I don't know what the issue is.  I purchased a Windows Home Premium 3 pack for $149.00, and upgraded three laptops.  One Vista PC (Newer) and two XP PC's (older).  Each upgrade went flawlessly and way faster than expected.  The upgrade process was VERY specific on what upgrade direction to take.  It was the easiest MS operating system upgrade I've done since MS-DOS 2.0 to MS-DOS 3.3  (okay I'm dating myself)

I have to agree with CBC....and disagree with Macer.  Apple is no great "feature" either.  The play proprietary games that I'm just not willing to get into...and unless they've changed their ways, let's not even talk about what happens when you open the case.  As for Windows 7, thank you Microsoft!  Finally an easy upgrade.  I downgraded an older Vista laptop back to XP because I didn't want to upgrade over Vista...nothing to it using my OEM disk.  Once XP was installed, I put my Windows 7 disc in, told it I wanted to do a "Custom Install", and let it go.  No problems, nothing went wrong and it works fine.  It is, indeed, the " easiest MS operating system upgrade I've done since MS-DOS 2.0 to MS-DOS 3.3" to borrow a quote.

Vista is a joke- I have two computers that are Vista! Now I know why the price was so competitive. Now they want to charge us for Windows 7, are you kidding me? What a travesty for Microsoft not to offer free upgrades for a system that is basically junk!

What is wrong with you people?  An upgrade without a DVD, are you a retard?  And Macs, really, you just paid $30 for a service pack, ha ha ha.  I work in IT and have been running Windows 7 beta, Windows 7 RC and now Windows 7 Ultimate and it is a solid operating system.  Vista did blow, but that all changed with 7.  Vista was created with each department keeping their code under lock and key.  In Windows 7 all departments were encouraged to share code and collaborate on the OS as a whole.  MS offers free AV and it works quite well.  Macs don't have too many threats because they still only cover about 8% of the U.S. market and 4% of the worldwide market.  If Mac users keep convincing people to switch to the ridiculously expensive Macs, then more viruses will be written for them, and that is a fact.  To anyone reading this who really wants to know about upgrading to Windows 7, remember two things: Backup your data on an external hard drive and perform a fresh install of Windows.  Always perform a fresh install of any OS when a new version is out.  It isn't like Snow Leopard is a new OS like 7 is compared to Vista.  It's not like Snow Leopard is Mac OS 11, it's still just 10.6 instead of 10.5, which as I stated above, looks more like a service pack.  Move to Windows 7, it'll be okay.

There is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP.  So you had to do a clean install on your XP computers.  That was the point the article was trying to make.  ALso many "cheap" deals on the market in selling "upgrade" assume you already have a version of VISTA as it is the only direct upgrade path.  Your comment is confusing to people who reads it and thinking there is a upgrade path from XP.  There is not.

If you are already using the W7 evaluation copy since it's release, however, there is a way to upgrade it with the new full package, wihtout having to do a clean install.  It is not a secret on the internet, just google it.  Microsoft software license did not cover the evaluation upgrade to full package was legal or not, a gray area.  Since you have to purchase the full version to begin with  I don't think the work around on the internet will violate anything.

I am not encourage hacking, but, when I can't locate half of the application CDs of my laptop, and had to force to get a HD to just upgrade  I think that is rediculous for Mirosoft to assume that.

Again, a multi-billion public company releasing their flagship product and ignoring the customer base's voice does not ge my sympathy.  Especially what they have done in VISTA and with Windows 7, they are doing it again.  It is obvious that they think they can get away with it.

Also, I just found out that Windows 7 does not support my old reliable Cannon flat bed scanner.  I meant really, if I need to do a clean install, I do have options now.  If I have to throw out my old apps and old HW because of an Windows OS upgrade, I do have options now.

Next year I hav eto deal with MS Office upgrade, ther eis just no way I am spending full retail for it.  As I have done multiple times in the past.

I don't need an upgrade, I just need it/them to work right.  Especially when I paid for it.

Nice one

Look, all I'm saying is that if you know enough to post a comment on an article, you should know enough to install Windows.  In fact, you should have to know how to install any OS before using it.  But alas, end-users have no idea how to install an OS correctly.  And no, it isn't Microsoft's job to ensure that everyone knows the proper way to install an operating system, they are simply in charge of creating it.  It isn't Ford's job to make sure you know how to drive, is it?  Many people cannot fix their own vehicles, and take them to a shop to have work done, same goes here.  If you buy a new PC, it will come with an OS right out of the box.  If you buy a new car, you can drive it home.  If you want to upgrade your car, you either need to know how or take to someone who does.  If you think you can install an OS without a disc of any kind, then you are a retard.  You wouldn't expect to install a car stereo without wires, would you?  What about plumbing, how about installing a new pipe without bushings, you would get a leak guaranteed.  If you want to brave a new installtion without the proper tools, you are going to have problems.  It really is that simple.  Stop hating on Microsoft because you are too stupid to install their OS, it's not their fault, IT"S YOURS!!  Take responsibility for your actions and respectfully admit that you have no idea what is going on and that you need help installing Windows.  I'm sure that if there was an issue with Digital River that there is a post about it somewhere, and if you Googled around for it you would find numerous articles relating to your problem.  Have you ever installed Windows before?  Did it require a disc?  I'll bet it did.  And if not on CD or DVD, then on a hard drive.  Why you would think you can install a fresh copy of an OS from the drive you are attempting to install it on is beyond me and I hope you have better luck in the future.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions.