I have a Vista Ultimate set up, with multiple applications purchased and downloaded from the internet. To install windows 7 in Europe, I have to do a clean install. Since the original purchase agreements have lapsed, if I do a clean install, I am going to have to buy all these applications afresh. Its like buying a new car because you need new tyres ! I want to upgrade my system - (and already use multiple browsers so the IE arguments is so much nonsense). I like windows 7 RC and prefer it to Vista, but I can't afford to change the OS.

If the applications you discuss are still operableat present then it would be the licences for theme are still valid in which case I would assume if you still have the executables or disks along with the registration information that you would re-install them and re-enter any licence information to go with them.midnight rambler is now "Mr. Seven"

thanks, but when you download applications, there are no discs; the problem I envisage is System Registration

thanks, but when you download applications, there are no discs; the problem I envisage is System Registration Err did you not keep the downloaded executable files along with the licence details?If not then it's going to be an expensive lesson, isn't it?

Some software companies have license retrieval systems when you contact the company they can find your license information on file, good luck Huw ap G.midnight rambler is now "Mr. Seven"

thanks, but when you download applications, there are no discs; the problem I envisage is System Registration Err did you not keep the downloaded executable files along with the licence details?If not then it's going to be an expensive lesson, isn't it? I have kept most of the files (and some discs) - but have two different problems a) the time required to re-install and update the applications to their current state (eg elapse (continuous) time taken to install7RC from boot to completion of updating of my critical applications was 18 hours excluding time to copy data files or customising 'my' applications). My critical applications represent a small fraction of my full application library b) some of the applications check the OS and refuse to install under 7RC (presumably the same will be true of 7E). Of course there is no guarantee that those applications would run on Windows 7 even if it is an upgrade from Vista. I have concluded that I will NOT be migrating my primary computer to Windows 7 in the foreseeable future

Letme suggest acouple of things. Bymaking the installation unattendedUsing the Windows automatated Installation Kit you cancan dramatically reduce the time it takes to install the operating system and applications.Alsoif yourproccessor supports XP mode you can run incompatable programs. If not you may want to dual boot for incompatable programs.

Letme suggest acouple of things. Bymaking the installation unattendedUsing the Windows automatated Installation Kit you cancan dramatically reduce the time it takes to install the operating system and applications. Mr. Seven, before you have us invest a lot of time with the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows 7 RC, perhaps you might give us an overview and explain how it might be applicable to the end user environment.If you type Automated Installation Kit into the [Bing-Search] box above, you will find among the list of hits this aspx document Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 RC. It's kind of an overwhelming study just to accomplish an easy install, wouldn't you say? So, how about helping us focus on the key points.I understand Huw ap G's concern, but think he understates with "18 hours". Not blaming that on Win7 or any other Windows version, but I always find reloading an O/S from scratch only starts with that investment. Then there's the weeks afterwards finding small settings that were missed. And months of programs' history, like the chain of previous files you edited, all that history is lost. You know, the equivalent of the browsing history in IE, but for those other programs. So, for me, reloading or changing O/S really takes a few months to settle in.

It seems overwhelming at first but is someting you may be interested learning. If your learning skills are up to par you should be able to master it.Your right though, it's not for everyonebut if you have many time consuming applications to install it could be a good idea to learn how to automate them. Vlite is a great program to make a basic answer file. Learning how to make silent installs from a batch script could speed things up.

It seems overwhelming at first but is someting you may be interested learning. If your learning skills are up to par you should be able to master it.Your right though, it's not for everyonebut if you have many time consuming applications to install it could be a good idea to learn how to automate them. Vlite is a great program to make a basic answer file. Learning how to make silent installs from a batch script could speed things up. Thank you for challenging my learning skills. Of all things in this world, I rather doubt I care to master that, wise guy.How about answering the question. Does that Kit apply to end user installations? If so, what things might we first focus on?