Windows 7 Will Be A Free Upgrade For Some Vista Computers

Here is something interesting I ran across: The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program. Quoting the article:

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.

The article then goes on to give the details, but basically if it looks like if you buy a new computer with Vista pre-loaded you will be elligible to receive a free copy of Windows 7 when it is released. One ‘gotcha’ to be aware of though:

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.

I would imagine most PC makers would participate, but this is definitely worth looking into if you are wanting to upgrade your computer in the near future.

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Greg
That’s good news because I plan on buying a Sony Vaio Z or a Dell Studio 13 coming this fall for college. Hopefully I can upgrade for free when windows 7 is released.
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http://www.twitter.com/AndrewPearce Drew
Thanks for the info Jason. I know that I’ll definitely be passing on the upgrade though. I’d rather fork out the cash on a new version and do a clean install on a freshly formatted hard drive vs an upgrade to plug holes and fills gaps in an existing OS.

Jason Faulkner
You can do a clean install with an upgrade version. Just wipe the drive and boot to the upgrade CD/DVD and the install program will either detect the old OS or prompt you to enter the media for the eligible OS to upgrade.
I have done this with both XP and Vista and it works with no problem.

http://www.twitter.com/AndrewPearce Drew
Thanks! Nice to know it’s possible…. Didn’t know that

http://www.renogeek.com Reno Computer Repair
Most of my customers are asking for a XP downgrade still.
But it may help swing a few customers that tend to wait a year after a new O/S comes out to see if the bugs are worth the upgrade.

http://www.heyfletch.com heyfletch
I was impressed with the early chatter concerning the betas of Windows 7. It has caused me to hold off on purchasing a new laptop. I’m waiting at least until the “free upgrade when it’s released” program gets started.