How to upgrade from Windows 7 RC to Windows 7

If you're running the Windows 7 Release Candidate then you'll need to upgrade to the full version by the end of February. This guide explains how

By Tim Danton, 16 Feb 2010 at 11:22

Users of Windows 7 Release Candidate don't have too many choices when it comes to upgrading to the full version. While you can cheat by tweaking the cversion.ini file, the best option for most people is to take the leap and perform a clean installation.

The good news is that it's very easy to do. Vista's installation was a huge improvement over the text-based clunkiness of XP, but you still needed to sit and watch the routine as it asked for help throughout. Windows 7 gets everything out of the way at the start so you can leave your computer installing and come back when it's done.

Here, we provide eight simple steps, from choosing the right version to adjusting the final settings.

Choose your destination

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User comments

Not Quite so Easy

The backup only works if you re-install the same version, Having run the 64 bit beta threw up some problems. So when Put Win7 on I choose the 32bit version. I was then informed 'you cannot copy backup files from a 64bit sytem to a 32bit system'.
Good job I had also just done a straight copy backed up to another drive within the PC.

By bigluap on 17 Jul 2010

Why Upgrade?

I have a netbook running Win7 Starter - really wished I'd bought one with XP on it instead.

I have another laptop running Win7-Ultimate64 with 4gb and a slower laptop running XP - both run a tailored paradox database - at the same speed - So why upgrade?

Some applications might open quicker on Win7 - but you'd not notice it. I can't read nor type any faster - so maybe I, not my computer, need an upgrade :)

By nicomo on 4 Aug 2010

Long in the tooth...

How about removing this article now: it's over a year since the expiry of the old Win7 release candidate.
Peter T

By PTarren on 2 Mar 2011

Historic interest

While it's definitely getting long in the tooth, I don't see the need to remove it. It could even contain some info that's still relevant to someone, ours isn't go guess.

Is there a particular reason why you want it removed?

Tim Danton

By TimDanton on 2 Mar 2011

Long in the tooth...

Not particularly. I accept the fact it might have some info but surely that's a diminishing number, and I just thought it might be replaced with something of interest to more people. Just a suggestion!

By PTarren on 4 Mar 2011

What's the point of this article?

It's now Sept 2011 and half the links no longer work.

By pentlands on 3 Sep 2011