Cheap upgrade - which OS?

times_champion · 25 Aug 2009 at 18:47

In a couple of weeks im intending on having a pretty major (but cheap!) upgrade to a new mobo (Asus M3N78) processor (Athlon 64x2 6000+) and graphics card (4850) as well as 4gb 800mhz DDR2. I am currently running XP but I have shipped all my movie files, pictures, music etc to an external drive and intend on just using my current (320gb) interal HDD for games and programs, so I want to re-instal my operating system. I cant afford to buy Windows 7 yet, so should I reinstall XP afresh for now, or use the free beta for windows 7? If I do use the windows 7 beta, can I install that now and then upgrade the PC later, or will it think it is being used in a different PC? Should I wait until after the upgrade? Any help appreciated!

times_champion · 25 Aug 2009 at 20:30

Can anyone help with this at all?

PermaBanned · 25 Aug 2009 at 20:48

The Win7 RC will last a while, then start turning off every 2 hours, then stop working altogether. Now is the best time for it though, i'd try and get the money from somewhere. Other than that, i have one word for you my friend:

Linux.

sir-les-mp · 25 Aug 2009 at 20:58

Superewza said:
The Win7 RC will last a while, then start turning off every 2 hours, then stop working altogether. Now is the best time for it though, i'd try and get the money from somewhere. Other than that, i have one word for you my friend:

Linux.

windows 7 beta is good till june 2010 then it will start restarting every two hour's

@ OP there's nothing wrong in using Win 7 RC1 untill june and then purchasing a retail copy However you will have to do a full reinstall of the OS when going from the RC1 client to the Retail version.

times_champion · 25 Aug 2009 at 20:59

Thanks - but would i be best waiting to install it until i actually upgrade my PC, or can i do it now and then replace the mobo, processor etc in a couple of weeks?

RJC · 25 Aug 2009 at 21:02

Yes you can do that with the Wndows 7 RC but I would recommend re-installing when your motherboard is changed.

eddie86 · 25 Aug 2009 at 22:33

sir-les-mp said:
windows 7 beta is good till june 2010 then it will start restarting every two hour's

I read it as being March? Well as far as being able to use it properly anyway.

"Remember expiration dates: Please plan ahead for when the RC expires. You'll get two weeks' notice, and then beginning on March 1, 2010, your PC will start shutting down every two hours. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. To avoid interruption, you'll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS with a valid version of Windows, and reinstall all your programs and data before the software expires."

times_champion · 25 Aug 2009 at 22:58

Thanks - i will probably wait to install it when i have the upgrade done in that case.

eddie86 · 25 Aug 2009 at 23:23

Probably best as you will have drivers installed for hardware that won't be in your PC anymore.

You can always install now and reformat your HD when you upgrade though.

tibs · 26 Aug 2009 at 00:19

eddie86 said:
I read it as being March? Well as far as being able to use it properly anyway.

"Remember expiration dates: Please plan ahead for when the RC expires. You'll get two weeks' notice, and then beginning on March 1, 2010, your PC will start shutting down every two hours. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. To avoid interruption, you'll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS with a valid version of Windows, and reinstall all your programs and data before the software expires."

I read the same. Not to worry tho I've preordered it for £45, comeon October 22nd