Okay after reading through these posts searching for information or answers about the expiration of the 7 RC expiration, it seems my issue is one that is unique and also a really messed up one. Last September, I started shopping around for a laptop computer. Being unemployed I didn't have much money to invest, I had heard about the windows 7 that was being developed, and found out that the new computers were going to have a free upgrade to windows 7, but even though I really didn't have 400 - 450 bucks to spend for one. I saw this computer listed on ebay with windows 7 already on it. I thought perfect, its half the price, and it has what I want, so I bought it. Since this is basically my first computer I knew nothing about beta software or software testing, or any of what is involved. After turning on my computer yesterday and receiving a message that my software may not be a genuine version, I have been trying to find answers about what to do. Since I didn't install the test software I did not get any of the documentation for it, and since I have never owned a computer before this one, I have no previous version of a windows operating system to reinstall onto this computer when the software expires in 2 weeks, something that before yesterday afternoon, I had no idea what so ever about. My questions are what are my options here? If I purchase a release version of windows 7, which I have come to love in the time I have been using it, will I be able to install it on this computer, the only computer I own? Or am I just totally screwed now because I had no knowledge of the issues involved with beta software because I didn't even know it existed before now. I realize that yes I have alot to learn about this stuf,f that is why in fact I bought this computer, so I could teach myself and get informed. Please help me, I can't afford to buy another computer right now, nor can I afford to make a mistake of purchasing expensive software that from what I have read so far, I may not be able to use. Hopefully there is some way to work this problem out.

The news is not good expense-wise, but you will be in good shape.All you need to do is buy a FULL RETAIL version of Win7, and unless you have a specific need to join a domain, you should be fine with the Home Premium version, the list price is $199.99 US, although you can find it for $10-12 cheaper from time to time.You have another option as well, although you will get many varying opinions on the "legality", and that is to buy an OEM "System Builders" version for significantly less, around $129 or so. Now people might tell you this is software meant exclusively for use on PC that you sell to other people and provide support for, but I consider that bunk. So far as Microsoft is concerned, the differences between Full Retail and OEM is as follows:Full Retail can be installed on any machine, and when a machine ages and you outgrow it's performance/capabilities, or you want to do a large scale hardware upgrade, you can simply reinstall it on another machine, so long as you uninstall it from the original. Also, Full Retail entitles you to free limited support from Microsoft. Personally I've never used Microsoft direct support for any of the many Full Retail packages I've bought over the years, but depending on your experience and knowledge, might be an issue that makes sense for you.System Builder software is meant to be installed on one system, and is supposedly tied to that system for the life of that system. If you outgrow or want to upgrade your machine, you will be stuck having to buy a fresh Full or OEM copy for that new machine. The other difference is the System Builder OS support is offered by the builder (you in this case) and no free support from Microsoft is available.So I see it as you having two choices, Full or System Builder (OEM). I'm sorry you got ripped off by being sold a machine with beta software installed, but at this point it's probably best to just let it go and get on with buying a legitimate copy of Win7 and moving forward.Sorry the news isn't any better (cheaper) but I see no other solution for your situation.Best of luck with it.DAS

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with me. I don't have much problem with buying a rleased genuine version of the software if thats what I need to do, I just didn't want to buy it and then find out it couldn't be installed because I have no previous version of windows, and no documentation of any kind for this computer, other that the documentation of purchasing it from an ebay seller. I saw a home version on the windows 7 site earlier this morning listed for $119 which would be better than $200 for what I use my computer for. But being the "dummy" that I am so to speak, your reply brings me to my next question. If I were to decide to choose the oem software as a solution, where do I find it? I have no idea where to go to purchase it. I figure that this computer I will more than likely outgrow withing a year or two, and if it would be a more affordable way to go, the support help issue doesn't really bother me, I am usually able to figure out how to solve most of the issues that come up without needing tech help, and have found that if I can't figure it out then I usually can find the answer somewhere online or by asking my friends who are good with computers. And also my computer is a laptop, is the software different for laptops, vs desktops, or is it all the same? My friend told me once that the windows os software isn't the same for laptops, that you have to make sure to get the software that is for the type of computer you are using it on. If I have to spend the money to get it I want to be sure to get the right stuff the first time so nothing gets messed up. After reading what some of the people had to say in here, it made me aware that accuracy and reading all of the instructions is key to making the transition work. Again thank you so much for your reply, it helps me greatly, and I am very happy to learn that I didn't get totally screwed, and that the problem can be solved. And I did get the learning experience and the knowledge at least if nothing else. Have a great day.

The $119 version you saw is most likely the retail UPGRADE, and you expressly DO NOT want an upgrade you want Full Retail or OEM System Builder version only. These are the only two options that are full packages and therefore do not require a qualifying OS to upgrade from.The software is all the same, no difference between laptop/desktop. The nice thing for you is the system is already running Windows 7, so you can expect good results once you purchase the RTM (released to manufacturing) "real" version via retail or internet channels.Where to buy? I'm not sure where you are located, but in the US, Best Buy, Microcenter, Fry's Electronics and a few other retail sellers might have it in stock. Microcenter and Fry's will have both versions, Best Buy might only carry the Full Retail, and if they offer the OEM product at all, it might be one of those deals where their "Geek Squad" has to install it or some such. $$$For online purchases I've always had very good service from NewEgg. Again, just so we're clear, given your circumstances you positively need the FULL RETAIL or OEM System Builders software. You mentioned the likelihood of moving on to another machine in a year or two, so you need to consider what version to buy this go around. If you intend to buy a pre-built PC, in all likelihood it will come pre-loaded with Win7 of one flavor or another. If you intend to build your own, you might consider getting the Full Retail now, and moving it to the new system when the time feels right, but that will require you to remove it from the laptop rendering it useless and not much in the way of resale value either.DAS

Just wanted to take time to say thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge with me on this issue. It has helped me greatly, and is much appreciated. Thank you so much, Angie

While I wouldn't advise anyone to violate the license agreement, it's possible to install a retail upgrade of Win7 over the Release Candidate:http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1505&tag=col1;post-1505I have older OSes that qualify for the upgrade, but it wasn't necessary to re-install them to use the upgrade version. (I had beta versions on both my PCs. Didn't have to go back to Vista to use the upgrade license.) However, it is necessary to do a custom (clean) install. (There are ways to force an upgrade-in-place, but a little hacking is involved. It's not recommended, if you wish to have a clean Win7 version running.)The OEM version has some limitations, like you're not allowed to transfer it to a different PC, but it's cheaper. Places like www.newegg.com sell it (the Home Premium version) for a bit over $100. However, there is confusion about the license requirements:http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561&tag=col1;post-1561The cheapest deal that I am aware of at the moment is for students: www.win741.com. Win7 Pro (I believe it's the upgrade version) for $65. It basically has to be ordered from a .edu email address.Thank you for reminding me to never buy a PC off of eBay.

"bobkn" wrote in message news:4682cf6c-f212-448a-a75c-7ee2a5abceab...> While I wouldn't advise anyone to violate the license agreement, > it's possible to install a retail upgrade of Win7 over the Release > Candidate:Yes, as I've said here many times. And although it's not risk-free, my experience with it is that it works very well. Here's my standard post on the subject:Upgrading from RC to Windows 7 RTM is not supported and Microsoft advises against upgrading from Windows 7 RC to Windows7 RTM. Howeverit *can* be done, by using a very simple workaround. You can read about it here http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-upgrade-windows-7-rc-to-rtm/ or onseveral other web sites that can be found by doing a search. Be aware that there is undoubtedly some risk in doing this. However I can tell you that my personal experience with doing the upgrade has been very good, and I had no problems with it or with its results.So, here's my advice: Try the upgrade using the workaround above, since it's much less work than doing a clean installation and reinstalling and reconfiguring all your programs. However, be aware of the risk in doing this, and be prepared to do a clean installation if the upgrade creates problems for you.> http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1505&tag=col1;post-1505>> I have older OSes that qualify for the upgrade, but it wasn't > necessary to re-install them to use the upgrade version. (I had beta > versions on both my PCs. Didn't have to go back to Vista to use the > upgrade license.) However, it is necessary to do a custom (clean) > install. (There are ways to force an upgrade-in-place, but a little > hacking is involved. It's not recommended, if you wish to have a > clean Win7 version running.)>> The OEM version has some limitations, like you're not allowed to > transfer it to a different PC, but it's cheaper. Places like > www.newegg.com sell it (the Home Premium version) for a bit over > $100. However, there is confusion about the license requirements:>> http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561&tag=col1;post-1561>> The cheapest deal that I am aware of at the moment is for students: > www.win741.com. Win7 Pro (I believe it's the upgrade version) for > $65. It basically has to be ordered from a .edu email address.>> Thank you for reminding me to never buy a PC off of eBay.-- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003 Ken Blake