I had to rebuild my system several months ago and the only 64 bit OS I had was the windows 7 RC. If I purchase the Windows 7 ultimate edition will I be able to enter the new service code or will I have to do a complete rebuild of the system? The next question is will I need to buy the full edition or will an upgrade to win 7 ultimate edtion work? Thanks to anyone who can help.

For Microsoft licensing, it needs to be the Full Version, there is no upgrade path for RC. This will require a clean install, however don't fret too much about it. Do a backup of your data as there are several options for you to do so. You can use the USMT (user state migration tool), WET, windows backup (data only, don't make a system image in this case) or just copy your data to an external drive. You will need to reinstall your programs again. Don't get hasty and do it in a logical fashion and it'll go real smooth. Get your drivers on a CD now that you'll might need for your system in the event Windows 7 doesn't find a suitable driver or an application for a device. Disconnect all external devices (except usb keyboard/mouse and monitor). You'll want to wipe your drive (I recommend DBAN - a linux app you burn to CD) which removes partitions - everything will be gone - Install your OS, install drivers FIRST after the install, once its stable, do a system image backup to external drive, THEN start installing updates (then another backup), then install programs (then another backup), this way if anything bad happens, you have something to work with and will only take you 20 minutes to get going again. Once you have all the updates and programs and drivers installed - THEN restore your data. Now someone else will point you to a blog that'll show you, that you can (I call it hacking), upgrade from a RC installation - but the big question is why would anyone in their right mind want to install something over left over junk. After a while you'll learn, a clean install is always the best way to go (fresh slate, no problems). Make sure you have a good AV (I don't care for freebies when it comes to AV) ;) that's like handing a guy on the street your wallet - question is, will it still have everything in it and be there when you come back? ;) Well there ya go, that's my opinion and the official Microsoft response will be, "Clean Install" no upgrade path.MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Thanks, Thats what I expected but figured it wouldnt hurt to ask. I prefer to do it the offical way to make sure it runs correctly into the future.

raguel463 wrote:> I had to rebuild my system several months ago and the only 64 bit OS I had was > the windows 7 RC. If I purchase the Windows 7 ultimate edition will I be able > to enter the new service code or will I have to do a complete rebuild of the > system? There is no supported upgrade from the RC to the RTM product; you'll need to format the hard drive and poerform a clean installation. The next question is will I need to buy the full edition or will an> upgrade to win 7 ultimate edtion work? You'll need the full version; the RC isn't a qualifying product for an upgrade.http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/release-candidate.aspx-- Bruce ChambersHelp us help you:http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.htmlhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin FranklinMany people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand RussellThe philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.~ Denis Diderot

For more information, you may refer to the Microsoft official website below: What should I do if I'm running the Release Candidate (RC) version of Windows 7? Hope it is helpful! Regards, Arthur Li - MSFT