Can I upgrade to Windows 7 for free?

While it's true that Windows 7 doesn't arrive on retail shelves and in new PCs until October 22, Microsoft has announced two programs designed to give a headstart to those who know they want the new operating system.

The Windows Upgrade Option, which runs through early next year, allows those buying a new Vista PC to get a free copy of Windows 7 after it hits shelves in October. The other program, which runs only through July 11, lets Windows XP and Vista users in the US to preorder a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium for US$49 or Windows 7 Professional for US$99.

In the following question-and-answer post, CNET News' Ina Fried walks you through both programs.

1) Who qualifies for the preorder program?
All those who are running Windows XP or Windows Vista on their system, and whose PC is capable of running Windows 7, can upgrade that machine to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional using the Windows preorder program. However, the program is limited in terms of time (it runs through July 11 in the US) and how many copies Microsoft will sell, although the company has not said what that limit is exactly.

2) Can I buy one of the upgrades if I am running Windows Vista Ultimate?
A lot of folks have been asking this since Microsoft isn't offering a discounted way to buy Windows 7 Ultimate. The answer is yes, one can buy an upgrade. However, any time one moves "down" in editions as part of an upgrade, it requires a clean installation of the operating system.

3) Will I get both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating system?
Yes, although moving from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version (or vice versa) also requires a clean installation of the operating system.

4) How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program work?
Microsoft's other program, aimed at new PC buyers, gives those who buy certain Vista machines between June 26 and the end of January the ability to get a free copy of Windows 7.

The update will be provided after Windows 7 ships on October 22. Different partners are handling it in different ways, with some offering the upgrade on DVD, others via download, and several PC makers providing both means.

5) Is it really free?
Well, Microsoft says it isn't charging the computer makers or retailers, though in some cases the PC makers themselves are tacking on a shipping and handling charge for mailing the updates.

6) Do all Vista PCs qualify?
No. In general, PCs with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate will qualify for the program. Buyers should check with their retailer or PC maker beforehand to make sure the PC is among those that qualify.

Many of the PC makers have posted more information on their Web site, including Acer, Asus, Dell, eMachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba. You can check out a list of vendors offering upgrade programs here.

7) What about Netbooks?
A few Netbooks may qualify if they were running Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft is still looking at options for how folks running those systems will be able to load the operating system onto their machines which don't have CD or DVD drives. (Netbooks running Windows XP, like other XP machines, can use an upgrade version of Windows 7, though users will have to do a clean installation of the operating system.)