EU buyers of new PCs before 22 October will definitely not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista, TechRadar has learned.
Instead these buyers will also be forced to perform a clean install of their OS, losing all their settings and potentially applications and data.
The unfortunate side effect has been caused by Microsoft's decision to avoid any further EU censure on Windows 7 by removing Internet Explorer 8 from the OS. Because Internet Explorer is so deeply integrated within Vista, it's not currently possible to perform an upgrade that removes IE.
The problem will affect all new PCs sold in the EU between now and the launch of Windows 7 on October 22nd. As we learned back in June, the retail version of Windows 7 E (Europe) has the same issue and there will be price concessions on the full version of the OS - at least until the end of the year.
TechRadar has heard from manufacturers (OEMs) who were told of the issue four weeks ago at a meeting with Microsoft. Having a large partner day isn't an unusual occurrence prior to such a release – they will have seen the Windows 7 RTM and will have been generally updated on information.
However, we have spoken to two system integrators who were at the meeting when all were told of the restriction – and that there was anger over the problem. No wonder; it will surely affect sales further during the traditionally poor pre-OS period for new PC purchases. And at a time when sales are down anyway due to the financial crisis.
What happens next?
Some OEMs are trying to provide solutions already with upgrade brochures, but TechRadar has also found that others seem blissfully unaware of the situation.
This is a problem partly of Microsoft's making – the EU actually didn't tell Microsoft to remove IE from Windows, simply to include an option of installing other browsers. Microsoft weren't so keen and took the drastic action of binning IE8, knowing full well that many OEMs will decide to install it anyway to make it easier for their customers.
Any EU appeal process could have delayed the launch of Windows 7 – an unacceptable situation for Microsoft.
So far, Microsoft has not been able to produce an upgrade process which would strip out IE, although a workaround may appear later in the year.
Microsoft may still be able to supply OEMs with Windows 7 discs with IE8 on them if they can gain an exemption to the ruling. That would be on the grounds that OEMs can simply choose to supply an easier upgrade path for their customers by actively choosing to install IE8.
EU approval would be needed for this and it's doubtful it would go through in time for the Windows 7 launch date.
Your comments (4) Click to add a new comment
thisisfutile
July 17th
4. An operating system "monopoly" isn't a decision, it's an event. Anyone in Europe can download Linux, if they choose, right? My opinion is, Microsoft can do what they want. If they don't want to let Europe upgrade, then maybe next time Europe won't whine and complain about how MS runs their business. "We want Vista NOW...I don't CARE if you say it's not ready." They get it, and now they whine some more.... I have a three year old that sounds exactly like that. A sore bottom is the best way to deal with him too.
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chrisinbelgium
July 17th
3. It's a bad idea -anyway- to perform an upgrade of a Windows system. You end up with an unuseable mix of 2 versions...
Meanwhile in Redmond:
S. Ballmer: "Hi foot, meet gun" - BANG - ouch!!! Other employees all duck to avoid flying chairs...
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8y7t6f5dr
July 16th
2. This is clearly a ploy by MS to make it look like the EU government is making it difficult for users and their computers.
It has tricked d4lien already..... that or he is a paid MS shill. With the upcoming release of windows 7 and office 8 bajillionty the MS PR machine will be in over drive, so their business associates who say positive things about MS products on line will be working very hard currently.
MS have complete control over Windows (even more control than a bot-net controller), and to say that windows 7 will need a fresh install just to get rid of IE is clearly a lie - MS could do it if they want to. They do not want to though, as they want to put the EU government in a poor light after they found MS guilty of abusing their desktop PC OS monopoly.
But now MS have made this decision, it is worth being aware that if you are going to be losing all your settings, data and apps you might as well save yourself a few quid and install a Free operating system, rather than shell out for yet another version of Windows.
Moving away from Windows may sound daunting at first, but after a few days or weeks off the damn platform you'll never know you left. People end up learning how to do things the "Windows way", but once you realise how to translate those abilities to another OS things are plain sailing.
Like installing an app: On Windows you download something from a website, click something, follow a wizard, and then launch the new app. On Ubuntu you find your app in a list of thousands, tick a box, apply the new settings and launch your new app.
The principles are the same on both OSes, but don't be afraid of the slightly different terminology or methods.
Though if you are unhappy doing technical stuff on Windows then you won't necessarily like it on Linux, but your local geek will be much more happy to lead you into a world of Linux than having to deal with bloody Windows!
And as many Linux distributions exist not directly for profit. There are no business interests that you will eventually come into conflict with, like there is with proprietary products. Hell, with Windows 7 you will have to choose what version you need to pay for based on what you think your needs are, and if you are wrong, pay again. With Ubuntu, you get a choice of differing desktop environments only, and if you find you didn't like the one you chose, you can simply add or install an alternate one.
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d4lien
July 14th
1. Well done to the EU keep raising that bar...
I'm sure people will still blame Microsoft for this though and the usual mud slinging will begin........... Now...
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