The Windows 8 Consumer Preview version has been out for almost a month now but Microsoft is still busy working on the OS in preparation for its next phase, the Release Candidate version. Now a new report claims that it has a time table on when the RC version will be offered to the public. According to WinUnleaked.tk, via unnamed sources, the Release Candidate version of Windows 8 will be launched by Microsoft sometime in late May or early June.

I suppose we will have to clean install the RC as well, assuming the rumors are reality. I just do not trust Upgrade Installs. I have experienced and read of too many problems with Upgrade Installs. Custom (Clean) Installs give a much more pristine install.

This is what I was wondering about, whether the CP would update to RC, or a clean install required.

Like Ted, I'm not much for upgrade installs myself. Never have done one, but from the countless forum posts that I've read in regard to update installs, and it's mess left behind, I'd rather clean install.

The last time that I installed Win 8 CP went far better than the 1st time, I'm looking for the RC to be as good with this.

Cat

Like you I have always done a clean install, but for Windows 8 CP I thought I would try the upgrade and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised it went very well, I downloaded the full 64Bit version and burned it to DVD installation was very smooth and went well, it works great as well with none of the glitches you normally get with doing an upgrade. For my tablet I used the small file available for download and let it decide what was needed, it made for an even quicker upgrade and once again everything is working very well, maybe MS have finally fixed the upgrade route?!

Cool, you must be one of the lucky few to have the upgrade work so well. Glad it worked out for you. Once the Release Preview (The latest word is instead of Release Candidate the next release will be called Release Preview. We'll see) I plan on doing a Custom Install. I believe this gives me the most pristine install.

I've put a lot of time and effort into customizing my Desktop, to approximate my own XP desktop.
I'd hate to have to do all that, all over again for a newer version of W8.

So with that thought in mind, I'm taking steps to preserve what I've already created.

I'm saving all my desktop icons in a single folder on a Flash Drive. Then when I've installed a new version, I can just copy all those icons back to the desktop to jump start the new install.

I have the new "Classic Shell" and several new themes saved as well.
So, it won't be all that bad. Really!

TM :cool:

Heck, knowing you, you'll press one button and the whole PC will set itself up the same as it is now, in about 2 minutes. LOL

I'm working on that.

Migrating CP to RC or Beta1 to Beta2 can only be done via clean install. No upgrade path is supported or recommended. … in other words, not, an option.

When Beta2 is released; Remove the DP & install the RC. Same ritual as always... save any desired data, all software will need to be reloaded.

Cheers,
Drew

That probably will be the best way to go, is the clean install. By the time that the RC is released, many users OS will be in need of it anyway, with all of the constant changes going on.

Both of my OEM installs are re-installed about twice a year, using the original image taken. Probably when I redo my desktop, I'll take a fresh image after updating, as it's from November 2009. So old that most times, it gives me the black screen until I update & reboot.

Cat

Sorry if I wasn't clear (enough). No a matter of "best way"; it is the only way. There is no upgrade path beta to beta. Nor from Beta to RTM or GA.

Cheers,
Drew

That's the way it was with Windows 7. Beta/RC users had to do a clean install to move forward.

Cat

Yes, Cat. The scenario is consistent. We have known since BUILD that the paths & pattern of the (new) OS, the stages would be similar to what we had w/ Windows7. Pre-beta (DP), Beta1 (CP), Beta2 (RC), RTM, GA. And, also, that progression across the steps, clean installs, only, indeed, same as Windows7, too.

Cheers,
Drew

Duh! We're TESTING a specific version of a program that is still in development. Why would anyone who understands this want to mix two versions together? That's what upgrades do!
That's totally counter-productive to the process. Eh?

So yes, the correct process is wipe and reload.

I'm getting ready for it, by saving all my desktop icons (shortcuts) to a flash drive. And I'm putting all my Win-8 setup Stuff, into a single folder on my Utilities DVD and Flash drive.

Once Win-8 is finally released, I'll have my Windows 8 Stuff folder on my web page, for a quick download.
(My Windows 7 Stuff folder is already there.)

Cheers Mates!
TechnoMage :cool:

I have a small Data partition that I created for Windows 8 CP, my downloads & documents for the OS goes there. Only thing that I'll have to go after the fresh install, after any required updating, is install my apps & import my Firefox bookmarks. I'll probably install less on the RC, as I've found that a third of the apps that's currently installed isn't even being used.

If the RC goes as smooth as CP, the install won't take long at all. I'm not going to install ESET Smart Security on the RC, but will install MBAM Pro for optimal protection. I'll give WD a chance, but it'll be on a leash. What I'll do is run the ESET Online Scanner weekly, if WD is letting me down, I'll know fast.

Cat