Europeans will not be able to directly upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Microsoft yesterday detailed upgrade paths from old Windows editions to its upcoming Windows 7 OS, and confirmed that UK Vista users will need to do a clean install of Windows 7.
Microsoft is expected to ship special versions of Windows 7 to European customers, but the versions will need a clean install on PCs, according to a blog entry on Microsoft's website. The software giant has released special editions of Windows 7 in Europe including Windows 7 E, which lacks a browser, and Windows 7 N, which lacks a browser and media player technologies. Windows 7 is scheduled for a worldwide launch on October 22.
The company released Windows 7 E editions - including Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Starter editions - to comply with the European Commission's antitrust ruling against the company. However, the commission panned Microsoft's decision to strip the browser from Windows 7 E, saying that instead of providing more choice, Microsoft appeared to be providing less choice.
Users in other parts of the world will be able to upgrade directly from Windows Vista to Windows 7. However, Microsoft isn't allowing upgrades from Windows 7 Release Candidate or Windows XP, according to a document outlining OS upgrade paths for users worldwide. Nor are direct upgrades allowed from Windows NT Server 4.0, Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
Microsoft last week started taking pre-orders for the European editions of Windows 7 at discounted rates. The OS flew off the shelves, causing Microsoft's online store to crash. The OS also reached the top-selling list of online stores in Europe.
Microsoft may not be providing a direct upgrade path, but it is providing an option for users to select and install a preferred browser from external storage devices like USB thumbdrives or separate DVDs. It is also providing a tool called Windows Easy Transfer to help users transfer program settings and data from old operating systems to Windows 7.
A request made through Microsoft's external public relations company for additional comment regarding the upgrade paths was not answered Tuesday afternoon.
Comments
Chubster.Man said: Stick with what you have got and stuff Microsoft You could also use an alternative OS The gall of this company and how it treats its customers in general we already pay over the odds for software in the UK
Lynne S said: I think Microsoft think werere all minted Ive only bought Vista about nine months ago so Im not going to get Windows 7 if it cannot be done as a cheap upgrade
Bob Sullivan said: No one has mentioned the Live Mail on Windows 7 which I think is terrible compared to Windows Mail in Vista or even Outlook ExpressI have not even seen Live Mail mentioned in reports on Windows 7
Mark Wilson said: European users should complain to your MEP about the mess THEYVE caused and ask why theyre not applying the ruling to other software companies ie Apple and requiring them to provide support for other browsers
Reg. said: OK so we are to be punished by having to pay full cost for the luxury of choosing our own browserThanks EU when will you learn that when Right meets Commercial Might Commercial Might always winsOh well I will just use Vista until I buy new PCBest option I think Reg
2bathred said: and now it will be sold with a choice of browser rather than omitted What next I wonder
Robsie said: Maybe this is just a sign we should swap to mac or linux before it becomes illegal for MS to ship anything it makes with windows
Graham said: The EU decision may have been based on MS alleged activities with other companies but it makes no sense for consumers MS have invested in developing their OS and a range of other software If another comapny wants to develop and provide a different OS platform and software they are free to do so They havent yet - apart from Googles latest idea MS should be able to package its software as it chooses including upgrade versions for EU customers
beebee said: As far as I am concerned the Eu should really put the boot in and ban Midrosft from selling their product in the EU with the proviso if they did sell any copies they would be fined 1ooo for each copy they would soon back down Im sure the Penguin would rapidly provide the necessary OS
From the European headquarters said: Microsoft is keeping the price of Win 7 down because of fear that all public offices in Bruxelles will start using Open source software and OSesPlease stop moaning and complaining about EU and all that is coming from outside UK like the olimpic games what a shame many countries would have been more than happy to host the olimpic games but where awarded to the UK a country which is only able to complain instead of enjoy good things when those are presented like a better installation of an operating system at cheaper price but no you have to complainPlease make us a favour and leave the EU instead of being with a foot in it and not taking full responsabilities for it
Forum Editor said: PoitThis is old news PCA Is your ant-Microsoft stance so ingrained that you think it bears repeatingErrrmmMicrosoft officially published the supported and unsupported upgrade paths document referred to in the article on 21st July The article was written a day later Old news I suggest you check a few facts before hitting the keys next time
Brian Archer said: Microsoft is being awkward and daft people are buying Windows 7 if they waited Microsoft would have altered its decision besides that isnt it about time that the EU stopped meddling and costing us money
Poit said: I hear theyve relieved MafekingThis is old news PCA Is your ant-Microsoft stance so ingrained that you think it bears repeatingCorporations dont do spite sirjohng they charge what the market will bear and in Europe the price happens top be further cranked up by VAT Its called capitalism
Paul Riley said: As to using a copy from another regionBEWARE when you view the Serial Number in My Computer - Properties the group of 3 characters tell MS what version of Windows you are running including a county code so at some stage when MS feel like it they can include a county check in verification amp then you get the nasty message that your version is being used in the wrong Country amp usless you buy a serial for your country it will terminate I had this happen with a copy of XP Pro I had been using for over 4 years turned out it was a copy from Germany OEM Corporate install version
Paul Riley said: Bit late coming to the party arnt we Has someone finally taken their head out of the Bucket of SandWhy do you think the copies for sale on pre release do not have IE8 included Hence the reason FULL VERSIONS are on sale in Europe not Upgrades in USA The added bonus being the FULL version is tranferable to another PC if it goes splat whereas the upgrade is lost with the knaggered PCSo MS has really done us in Europe a favour by giving us FULL versions starting from 50 for those lucky enough in hte know to buy it Or at 7999 currently available on ebuy Amazon are charging the full price of 17999
Mark prince said: Hey guys do you count till three before writing in hereif not please do
PaulGreyhead said: Well said Kudoss
KUDOSS said: People are missing the point here it has nothing to do with Microsoft it is all down to the European Union because Microsoft has the monopoly of the market the EU thinks this is unjustified and unfair to other organisations like Opera Firefox Google Netscape actually you can remove Netscape from the equation now as they no longer exist Therefore Microsoft has abided by their demands and released other versions to satisfy the EU I have read countless reviews and forum topics blaming Microsoft when in fact it has nothing to do with them If anybody wants to blame anybody then write a letter of complaint to your MEP and voice your opinion with them I agree it sucks and I sympathise with people being angry This is why Im boycotting purchasing from the EU and the UK and purchasing directly from the US instead
PaulGreyhead said: After all we have been able to use which ever browser we want to for years It matters little whether IE is installed or not
Stephen B said: Id rather have a full retail copy for 45 that i can move onto various pcs than the upgrade that the rest of the world get Who cares about IE8 Well done EU The first time Europe hasnt been screwed by MS