Upgrading from Windows 7 Build 7000 to Build 7100 (RC)

Already have the Windows 7 Beta but don’t want to do fresh install to update to Windows 7 RC? Although it’s not recommended by Microsoft, you can actually upgrade your Windows 7 Beta to RC (Windows 7 Bulid 7000 to 7100). I’ve tried this method and it worked well.

How to upgrade from Windows 7 Beta to Windows 7 RC

• Download Windows 7 RC ISO file
• Mount the ISO with Daemon Tools or other ISO mounter (or you can also burn the ISO file into a DVD)
• Copy the whole contents to a folder in your hard disk because we need to modify a simple text file.
• Find a file called cversion.ini under the sources directory.
• Edit the file (using a text editor like Notepad) and change the MinClient to 7000.0. This way, your Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000) will be allowed for an upgrade.
  
• Save the file and then run the setup.exe to start installation.
• Simply follow the instruction on the screen

Windows 7 RC Upgrade Problem

The only problems that I had were:

• ESET Smart Security 4 has to be reinstalled (can’t even use the repair feature).
  
• Windows Libraries shortcuts were lost so you have to re-create them (no big deal here)

If you are still using Windows 7 Beta, then I highly recommend you for an update. Windows 7 RC is much more stable, less bugs, and feel speedier (placebo effect?).

Meanwhile, I’ve ditched my Vista SP2 for Windows 7 RC at least for a year when it goes final.