

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:01:06 EDT

DownTheShore : Pardon my ignorance, but what happens if you upgrade from Vista to Win7? Do you lose all of the software that you already have loaded on your computer, does it just wipe everything clean, or what? Why should Vista users upgrade - what is better about Win7?

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:07:38 EDT

Matt :

said by ThaDark1 :

And Matt the pre-order is actually Home Premium for $49 and Professional for $99. No mention of an Ultimate pre-order price.

»news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10272···esArea.1

CNET doesn't mention Ultimate, but the AP article Rob linked does. It looks like CNET is getting their info from a Best Buy memo. If Ultimate is selling for the same upgrade price and only $20 more for a full copy, my guess is Microsoft will sell it at the same price point for a limited time, or not offer it at all hoping to entice a few anytime upgrades.

They want to spur adoption though, so I'm betting the AP got it right. After all, why would they add the word Ultimate unless they had a different source than CNET?

(EDIT)

It looks like the AP article sourced Microsoft directly rather than Best Buy.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:59:12 EDT

imtim83 :

Yeah that does suck but for some strange reason I find it fun lol. Most of the time I hate doing it though.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:57:25 EDT

ThaDark1 : Ok so I have a question. Say I'm running the Win7 RC right now. Could I just use the upgrade copy and just "upgrade" my Win7 RC so that I don't have to start from scratch? I just hate to get my system configured where I want it and then have to start over again.

And Matt the pre-order is actually Home Premium for $49 and Professional for $99. No mention of an Ultimate pre-order price.

»news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10272···esArea.1

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Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:43:59 EDT

Matt : Good article. It has the pricing info for regular users too.

Upgrade:
Home Premium = $120
Professional and Ultimate = $200

Full Versions:
Home Premium = $200
Professional = $300
Ultimate = $320

If you pre-order, you can get your Home Professional upgrade for $50 or your Ultimate upgrade for $100.

Overall, I think those are great price points, especially with the pre-order promotion.

Re: Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:35:19 EDT

ztmike : So what if I bought a computer 4 months ago with Vista already installed?

quote:
I am not sure how many people agree with me, but I see Vista as the "Windows Me" of operating systems. Windows 7 is 10x better than Vista.

Not going to go there, but I also haven't tried Win 7 yet.

Microsoft says Vista buyers to get free Windows 7

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:26:42 EDT

Rob :

quote:
Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that prices for the Windows 7 computer operating system are largely in line with those for Vista, and that people who buy PCs before the new system goes on sale in October will get free upgrades.

To drum up demand among people who aren't in the market for a new PC, Microsoft also said it is taking limited pre-orders for Windows 7, selling some for as little as $50.

»www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art···991NCD01

I am not sure how many people agree with me, but I see Vista as the "Windows Me" of operating systems. Windows 7 is 10x better than Vista.
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