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Support Sunday: Upgrade Windows 7 RC To The Release Version
You are most likely reading this article because you’ve install Windows 7 RC way back when and now have one day left. If you’ve tried to install the full retail/oem version and failed with the message below, then this guide is for you.
The Problem
Windows 7 checks whether or not the current version you are running is a pre-release copy, and prevents you from upgrading further. For reference purposes, this is the error you’ll see when you try and upgrade.
The Solution
The solution is to edit a file inside the Windows 7 DVD—which you’ll have to extract to the hard drive to proceed.
- If you are using an ISO image for the installation progress, you can use the awesome 7-Zip utility to extract the ISO to a folder on the drive.
- If you are using an actual DVD, you can simply copy all of the files from the DVD to a folder on your hard drive.
Once you’ve extract the files, browse down into the “sources” folder to find the cversion.ini file.
Once you’ve opened up the cversion.ini file, you’ll notice that the MinClient line has a value of 7233.0, and since the Windows 7 RC release is build 7100, you can understand why it’s not working.
All you need to do is change the MinClient value to something less than the current build you are using. For the RC release, you can change it to 7000.
Now you can simply launch the setup.exe file from within the folder, and do the upgrade directly from the hard drive. Once you’ve started the setup, click Install now.
Once you get to the type of installation screen, choose to Upgrade the existing install.
Once you reach the Compatibility Report screen (if it doesn’t show up at all, be happy about it), you’ll see the list of applications that probably won’t work once you upgrade. Realistically most of these apps will work just fine, but the important thing is that you’ll be able to upgrade.
Note: You could always smooth the upgrade process by removing any apps that have compatibility problems, before you do the upgrade.
At this point, the upgrade should start working, and will take a rather long time.
Important Notes
There are a few important things to keep in mind when you are upgrading to the final version:
- The Windows 7 beta or RC releases were Ultimate edition, so you’ll only be able to upgrade to the RTM (final) if you are installing Ultimate Edition.
- Whenever possible, you should really backup your files and do a clean install. There are less headaches this way, and you get the benefit of a nice clean profile.
Happy upgrading!
VIA HowToGeek
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About the author
Owner of an IT company called Data Defence IT Solutions. Living in the West of Ireland and married with a kid... I clearly love technology and gadgets. At the minute I have a Tranquil Windows Home Server to manage my websites, files and entertainment. I use an Android handset, the Hero as my personal phone and a Nokia n86 as my business phone.
| Print article | This entry was posted by Konrad Walsh-(admin) on February 28, 2010 at 16:30, and is filed under Hardware & Software, Operating Systems, Support Sunday, tutorials. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
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about 5 months ago
thanks for the tip, I’m a procrastinator doing this the night before, or at least trying to… but even when following these exact steps still am not able to upgrade. I’m currently running win7 build 7100 64-bit and trying to update to a release version of Windows Ultimate 64-bit and am able to get past the default message, but in the compatibility report am seeing:
“You can’t upgrade 64-bit Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. To upgrade, obtain a 64-bit version of the installation disc, or go online to see how to install Windows 7 and keep your files and settings.
32-bit Windows cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit version of Windows. To upgrade, obtain a 32-bit version of the Windows installation disc.”
(yes, both error messages). I am sure I am currently running 64-bit, and I’m pretty sure the install is 64-bit (during install that’s what I’m prompted with). I’ve tried all different things to this point but nothing seems to work, I cannot get this thing to upgrade!! Any ideas?
about 5 months ago
i am not sure.. trying to find an answer for you
about 4 months ago
exactly the same problem here. Running Windows 7 RC 64-bit as 2nd OS (dual boot). First OS is XP 32-bit. Could it be that the installer checks the wrong partition and finds XP 32-bit instead of Windows 7 RC 64-bit ?