Windows 7 to be free upgrade for some Vista users

NathanE

NathanE

NathanE

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http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/02/11/238222&from=rss

"With Windows 7 set for release in Dec. 09, Microsoft is getting ready with their free upgrade program, which allows Vista users to switch to Windows 7 when it arrives. The folks at TechARP have consistently scored accurate scoops on Microsoft software releases. They have now revealed Microsoft's upgrade plans, schedules and even screenshots of the upgrade process."
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"The Windows 7 Upgrade Program is designed to assist Microsoft's OEM partners in minimizing the number of end users who may postpone acquiring a new computer because of the impending release of the Windows 7 operating system. This program allows OEMs to offer an upgrade to Windows 7 to end users who qualify.

This is a consumer-oriented program targeted at individual consumers and small businesses that have purchased eligible PCs during the Program Eligibility Period. End users will have to meet these requirements to be deemed eligible for the upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released :

End users must purchase a new PC that is pre-installed with an eligible Windows Vista Operating System (OS), during the program eligibility window.

The PC must have a valid Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached.

The only Windows Vista® versions eligible for the program are :
Windows Vista® Home Premium
Windows Vista® Business
Windows Vista® Ultimate
* Microsoft Windows Vista® Home Basic, Windows Vista® Starter Edition, and Windows® XP (all editions) are not qualifying products under the program.

The Program does not support multiple upgrades for medium, large, or enterprise customers. Customers that want to upgrade multiple PCs should use the appropriate Microsoft Volume Licensing program. See www.microsoft.com/licensing for more details.

The following are the only valid upgrade paths under the program :
Windows Vista® Home Premium -> Windows® 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista® Business -> Windows® 7 Professional
Windows Vista® Ultimate -> Windows® 7 Ultimate
Do note that this is an optional program, so not all OEMs may choose to participate. OEMs that choose to participate in this upgrade program will have the freedom to determine how to best provide qualifying end users with the details."
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Blimey, Microsoft really are taking a different approach with this OS! I'm impressed, seriously impressed.

I guess the likes of Ubuntu and Fedora have put the willies up them big time.
 
what, for ALL vista users? that's insane!

edit

The only Windows Vista® versions eligible for the program are :

1. Windows Vista® Home Premium
2. Windows Vista® Business
3. Windows Vista® Ultimate
 
End users must purchase a new PC that is pre-installed with an eligible Windows Vista Operating System (OS), during the program eligibility window.
Click to expand...

So, just like they did with the end of XP/Start of Vista then.

Nothing new here.

Bloody pathetic if you are a retail customer. I'm just bloody glad I don't pay for Microsoft products (not illegally obtained either).
 
gazzamcg said:
Is Dec '09 the confirmed release date ?
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Sounds about right to me for the retail release. It will RTM probably 2 or 3 months before that though. Microsoft don't want to make the mistake of missing the Christmas sales boat like they did with Vista.
 
I would at least like to see them do a cheap upgrade version for Vista users. But then I imagine they'll just release the normal Upgrade version anyway.
 
It's only an OEM upgrade though? So retail users are going to have to pay for the upgrade? Is it me or does that sound unfair.

Not that I'm complaining as I have an OEM version.



M.

Edit: I'm guessing that the program eligibility windows will be from August to December as well.
 
So retail box owners get nothing (I paid for a retail copy of Vista Ultimate) and OEMs get free upgrades? Is that about the size of it?
 
paradigm said:
So, just like they did with the end of XP/Start of Vista then.

Nothing new here.

Bloody pathetic if you are a retail customer. I'm just bloody glad I don't pay for Microsoft products (not illegally obtained either).
Click to expand...

How is it pathetic?

If you're buying a retail copy of an OS, that means you're wanting to use it on more than one PC. So you're not likely to be upgrading to Windows 7 by the end of the year.

If you already know you want to upgrade to Windows 7 at the end of the year, just purchase a OEM licence.
 
So I have Vista Ultimate OEM that I bought from the shop yeah, does that mean I am able to upgrade to Win7 Ultimate free?
 
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