Hi is it true there will be no ugrade editions in europe and only full versions will be available.Will this mean I will not be able to upgrade vista ultimate but have to do a clean install so resigning me to hours of reinstalling my programs.Why is the ultimate edition not included in the pre order price cuts.Will Microsoft still be punishing people in the uk with higher pricing than the US like they did with vista.Malc

Hi"I have now found this on the bbc website. Thanks to the beeb for clarifying"We will not be able to offer an upgrade product within Europe," said John Curran, Windows business lead at Microsoft UK, adding that only the full version of the software will be available to Europeans. The upgrade option was not available, Microsoft said, because it was trying to comply with European competition regulations. This means that IE is not onboard Windows 7 in Europe. A Commission spokesman dismissed Microsoft's claim that it was taking the action to comply with European laws." Are Microsoft punishing the UK consumers because of the EU action on IE?Malc

hello againI have answered another question of minehere are the uk prices as quoted on the BBC websiteWINDOWS 7 DISCOUNT PRICES Home Premium - 79.99Professional - 189.99Ultimate - 199.99 WINDOWS 7 RETAIL PRICES Home Premium - 149.99Professional - 219.99Ultimate - 229.99Here are the upgrade prices quoted on Microsoft website coverted to pounds sterling for US retail. 2 of these drop by half for presales.premium upgrade 72Proupgrade121.01ultimate upgrade133.12Well you have done it again Microsoft. The UK pays a premium just like Vista. Its a good job the RC would not install as I might have been tempted to buy it.Not anymore.

And now thisMicrosoft points out at http://windows.microsoft.com/upgrade-windows-E : A custom installation does not preserve your files, settings, and programs. So, before installing E editions of Windows 7, make sure to back up your files and settings to an external hard disk, USB Flash Drive, or other media. After the installation, move your files and settings back to your PC and reinstall the programs you want to keep using. goodbye Microsoft