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Ask DLS: shouldn't we be able to download our Vista-to-Windows 7 upgrade?
The Windows 7 beta was downloadable. The release candidate was downloadable. But the Vista-to-Windows 7 offer upgrade shipping with most retail computer systems? Not so much.
It says so right on the Upgrade Option site's landing page: "Upgrades for qualifying orders will be shipped on DVD, beginning on the Windows 7 general availability date of 22 October 2009." Boo.
Why can't we have a download, Microsoft? Apart from the fact that it's one less DVD that needs to be pressed, one less case, one less insert, mailer, and so on - it's also a needless waste of time. If you let me generate a product code like you do on TechNet or did with the previous downloads, my customer could have a fully activated Windows 7 install right now.
I'm not willing to gamble that Canada Post will get his copy here before the activation grace period expires. For now, he's leaving with a Vista laptop which he'll have to bring back later so I can migrate him to Windows 7 once his disc arrives.
What do you think about the lack of a download option? Take the poll, and leave your comments after the break!
It says so right on the Upgrade Option site's landing page: "Upgrades for qualifying orders will be shipped on DVD, beginning on the Windows 7 general availability date of 22 October 2009." Boo.
Why can't we have a download, Microsoft? Apart from the fact that it's one less DVD that needs to be pressed, one less case, one less insert, mailer, and so on - it's also a needless waste of time. If you let me generate a product code like you do on TechNet or did with the previous downloads, my customer could have a fully activated Windows 7 install right now.
I'm not willing to gamble that Canada Post will get his copy here before the activation grace period expires. For now, he's leaving with a Vista laptop which he'll have to bring back later so I can migrate him to Windows 7 once his disc arrives.
What do you think about the lack of a download option? Take the poll, and leave your comments after the break!
Comments
16
Subscribe to commentsDave ForsterOct 21st 2009 3:15PM
I agree in principle but would you still expect to pay the same price... or less becuase you didn't get the nice dvd, case, insert, certificate of authenticity etc ? I suspect MS would think it will devalue the product if they did that too.
gtdOct 21st 2009 3:31PM
Snail mail and DVDs are good for the economy, keeps people working.
Lee MathewsOct 21st 2009 3:31PM
I'm just referring to the Vista-7 upgrade offer here - which doesn't cost a thing, at least not when I filled out the form.
JordanOct 21st 2009 4:01PM
It makes far more sense in this economy (for international upgraders), and given the speeds many broadband/cable/satellite users are able to reach these days.
Though given that Microsoft prefers HTTP downloads versus P2P, it might take more money for them to allow downloads than to ship it. Remember the crippling effect that the Windows 7 Beta downloads had on their website? I'd be willing to bet that far more people than that would be clicking in on Oct 22nd if the download option was available.
adwamOct 21st 2009 4:04PM
The student offer that they do where you get the upgrade for £30/$30 lets you choose whether you want to download an exe, or get it sent in the post on a DVD.
Seems strange why they dont offer that option here.
pat_boy2008Oct 21st 2009 4:14PM
Exactly what I was thinking, because I got the student offer and was a little surprised they would let me download it.
JackOct 21st 2009 9:57PM
I got the student copy too, and they in fact were charging extra to send you a DVD. Quite odd that it's only for students.
ericloeweOct 21st 2009 4:17PM
I think they considered the option, but there was a catch: remember the beta? So many people wanted the UNSTABLE (theoretically at least) version that they had to mess around with their servers. Imagine all those proud owners of free Vista to 7 upgrades downloading the RTM. They'd probably get a bad name if they tried it and it went wrong. At least this way everything will arrive. Eventually.
Grant RobertsonOct 21st 2009 5:03PM
But, we're not talking about anywhere near as many anxious downloaders as there were for the free and open RC program. The Vista-to-Win 7 no-cost upgrade is only for the few people who bought a *new* machine, with Vista pre-loaded, in the last X days (I'm not sure what the grace period is.. but I know I'm one of those people.. and I certainly wish I could get an image in the next 24 hours)
tdmastOct 21st 2009 4:51PM
The Microsoft store allows download of both the upgrade and full versions of Windows 7. I am guessing email from MS will be sent out tomorrow with the product key or something.
r3loadedOct 21st 2009 6:01PM
It works fine for TechNet (:D) so it could just be extended to lesser mortals. As for bandwidth issues, use BitTorrent - they could easily use BitTorrent DNA to provide a self-contained hassle-free P2P download for newbies.
temchikOct 21st 2009 10:06PM
I just submitted the order and it's telling me that my "estimated shipping date" is December 01, 2009!!! What gives??
mandyappuramOct 22nd 2009 2:34AM
I got the student copy too, and they in fact were charging extra to send you a DVD. Quite odd that it's only for students.
hazardOct 22nd 2009 5:27AM
Strange indeed. The Win7 preorder had a download only option as do their current Office products ..
enerGIOct 22nd 2009 6:07AM
I purchased two computers this year, a PC which has the Vista to Win7 Upgrade option and a laptop i got earlier in the year which doesn't. I can upgrade the PC, and the price from HP/Compaq Australia is $19.95US which by the time the banks and everyone else convert my $AU to $US will cost even more. Someone is making a buck out of it, and i assume its Micro$oft and their mates. I dont get new computers each year btw. I think the upgrade should be via a download if preferred (im running Broadband so its not a problem to download). To upgrade the laptop, the price of the upgrade is rubbish from Microsoft @ $199AU when the USA get it for $129AU equivalant price. Its a ripoff. One World my ass.
krazymike58Nov 11th 2009 10:03AM
what the heck, i have windows vista, and was bought form best buys. even knowing it was bought in august of 09 it still comes back that my s/n is out of date. so someone tell me where or what to do please. thank you