Microsoft: Upgrade Your Vista Betas

Microsoft reminded users of Windows Vista beta builds Tuesday that their operating system will expire on May 31. However, those running the free pre-release copies of Vista may be happy to discover they can simply purchase a cheaper Upgrade version of the OS.

The beta builds were provided as part of the company's Customer Preview Program. Microsoft notes that Vista Beta 2, RC1 and RC2 will all expire and can be upgraded to any final edition -- although the Upgrade copy must perform a "clean install." After May 31, customers who continue to use pre-release versions of Windows Vista will only be able to log in for 2-hour sessions to retrieve data.