It looks like there is a technical loophole that allows you to upgrade illegally. When Microsoft finally released Windows 7, there has been a lot of grumbling over Microsoft’s lack of direction on the upgrade process in the last few weeks from Microsoft Windows 7 testers.
Microsoft does not allow an upgrade from the pre-release version of Windows 7 – e.g. Windows 7 Beta or Windows 7 Release Candidate – to Windows 7 RTM. In fact, when you try, you’ll be blocked from the upgrade. As you’d expect, people are hacking the Windows 7 upgrade and circumventing the upgrade issue. A number of bloggers out there have been spreading the word.
While Microsoft was unclear in its upgrading directions, it is clear that the Windows 7 Upgrade Install Hack is illegal. If you are getting around the EULA (End User License Agreement) by artificially upgrading to Windows 7 from the pre-release version, you’ve violated Microsoft’s intellectually property and have pirated the company’s software. With every MS install or download (including the test versions), you’re always asked to agree (or not) with the terms of the EULA. Lastly, if you purchase an Upgrade license for Windows 7, it very clearly states in the EULA – “To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligible for the upgrade.”
Please remember that no OEM Microsoft Windows licenses can legally be transferred from one PC to another. We keep warning companies of the dangers of doing this.