Windows 7 Upgrading RC to RTM -- Has M$ Authorized It?

It's an interesting speculation! Upgrading between different builds and versions of Windows can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when dealing with pre-release versions like Release Candidates (RC). Historically, RC versions have often had limitations or specific processes for activation and upgrading. Here are some thoughts on your speculation: 1. Activation Keys Compatibility: It's possible that the keys used for RTM (Release To Manufacturing) versions might differ from those for RC versions. The reason being is that Microsoft may have separate licensing arrangements for these different stages of development. 2. Testing Upgrades: Testing the upgrade path from an RC build to a potentially RTM build like 7264 could indeed be a step towards ensuring that users on RC versions can smoothly transition to the final RTM version. 3. User Experiences: Your experience with upgrading from 7260 to 7264 smoothly could indicate that Microsoft is working on making these upgrades more seamless for users, even if they are transitioning from a pre-release version to a final release. 4. Precautions: While it's always exciting to try out new builds and speculate on their implications, it's also essential to be cautious, especially with pre-release software. Microsoft might still make changes or introduce new requirements in upcoming builds. In the end, while your theory holds some merit, the only way to know for sure is to wait for further updates from Microsoft or try the upgrade path yourself (if you're willing to take the risk associated with using pre-release software). Microsoft's goal is generally to ensure that users can smoothly transition from one version to another, but specifics like key compatibility can vary between different stages of development like RC and RTM.