Upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7 clarified

Business Week’s Stephen Wildstrom clarifies a few key aspects of the upgrade path from Microsoft’s Windows XP to the recently beta-launched Windows 7. Microsoft will not be letting users directly upgrade their OS from Windows XP to Windows 7, but an upgrade pricing system should be in place for those who want to get discounts in purchasing Windows 7 when it comes to retail in the next few months. Wildstrom says, “The company has not yet said anything about Windows 7 pricing, but I expect that anyone moving from either XP or Vista will be eligible for upgrade pricing, that is, a substantial discount from the full retail charge.”

Microsoft’s official statement on the matter is: “Microsoft remains committed to making the transition to Windows 7 easier for all customers. With tools, guidance, and the work we’re doing with industry partners it is our belief that this will be an improved process . Furthermore, we expect most customers who upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 will be doing so through the purchase of a new computer, thereby making the upgrade virtually effortless. That said, Windows XP customers planning to upgrade to Windows 7 will need to perform a clean installation.”

Also, even though a user will not be able to directly upgrade their systems to Windows 7, a tool for easy file and settings migration should be available near the product’s official retail launch. This doesn’t solve the main problem of not having a direct upgrade from XP to 7 option, but it certainly helps it making the task easier.

Via Business Week