XP pro 64bit > Windows 7 RC 64bit

[MraK]

I'm going to building a new rig in a week or so, sometime after Fourth of July (basically a 4th of July gaming rig)

I have an unused XP Pro 64-bit OS and have read and seen that a new OS was coming out soon and that you can actually download the beta version for free online. I also read that you can upgrade your current OS to the Windows 7 beta OS.

My 1st question is, if I use XP Pro 64-Bit could I automatically upgrade it to the Windows 7 OS?

My 2nd guestion is, if I instead use a bootleg version of XP Pro 32-bit OS could I also upgrade from that OS to the Windows 7 OS?

My 3rd question is, Although Vista 64-bit is widely known to have many negative things about it, if I decide to just get Vista 64-bit would I be just wasting my money in getting this OS to then upgrade to Windows 7, where I could have just ran the XP OS's??

 

[Absolution75]

1) You wouldn't be able to automatically upgrade, though you may be able to upgrade (I'm not sure if you can skip vista, but you can go from vista to win 7).

2) See 1, except there is no reason to install XP x32 over x64 - don't bootleg windows, you're asking for trouble.

3) Vista-64 doesn't really have any widely known issues. You've just read a bunch of FUD. It is a waste though to buy Vista now.

Bottom line: Download the Windows 7 x64 RC from microsoft, install it, activate it (you get a key from them), and use it until you buy Windows 7 or it expires next year.

 

[MraK]

Originally posted by: Absolution75
Bottom line: Download the Windows 7 x64 RC from microsoft, install it, activate it (you get a key from them), and use it until you buy Windows 7 or it expires next year.

So I could just use my old XP x64 and then download Windows 7 x64 RC right after?

 

[Absolution75]

Sure. Or just download it from whatever computer you're currently on.