news.cnet.com

---

June 30, 2009 4:00 AM PDT
FAQ: Making sense of the Windows 7 upgrade options

While it's true that Windows 7 doesn't arrive on retail shelves and new PCs until October, Microsoft has announced two programs designed to give a head start those that know they want the new operating system.

The Windows Upgrade Option, which runs through early next year, allows those who buy a new Vista PC to get a free copy of Windows 7 after it hits shelves in October. The other program which runs only through July 11, allows Windows XP and Vista users to pre-order a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49 or Windows 7 Professional for $99.

In the following question and answer document, CNET News' Ina Fried walks you through both programs.
...

• Who qualifies for the pre-order program?
...
• Can I buy one of the upgrades if I am running Windows Vista Ultimate?
...
• Will I get both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating system?
...
• How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program work?
...
• Is it really free?
...
• Do all Vista PCs qualify?
...
• What about Netbooks?
...
• Is there a limit to how many computers qualify for the update program?
...
• What about those who bought Vista PC before June 26?
...
• Update: Among the questions I was asked most frequently was whether someone could move from a version of Windows XP or Vista to a different version of Windows 7. In all combinations, the answer is yes, and it can be done using the cheaper upgrade version of the operating system, though in some cases a clean installation of Windows 7 may be required...


...

---