[Urien Rheged]

Originally Posted by tvbox

What's a BT?

I have BT broadband, i will they give it to me for free?

Beta Testers

[tvbox]

Originally Posted by Urien Rheged

Beta Testers

So they will test the Beta version for bugs and stuff for the final version, but aren't we supposed to as well?
I'm not going to install the Beta or RC though, might as well wait for the main version

[mattclarkie]

Originally Posted by tvbox

So they will test the Beta version for bugs and stuff for the final version, but aren't we supposed to as well?
I'm not going to install the Beta or RC though, might as well wait for the main version

Not sure what point you are trying to make there.


Lots of us, myself included have been running Windows 7 for months making sure it works. MS then gave us a version that they say was similar to the retail version to test. Practically everyone has had no problems and so MS are essentially releasing the RC we tested with a few improvements.

[Miss Chief]

I might go for this. Will be good to go legit for the first time in a good while!

I haven't seen it mentioned but Quidco offer 15% on Software direct from MS.

[namuk]

Originally Posted by Miss Chief

I might go for this. Will be good to go legit for the first time in a good while!

I haven't seen it mentioned but Quidco offer 15% on Software direct from MS.

this is upgrade you no .. also if you want xp compatible mode you need to go Pro ..

[Shambler]

The European versions don't have an upgrade option, you get the full version for 50 quid not an upgrade. Also, you'll be able to run programs made for XP just fine, XP compatibility mode is only for running Windows XP using virtualization (it's not really useful).

[tvbox]

Originally Posted by Shambler

XP compatibility mode is only for running Windows XP using virtualization (it's not really useful).

It is when you have older software. Will that make it better than Vista? Vista struggled to install older stuff properly.
My webcam i bought from around 2004 worked perfectly on my old PC but now it will not install. I couldn't find any drivers on the internet either

[Stiggy]

Originally Posted by tvbox

It is when you have older software. Will that make it better than Vista? Vista struggled to install older stuff properly.
My webcam i bought from around 2004 worked perfectly on my old PC but now it will not install. I couldn't find any drivers on the internet either

Most programs designed for XP work fine on Vista or Windows 7 without having to do anything. The example you give of a webcam is only a problem as the manufacturer didn't release an updated driver - this is often a problem with unbranded products.

All recent versions of Windows have a Compatibility feature to help run badly behaved software. Windows 7 also has the new "Windows XP Mode" which uses virtualization technology. This won't be in the £50 Home Premium E version discussed in this thread, as it's only in Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise.

[carol_s]

Originally Posted by Shambler

The European versions don't have an upgrade option, you get the full version for 50 quid not an upgrade. Also, you'll be able to run programs made for XP just fine, XP compatibility mode is only for running Windows XP using virtualization (it's not really useful).

Not quite correct Shambler. I have an accounts package which will run in XP (32-bit but not 64-bit), it will not run in either 32 or 64-bit flavours of Vista or in the 64-bit version of Win7 - but it does run quite happily in the XP Virtual machine on Win7 x64.

Same with an old scanner I have (Epson Perfection 1660 Photo), ran in XP x32 but not in XP x64, Vista x64 or Win7 x64 - but is happily installed in the XP Virtual machine of Win7 x64.

[tvbox]

What's the difference between X64 and X32?
Sorry for all these questions

[Shambler]

Originally Posted by carol_s

Not quite correct Shambler. I have an accounts package which will run in XP (32-bit but not 64-bit), it will not run in either 32 or 64-bit flavours of Vista or in the 64-bit version of Win7 - but it does run quite happily in the XP Virtual machine on Win7 x64.

Same with an old scanner I have (Epson Perfection 1660 Photo), ran in XP x32 but not in XP x64, Vista x64 or Win7 x64 - but is happily installed in the XP Virtual machine of Win7 x64.

Ah hmm, I thought it would just be driver issues. It's a lot of extra money to shell out for that feature though (double the price on the preorder), it would be worth looking into other virtualization software to see if you can just use your old XP OS in W7.

I don't know about much past VMWare, but there is a large list here (a lot to trawl through though):
Comparison of platform virtual machines - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[namuk]

Originally Posted by Shambler

The European versions don't have an upgrade option, you get the full version for 50 quid not an upgrade. Also, you'll be able to run programs made for XP just fine, XP compatibility mode is only for running Windows XP using virtualization (it's not really useful).

European version do you have link not showing upgrade? typical microsoft

The compatibility mode i understand that allot not really bothered myself it is just helpful for people knowing it is only under pro and up, if looked hard enough you can find modded drivers or Do it your self .. my old Epson 1200 scanner works fin under vista64 and 32 bit ..

[namuk]

Originally Posted by carol_s

same with an old scanner I have (Epson Perfection 1660 Photo), ran in XP x32 but not in XP x64, Vista x64 or Win7 x64 - but is happily installed in the XP Virtual machine of Win7 x64.

Quick search (Unofficial) drivers for Epson Perfection 1660 scanner - Vista Forums

try it on win7 x64 or dig deeper

[Singh400]

Originally Posted by namuk

European version do you have link not showing upgrade? typical microsoft

The compatibility mode i understand that allot not really bothered myself it is just helpful for people knowing it is only under pro and up, if looked hard enough you can find modded drivers .. my old Epson 1200 scanner works fin under vista64 and 32 bit ..

Microsoft can't offer the upgrade here because of the EU. Microsoft is being forced to release a 7 "E" OS here, and upgrading from XP/Vista to an 7 "E" OS isn't possible. Thus a full re-install is required. Blame the EU, not Microsoft.

By 7 "E" OS. I mean Windows 7: European edition. Basically without Windows Internet Explorer.

[namuk]

Originally Posted by Singh400

Microsoft can't offer the upgrade here because of the EU. Microsoft is being forced to release a 7 "E" OS here, and upgrading from XP/Vista to an 7 "E" OS isn't possible. Thus a full re-install is required. Blame the EU, not Microsoft.

By 7 "E" OS. I mean Windows 7: European edition. Basically without Windows Internet Explorer.

good news and thanks Eu Blaming Microsoft mate due to it takes finding out the Eu disc is the full install disc , looks like rest of world is getting ripped off

And i here you need satnav to get around there dam site or is that done on purpose?

[Azzin]

I see Littlewoods are on the "Pre Order Retailers" list-worth remembering they always seem to have £25 off this and £30 off that vouchers floating around for new customers.

Also, I just ran the 7 Upgrade Advisor, which flagged an "issue" of only having 3.34GB of free space left on my C Drive as 7 "Needs at least 16GB of free space"

It also flagged a potential with my Logitech Orb/Sphere webcam, but I'm sure that will be fine.

I'm really considering doing this pre order.

I fancy the Pro version Over the Home version (not sure why TBH-might just be my "Got to have the best version" OCD!)

I just don't fancy going through the whole backup, install, restore process for all my stuff.....

[Azzin]

Also worth mentioning, is that factthat if you buy from Microsooft, then you can get 15% cashback via Quidco.

Quidco - Microsoft Store cashback

So that brings the price down to about £42.50 and £85 respectively for the Home and Pro versions.

Also, here's the Amazon link to the Pro version: Windows 7 Professional E (PC): Amazon.co.uk: Software

[Stiggy]

Originally Posted by Azzin

I fancy the Pro version Over the Home version (not sure why TBH-might just be my "Got to have the best version" OCD!)

I just checked, and unlike Vista, the Pro edition does contain Media Center. As this is the AVForums site I thought that AV features might be quite important to you!
You can see what you getting extra in the Pro edition here.

[yocky]

Right I've read all of this thread and googled every combination of search terms and still can't find a straight answer.

Do you need to have an existing copy of Vista or XP to take advantage of this offer in the UK? I know you are going to receive a full retail version of Win 7 and there is no upgrade path from XP/Vista, but the MS UK FAQ about this still claims you need a valid key to order.........or don't we know yet?

[carol_s]

Originally Posted by Azzin

Also worth mentioning, is that factthat if you buy from Microsooft, then you can get 15% cashback via Quidco.

Quidco - Microsoft Store cashback.......................

Does anybody know if you actually get a cashback from Microsoft. In Quidco's terms and conditions there is the following paragraph:-

7. Merchants are listed on the Quidco site as giving either a percentage or fixed amount of cashback, for each genuine, completed transaction. Under no circumstances does this form a guarantee that you will receive any monetary amount as a result of your transaction.

[Azzin]

That's just Quidco covering themselves, which is fair enough.

I've had over £500 from Quidco without any issues.

You've got nothing to lose and only cash to gain.

[dave_bass5]

I have a question that has probably been answered already but i cant find it.

First off, this upgrade version. Am i right in assuming its the full version BUT you need to have purchased Vista or XP to be able to use it?
Do i understand correctly that the only difference between upgrade and full is the way the licence works, and not what's on the disc.
And as its a clean install i assume the W7 disc will ask for the Vista/XP disc to be inserted during the install, does anyone know if a OEM (im thinking Dell here) will be good enough?

Sorry, thats two i know

[DP10]

Interesting idea:

How to get the Windows 7 upgrade for free | The Cheapskate - CNET News

[nigeltrevor]

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Am i right in assuming its the full version BUT you need to have purchased Vista or XP to be able to use it?

Nope, it's the FULL version - not an upgrade. No copy of XP/Vista is needed.

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Do i understand correctly that the only difference between upgrade and full is the way the licence works, and not what's on the disc.

Correct, and when the upgrade does come available (early next year, they reckon) you will only be able to install it from within Vista.

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

And as its a clean install i assume the W7 disc will ask for the Vista/XP disc to be inserted during the install, does anyone know if a OEM (im thinking Dell here) will be good enough?

Nope, all Windows 7 versions sold up until the end of the year are FULL versions, and do not require that you have a copy of XP/Vista etc. They WILL require clean installs and NO Vista/XP disc etc.

[dave_bass5]

Originally Posted by DP10

Interesting idea:

How to get the Windows 7 upgrade for free | The Cheapskate - CNET News

Interesting but very flawed IMHO.
Most of the public dont know about windows 7 yet but once MS roll out the fanfare everyone will be wanting it (again, IMHO) so i can see a lot of people selling off their copies of Vista so i cant see any selling at almost full price for a OS thats now been superseded.
Could be wrong though.

[dave_bass5]

Originally Posted by nigeltrevor

Nope, it's the FULL version - not an upgrade. No copy of XP/Vista is needed.



Correct, and when the upgrade does come available (early next year, they reckon) you will only be able to install it from within Vista.

Ok, im now totally confused. The offer is saying its for an upgrade.
Am i missing something here?

EDIT: sorry, i can see i was looking at the USA site which is indeed the upgrade but the UK one is the full version (minus IE of course).

[yocky]

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Ok, im now totally confused. The offer is saying its for an upgrade.
Am i missing something here?

EDIT: sorry, i can see i was looking at the USA site which is indeed the upgrade but the UK one is the full version (minus IE of course).

There is still confusion as the UK FAQ about the offer states that you need to be running XP or Vista to qualify.

As others seem convinced you don't need to provide a key to order I'll assume they've just copied the FAQ from the US site, but it's not clear.

[dave_bass5]

Originally Posted by yocky

There is still confusion as the UK FAQ about the offer states that you need to be running XP or Vista to qualify.

As others seem convinced you don't need to provide a key to order I'll assume they've just copied the FAQ from the US site, but it's not clear.

Yeah, i still think you will need to have a CD with Vista/XP on it during the install but who knows.
Ill be placing my order anyway.

[nigeltrevor]

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Yeah, i still think you will need to have a CD with Vista/XP on it during the install but who knows.
Ill be placing my order anyway.

It's possible, but they've stated upgrade editions won't be available until early next year, and full editions never require a Vista/XP CD - so unless they've created an edition especially for us (highly unlikely) it'll be a standard full edition - which requires no previous copy of Windows.

They have copied that FAQ from the US site I'm sure

[yocky]

Originally Posted by nigeltrevor

It's possible, but they've stated upgrade editions won't be available until early next year, and full editions never require a Vista/XP CD - so unless they've created an edition especially for us (highly unlikely) it'll be a standard full edition - which requires no previous copy of Windows.

They have copied that FAQ from the US site I'm sure

That does make sense. I guess the only other way to do it would be to require a valid XP or Vista key when ordering, but that also sounds unworkable.