I've seen several advertisements from Microsoft, Amazon etc. offering a discount for pre ordering Windows 7. I'm currently running the release candidate and am curious if buying the full version will be necessary, or will purchasing the upgrade version be sufficient. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

In order to install the upgrade version of Windows 7, you must have a qualifying Windows operating system installed and activated. You cannot install an upgrade version of Windows 7 on a blank hard drive. The installation procedure does not ask you to insert a Windows disc in the drive for verification, the actual qualifying operating system must be installed.If you do not have a qualifying Windows operating system installed with a genuine license activated, then you cannot use the upgrade version of Windows 7 - you would need a "full version" Windows 7 license.In summary:1. A qualifying Windows operating system must be installed, such as Windows Vista or Windows XP.2. The qualifying Windows operating system must have a genuine license (product key)and itmustbe activated.3. To upgrade, boot to the qualifying Windows desktop, insert the Windows 7 Upgrade disc in the DVD drive.4. When the setup menu appears, select Custom (advanced) to initiate a clean install procedure.Carey Frisch

I've read recently that the Windows 7 RC can be considered a valid operating system with which to install the upgrade version of Windows 7, however, if a complete re-install is ever necessary (system crash, etc.) then a full version of XP or Vista must be available and be installed and activated before the upgrade version of Windows 7 can then be installed. Can you confirm whether that is true or not? Thanks. I'm looking forward to October 22nd. :) Tim Mickna