As a reminder to our readers on the citrusy side of the pond, Microsoft opened the floodgates on discounted Windows 7 preorders last night. Chuffed to bring home a piece of l’action? Read on to find out exactly what you need to know.
Pricing
It’s true that Windows 7 is cheaper than Vista in most cases, but waiting until the October 22 launch makes you a dummkopf. Preordering can net you a discount of up to 70%, depending on your version and currency.
Euros
Pounds
Answering a few questions
Q: Are these prices for the upgrade version, or the full version?
A: As Microsoft cannot yet offer upgrade SKUs in the region, European buyers will be treated to a full copy of Windows 7, not an upgrade.
Q: Why can’t Microsoft offer upgrade licenses?
A: As a result of an ongoing anti-trust dispute between the European Commission and Microsoft, Microsoft has pulled Internet Explorer 8 from European copies of Windows 7. Microsoft never performed QA on upgrade procedures that did not include Internet Explorer, so the company cannot be sure if these upgrades would even work. The firm expects to qualify and release upgrade SKUs by December.
Q: So I can’t perform an upgrade install with a copy of Windows 7 purchased in Europe?
A: That’s correct; European users must reformat and perform a clean installation.
Q: How many computers can I install this copy of Windows 7 on?
A: Each Windows 7 license is good for just one PC at a time. The license may, however, be transferred to another PC as long as the new PC holds the sole installation for that license.
Q: Okay, where can I preorder?
A: Your best bet would be Amazon UK, Amazon DE or Amazon FR.
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