UPGRADING to Windows 7 help !!

Can I upgrade to Windows 7?

A anyone who has a computer running a legal copy of Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista is eligible to upgrade to Windows 7. This includes those who have upgraded to those operating systems from a previous one. Microsoft recommends the following hardware for Windows 7:

1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Of course, Microsoft is notorious for making recommendations that are a little low for their new operating systems. If you truly wish to have an enjoyable experience with Windows 7 you should not upgrade unless your hardware is closer to the following:

2.2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor.
2 gigabyte (GB) RAM. More is always better.

Generally Windows 7 will work on the same level hardware as Windows XP. If you have a computer that runs XP well it will also run Windows 7 well, assuming it has 2GB or more of RAM.

If you are considering an upgrade, and you should, you will want to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft. Running the Upgrade Advisor will scan your computer's processor, memory, storage, and graphics subsystem for Windows 7 compatibility. It will also attempt to identify any known compatibility issues with currently installed programs or hardware. Finally, Upgrade Advisor will present you with a report noting any problems or conflicts. Another tool I suggest you use before upgrading is SecurAble. Securable will scan the processor and report whether it is 32bit or 64bit, as well as if it supports D.E.P. and Hardware Virtualization. For those with 64bit processors I highly recommend installing a 64bit version of Windows 7. Those opting for Windows 7 Professional with hopes of using XP Mode will benefit greatly from a CPU that supports hardware virtualization.

Should I upgrade to Windows 7?

My personal opinion? In all honesty - Yes. Windows 7 adds a new 'stability' to the Windows operating system while improving the interface is a way that simplifies the user experience, while reducing the system load of the operating system to Windows XP levels. The updated user interface is reason enough for me! That was an easy answer! (grin)

OK, it may not be that simple. Answer the following questions for yourself:

Do you plan on keeping your present computer for a some time?
Do you currently have a computer running XP or Vista in a manner that is acceptable to you?
Do you plan on upgrading any hardware in the near future?
Are you one who found Vista did not meet your expectations?
Are you currently running a 32bit OS?

If you answered YES to at least two of the above questions I believe you should look into upgrading. There was some humor there, but I do believe the questions are valid.

If you plan on keeping your present computer for some time there are several items to be aware of. Microsoft can only support an operating system for a finite amount of time. With XP now surpassed by two operating systems you will find hardware manufacturers making hardware that does not support Windows XP

If your present computer hardware runs XP or Vista at a level that is acceptable to you then Windows 7 will run just as well (Maybe better than Vista).

As stated above, newer hardware will begin to focus on Vista/Windows 7 compatibility and leave XP behind.

If you found Vista too much of a system hog you will be pleasantly surprised with Windows 7. Windows 7 has been optimized to a greater degree than Vista. As an example, I see almost 500MB more free RAM with Windows 7 than I did with Vista.

If you are currently running XP or Vista 32bit now is an excellent time to move to 64bit. A 64bit operating system will perform slightly faster on identical hardware and handle more RAM. While computing as a whole isn't completely 64bit yet it certainly is moving that direction quickly.

Windows 7 32bit or 64bit?

If you are given a choice I highly recommend choosing a 64bit version of Windows 7. If your current CPU supports 64bit processing (SecurAble) you will notice slightly increased performance just from the use of a 64bit operating system. One modern day pitfall of 32bit operating systems is a hard memory limit of 4GB. 32bit operating systems can only address 4GB of memory total. You may be thinking that this isn't a problem for you because you only have 4GB of RAM. The problem is the 4GB limit includes memory addresses the operating system must reserve for hardware. If you have 4GB of RAM and a 512MB video card your computer will only be able to use around 3.25GB of the 4GB of RAM (you probably paid extra for) because Windows will reserve 512MB of addressable area for the video card and a little more for your USB controller, network card, etc. This leaves just over 3GB of addressable area for Windows to use for RAM. Users of 64bit operating systems do not have this limit and in this instance would have the full use of all 4GB of RAM.

Two or three years ago running a 64bit OS was hit or miss due to difficulty finding reliable drivers. Today it is almost a no brainer! This is especially true if you have 4GB(or more) RAM, or plan to in the near future. Even companies like HP and Dell are including 64bit versions of Windows as the default choice on many new computers and as an option on most others.

Windows 7 Upgrade Tips

Plan Ahead

Backup! Backup your data. If you have the ability - create a disk image. At the very least backup anything can copy to another location.
Visit the manufacturer's site for your computer and hardware for drivers. If Windows 7 drivers are available download 64bit drivers for 64bit Windows 7 or 32bit drivers for 32bit Windows 7.
If Windows 7 drivers are unavailable download Vista drivers, which will work in most (but not all) cases.
Try to find the latest version of your software and download it (Antivirus, DVD Player, Office, etc). If they have a 64bit version get it!
Copy any drivers and software you download to an external location (CD, DVD, flash drive, external hard drive, or network location)
If you have a 64bit Processor upgrade to a 64bit version if at all possible.
Gather any license keys or serial number necessary for your software. Write them down, or store them in a text file with your drivers.

The Cost

Almost everyone is eligible for the upgrade price.
ANY previous Windows version you own entitles you to upgrade to the Windows 7 version of your choice (example: XP home to Win7 Pro).
Purchase the Windows 7 upgrade version you want. If you want to run Windows 7 Professional, then that is the version to purchase.
Those who feel they quality as a 'system builder' can purchase the OEM version at a reduced cost.

General Windows 7 Upgrade Information

Windows 7 license keys will work for both 32bit and 64bit versions.
Windows 7 license keys are versions specific. The key that comes with Windows 7 Home Premium will not activate an Ultimate installation.
Both the Full and Upgrade DVD's are exactly alike. Each will do a clean or in place upgrade installation and contain all Windows 7 versions.
Both the Full and Upgrade versions of Windows 7 contain both a 32bit DVD and a 64bit DVD.
The OEM version contains only the bit version you purchase (buy 32bit - get 32bit DVD).
Microsoft provides NO support for OEM installations. You're on your own, which doesn't bother a lot of do-it-yourselfer's.
The OEM version can not perform an in place upgrade.
In place upgrades can only be performed when going from Vista to Windows 7
In place upgrades must be from the same corresponding version of Vista to Windows 7 (Vista Business to Win7 Pro, Ultimate to Ultimate, etc).
in place upgrades must be from/to an operating system of the same bit (32bit Vista to 32bit Window 7).
This does not mean you can't use an upgrade DVD to move from a previous Windows installation to a higher level version of Windows 7.

Windows 7 Upgrade Process

It is highly recommended that you do not perform an upgrade, or in place upgrade but rather a clean, or custom, installation.
Performing a clean, or custom, installation will let you install any Windows 7 version. Meaning you can install Win7 Ultimate (assuming that is the version you purchased) if your qualifying previous operating system was only XP Home.
A clean, or custom, installation will format the partition you choose. This will erase any installations contained there and install a clean copy of the Windows 7 version you choose.
Boot from the DVD to perform a clean, or custom installation even with upgrade DVD's.
There is no need to install another operating system to a new hard drive before you install Windows 7. Simple boot to the DVD and perform a 'custom' installation.
If you have difficulty activating (not likely) type SLUI 4 from the Start Menu and hit Enter. You will be presented with a window with a few simple questions. Answer the questions and click Next to get the MS Activation number. Call Microsoft and they will give you a special phone activation key.
If all other activation attempts fail you can use the Vista trick. Install Windows 7 without entering the key. Reboot. Insert the Upgrade DVD and run the installation from the DVD within Windows, thereby performing an in place upgrade of the Windows 7 installation. This time enter the key. Reboot after installation and you should be activated.
After installation look for a folder labeled "Windows.old". This should contain your documents, program files, and windows folder from the previous install, if there was one.
Don't count on the "Windows.old" folder as your backup! It may not be there, but will make restoring programs and documents easier if it is.

Conclusion

Windows 7 is an excellent operating system. If you have a chance to upgrade, or purchase a new pc, I highly recommend it. Go with a 64bit version if at all possible. Plan ahead. Backup your data. Perform a clean install - I always suggest starting with a 'clean slate' when moving to a new OS!

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