Windows 7 E FAQ

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 15 Jul 2009

As of today, the 15th of July, users in Europe are able to get the next iteration of the Microsoft developed operating system, Windows 7, at half price. This is part of a limited time offer deal – you pre-order Windows 7 and you get a 50% discount. Here are some of the questions realted to Windows 7 E that i thought you might have and the answers to them of course.

What is Windows 7 E?
Windows 7 E is the version of the operating system Microsoft will market in Europe.

How does it differ from other Windows 7 versions?
Windows 7 E comes without Internet Explorer, the Microsoft developed web browser. Also, Windows 7 E does not come with an upgrade option, it only comes as a full product.

What does that mean?

It means you will have to perform a fresh installation of the Windows-based OS. Make sure to backup all the data you don’t want to lose.

Why doesn’t Windows 7 have Internet Explorer?
Because Microsoft is facing an anti-trust case in the European Union (EU).

Can I get Windows 7 E right now?
You can pre-order Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional and get a 50% discount today. The operating system will be delivered to you on the 22nd of October, when Windows 7 becomes generally available.

Can I pre-order Windows 7 no matter where in Europe I live?
No, the 50% off pre-order offer is available for UK, France and Germany only.

So if I live in the UK for example, how much will I have to pay?
The recommended offer prices are £49.99 for Home Premium and £99.99 for Professional. The prices may vary from one retailer to another.

What retailers offer Windows 7 at half price?
Amazon, Argos, Staples and Comet, to name just a few.

For how long is this offer available?
It kicked off today, the 15th of July and will last until the 9th of August (or until stocks run out).

Will I be able to use Windows 7 E on my netbook?
Microsoft on several occasions emphasized the fact that netbooks can run all Windows 7 versions.

What are the minimal system requirements for Windows 7 E?
The same as the minimal system requirements for the US version of Windows 7:
Processor: 32-bit 800MHz processor
Memory (RAM): 512MB
Graphics card: DirectX 9.0 capable
Graphics memory: 32MB
HDD space: 16GB
Other drives: DVD-ROM
Audio: Audio Output

What are the recommended system requirements for Windows 7 E?
Processor: 32-bit or 64-bit 1GHz processor
Memory (RAM): 1GB
Graphics card: DirectX 9.0 capable
Graphics memory: 32MB
HDD space: 16GB
Other drives: DVD-ROM
Audio: Audio Output

I don’t know what hardware configuration I have. How will I know if I can install Windows 7?
There is an automated tool that you can use: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

In related news, check out the following:
Windows 7 FAQ
Windows 7 RTM FAQ
Windows 7 RC FAQ


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