I was just wondering whether the RTM version will continue to update to the retail version that may be updated before release on Oct 22. Will it update or will the retail version need to be installed? Thanks
If you go read the Win 7 Updates thread, so far only the kernel gets a new build number but the actual build number stays the same. I seriously doubt you'll have to upgrade to a retail version.
No Sorry You will have to do a Reinstallation - Most probably a clean one too! Microsoft have stated that users will NOT be able to upgrade from the RC to the final , so I would have a guess that the same applies with the RTM version. The RTM version will always update. If its working and activated fine , you will continue to get updates for it
He was referring to the RTM not the RC. It's been known you'd have to do a reinstall if you wanted Win 7 retail - no upgrade from RC.
The boxed retail versions which will go on sale *are* the RTM version. OEM versions on pre-installed PCs will also be the same, but the OEMs may have included some updates that became available between RTM and them shipping boxes. All that you need to do with your existing RTM is keep it up-to-date via windowsupdate. No re-install required. -- SC
Althought the sound of the mod to upgrade from RC to RTM may be good, the actual practicality of it isn't. A fresh install would be a much better option!
What's on MSDN will probably be those on shelves as well, since the hash on MSDN matches the leaked RTM 7, it's the same thing. The bottom line is the leaked RTM is what will be on shelves later on, just without the activation code.
I agree that a fresh install is the best option, but I tried the upgrade purely out of interest to see if it worked and it was fine. If anyone has a frankenbuild i.e. RC activated with Toolkit 1.8 then a fresh install is definitely advisable.