Windows 7 RC to RTM + Greenhouse Update

I have been running various versions of Windows 7 beta for the last year or so. The clock has been running on having to install a “real” version. Earlier this week I started getting nags that the 7100 build I was running was going to go kaput 2/28/2010. Microsoft in its for profit mode provides all Windows 7 betas in the Ultimate version. So to install any lessor version, means reinstalling the whole enchilada.  And according to everything Microsoft has put out publicly, it is impossible to update a Windows 7 beta Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate {RTM=release to manufacturing, the version you buy over the counter for BIG BUCKS}. NOT.

This morning I followed a simple hack that was very straight forward. I made a folder named Ultimate on my desktop, dragged and dropped all the files and folders on the 64 byte version of Windows 7 Ultimate our son Jason gave me for my birthday, made the simple hack change, exited, clicked setup, and some 2 1/2 hours later I was running Windows 7 Ultimate RTM with all my previous files, folders AND programs operating as before. Microsoft is indeed the Evil Empire. Nuff said.

The 32 second video embedded below is a collage of pictures shot 2/22/10 showing the following: four-pod LED grow lights with timer to right; LED pod back showing electrical hookup; LED pod shot showing lights; 28 tomato seedlings with first true leaves; tulips just starting to bud; daffodils almost blooming – 8-10″ tall; and yellow orchids for the orchid-lovers out there. Hank