How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it
By Tim Stevens 
posted Aug 11th 2009 6:40PM
posted Aug 11th 2009 6:40PM
Sections:
From XP 32 to Windows 7 64 on a desktop
From XP 32 to Windows 7 32 on a netbook
From Vista 64 to Windows 7 64 on a laptop
Easy Transfer app
Hardware gotchas
| Upgrading from XP Pro 32 to Windows 7 Ultimate 64 on a desktop | Return to top |
The bootable Windows 7 installation disc presents a prettier interface than previous Windows versions, which will do little to make up for the ire you may feel at having to format if you weren't planning to, but it's still far better than the old DOS-based installers Microsoft was pawning off just a few versions ago. Once the install interface has loaded, clicking on "Custom Installation" allows you to quickly get a list of your partitions, and we found that all our RAID and SATA storage was recognized immediately. Wiping and creating partitions is quick, with no need to wait ages for painful system-level formats like the good 'ol days. However, we were somewhat annoyed at the mandatory 100MB hidden system partition that the installer creates -- not such a big deal here with a large drive at our disposal, but responsible for a bit more pain on the 8GB netbook coming up next.
It took 25 minutes from re-booting onto the installation DVD to get to the first Windows 7 login screen, and another three or four to get past the initial configuration to the first, honest-to-goodness Windows 7 desktop. That included deleting and creating partitions, the full install, configuring OS settings, and getting logged in. Not bad for 30 minutes work.
Overall, the process looks like this for a clean desktop install:
- Backup data
- Boot to Windows 7 installation disc
- Select "Custom Installation" and re-create primary drive partition(s)
- Patience (approximately 30 minutes)
- Re-configure OS and restore backup
| Upgrading from XP Pro 32 to Windows 7 Ultimate 32 on a netbook | Return to top |
An external DVD drive makes the installation process simpler, but Microsoft has detailed exactly how to install Windows 7 from a USB thumb drive or some other form of external storage. The instructions there are simple enough, starting with the DiskPart utility to format your thumb drive (an 8GB model will have plenty of room), copying the Win 7 install files over, and then making a one-way trip to Repartitionville. After that it's just a matter of modifying your boot order in the BIOS, running from the thumb drive, and going through the process of deleting and creating partitions before the install itself. You can also run the installer with a mere double click from Windows (as we did on the Seashell), but you get a bit less flexibility with partitions during the install -- booting to the drive is better.
That mandatory 100MB partition was now a real annoyance, as we don't really feel the need to use BitLocker and, from what we can tell, that's all it's used for. After install we had only 1.2GB free on the 1000H; even after painstakingly deleting every optional Windows contrivance we could think of (including games, DVD maker, and Media Center) we were still only able to get that up to 1.3GB of room to breathe. Knowing that we could have gotten there without having to forsake Mahjong Titans for a seemingly useless partition left us a bit sore.
The partitioning and initial installation process up to the first logon prompt took 36 minutes for the 1000H, and a further 15 were required to get to the desktop the first time. The Seashell took about the same time, and rather worryingly both suffered from black-screen crashes during their initial bootups. Thankfully this never occurred again on the 1000H, but the Seashell suffered frequent crashes after the installation was done.
Factor in the time we spent poking through the Add / Remove Programs dialog for bits and pieces we could dispatch and you're looking at a solid hour total -- a little less if you have more storage at your disposal. Again, only 1.2GB of unclaimed bits were left on the 8GB SSD, and while that isn't much, we're guessing many netbookers are getting by with less -- and there's still that 30GB second SSD to fill with apps and junk.
What the process looks like for a clean netbook install:
- Backup data
- Prepare thumb drive or other external storage with DiskPart utility
- Copy Windows 7 installation files
- Boot to external storage
- Select "Custom Installation" and re-create primary drive partition(s)
- Patience (about an hour)
- Re-configure OS and restore backup
| Upgrading from Vista 64 to Windows 7 64 on a laptop (in-place upgrade) | Return to top |
But, the installation itself was pain free, just taking ages to copy over documents and settings. Total install time was 55 minutes, which was a good bit longer than we'd have expected given the speed of the machine. But, beyond nagging performance disappointments, the upgrade was successful, with all documents, bookmarks and settings getting carried over (even an iTunes library). All the machine's hardware worked immediately except for the integrated card reader, which was up and running after a few restarts. Even Hybrid SLI worked (flawlessly, we might add) after we'd located the driver disc, despite Microsoft's claimed disinterest.
Here's the process for a Vista upgrade:
- Backup data (always a good idea)
- Insert Windows 7 disc and click "upgrade"
- Patience (about an hour)
- Double-check everything works
| Easy Transfer app lives up to its name | Return to top |
It's not a new tool, having been around since Vista, but we found it to be the most comprehensive way to move either from one machine to the next (if you're replacing an older PC with a new one), or to restore user accounts and permissions after a reformat. The tool is in the \support\migwiz directory on the Windows 7 DVD, and it has a simple wizard interface that lets you select which accounts to back-up and, for each account, what content to preserve. We chose to just back-up account and application settings, and then dumped the resulting archive to a thumb drive -- we even remembered to not use the one we formatted for the netbook install -- but you can push settings straight over the network to your new machine if you like.
Each account required about 70MB, excluding any actual user-generated documents, but it included everything from usernames and passwords to the custom toolbars you spent hours getting pixel-perfect in Office. It only took about five minutes to bundle all that stuff into a backup file, and even less time to restore it all after the install was complete. This app won't archive your applications themselves, so you'll still need to dust off that leaning tower of installation discs sitting in the corner of your desk, but once installed (and re-activated, where applicable) it'll be like you and they were never parted -- many apps will even remember your most recently accessed files, just like you left 'em. Naturally, this works best with Microsoft apps and internal Windows settings, but it did surprise us by grabbing our Firefox bookmarks and history. Still, we'd recommend backing up important app settings manually to be totally sure it's all there.
| Hardware gotchas | Return to top |
Visioneer's ancient 4400 USB, for example, just would not function regardless of how we tried. But, since it didn't work with Vista either, that wasn't a surprise. In this instance we have to blame the manufacturer for not supporting their hardware past XP. In fact, the only hardware we could find that we could never get to work were things that wouldn't work in Vista either, confirming that Win 7 is at least not a step backward in that regard.
The formerly 32-bit XP desktop has in it an older, PCI WinTV tuner and video capture card from Hauppauge that was dead post-install, but a quick trip to the company's website (once we looked up the right way to spell it) and a driver download had us back recording in time for the Mad Men season premier. Similarly, a PCI Creative Audigy2 ZS Platinum sound card did work fine after first boot into Windows 7, but the additional ports on the breakout-box it ships with did not. Updated drivers from Creative's site (far easier to spell) made everything right as rain.
For the Eee PC 1000H, everything worked out of the box except for Bluetooth and the shortcut keys. The machine was able to get on a wireless network and the touchpad worked, but multitouch was sadly missing, requiring custom drivers from Elan. Getting the shortcut and function buttons beneath the screen required additional downloads from Asus's (painfully slow) support website, as did getting other keyboard shortcuts, like Fn-F2 to enable/disable wireless connections to preserve battery life. Asus does not offer Windows 7 or even Vista drivers through its site, but the XP ones work just fine.
Sadly, the Seashell suffered from frequent crashes and we eventually had to do a System Restore to an earlier state -- after which it seemed fine. Like with the 1000H the function keys for audio, wireless and display settings weren't working after the install, and the trackpad was lacking any sort of advanced driver, but the Bluetooth and card reader were picked up and installed by the OS without effort.
Like we mentioned in the install, the card reader wasn't working out of the gate for the Studio XPS 13, but it was eventually solved by Windows Update and a few restarts. Most of the other drivers carried over fine, but we'd managed to uninstall the NVIDIA GeForce 9500 Hybrid SLI graphics drivers before we upgraded, and while Windows 7 seemed to detect something was amiss, it took inserting the driver disc to finally solve the problem. After that we still had to run the Windows Experience Index to get full Aero graphics out of the machine.
Install done, time for testing
Overall the install process for Windows 7 is relatively pain-free, but we really weren't expecting anything else. There are no major advancements here since Vista, and if anything the inability to do an in-place upgrade from XP is something of a step back. But, hardware compatibility is solid, the partitioning and installation process was quick and easy, and at the end we found ourselves with a suite of freshly reconfigured machines ready for testing. The results of that testing? Stay tuned for our full review later this week.
Oh, and be sure to let us know about your own experiences with the Windows 7 install. Here's a poll to get you started:
Overall the install process for Windows 7 is relatively pain-free, but we really weren't expecting anything else. There are no major advancements here since Vista, and if anything the inability to do an in-place upgrade from XP is something of a step back. But, hardware compatibility is solid, the partitioning and installation process was quick and easy, and at the end we found ourselves with a suite of freshly reconfigured machines ready for testing. The results of that testing? Stay tuned for our full review later this week.
Oh, and be sure to let us know about your own experiences with the Windows 7 install. Here's a poll to get you started:
Further reading:
 |
Windows 7 review Windows 7 arrives on the scene three short years after Vista, shoring up its predecessor's inadequacies and perhaps offering a little bit more to chew on. We've been playing with the OS ever since the beta, along through the release candidate, and now at last have the final edition in our grubby paws. |
 |
Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 impressions, insights, and expectations We had a chance to sit down with reps from Microsoft to discuss the new iteration of Windows (and the company's current frame of mind) more in-depth, and we've taken the new build for a bit of a spin around the block. |
 |
Windows 7 multitouch: it's a gimmick (for now) We've spent some time with Windows 7 Beta's new touch and multitouch features this week, and came away largely disappointed. It's not that they don't work, at least on occasion, it's that they don't really provide a comprehensive or pleasurable method for using a computer. |
 |
Windows 7 Beta in-depth impressions Naturally, we're working with a beta here, so things can absolutely get better (or worse), and Redmond might be hiding a feature or two in the wings -- or for the inevitable SP1 -- but we'd say Microsoft has really put its best foot forward here. |
Windows 7 FTW
Backing up to an external hard drive only took an 2 hours to get everything setup again for 7. Tip keep all software in .iso and it makes things like this so much quicker.
I am sick of Engadget moaning all this time about upgrading or installing Win 7!!! For crying aloud ... Is everyone brainless these days including this Tim who wrote this article?
What is so hard installing Windows 7??? Any half human being with a few brain cells left can install in matter of minutes without any issues. Does anyone still upgrade their OS these days?
Whoever cries about backing up their computer is a complete idiot too no exceptions... Geez...
I can't wait for my pre-order to arrive from Amazon.com to install retail legit Win 7. I will be doing clean install of 64bit over my 32bit. Windows 7 is an amazing OS and groundbreaking based on everything I have seen to date. Way to go Microsoft. I am sick of biased folks here on Engadget.
What about OS/2 Warp to Windows 7 x64?
@OneLove
You'd probably have issues with your laser printer ....
Been trying to upgrade to 7. Keeps telling me when i try to UPGRADE needs additional updates.. restarts and repeats.
Ive installed windows 7 in about 6 different computers already and so far not 1 problem or confusion. It was pretty much a breeze every time.
@ Jack Storm
Same here. I've installed every publicly released version, and have done a clean install each time. Not one problem. If Microsoft just recommended that everyone just do clean installs, it'd be much better... So fewer worries.
@Igor
Dude, I was with you for most of your post until you said that Windows 7 is "groundbreaking." What ground does it break exactly?
@ Scott
The groundbreaking part is no joke. The footprint is so small, that older devices can have new life and better functionality using this new OS. Its fast, sleek, compatible with everything I've thrown at it for the past 9 months. "It just works" comes to mind..
"Windows 7 FTW"
My thoughts exactly.
Where's the option on the poll for "Clean install over Win 7 RC"?
@Igor
Wow, groundbreaking? Really?! I'm an IT manager and from what I've seen there is nothing groundbreaking here. None of the PC's in my office have Vista and none will get W7.
You are correct about backup's though, I have no sympathy for those who don't backup.
Chill out on the fanboi 'tude though, please. People see bias whenever their are those who don't agree with them. When you have a bachelor's in psych, stats, or research, then I'll trust your word on bias.
@Izzy
It is ignorant to have such a negative opinion of something you have never even touched. Install it, and then come back and say what you have to say. Bet you will be pleasantly surprised.
@Igor
While backing up a computer and doing a complete install of windows 7 may see easy to you (and pretty much everyone else who reads this blog) do not be so nearsighted to say that everyone who does not know how to do this (because they have neither the time nor the desire to do so since they make their living doing something OTHER than installing OSes on computers) "brainless."
Although I agree this article is misplaced (the people who can benefit don't really read this blog)
@izzy
Wow. I'm in IT, and have been testing this OS since before public release. I find it hard to believe that you aren't at least interested in the newer tech, that is ultimately replacing your now "2 generations old" OS. I starting 3 of our users on it once available. Granted, none of them use xp-dependent apps, nor heavily rely on IE6, but the fact of the matter is that this solution is an amazing time-saver, IT wise (once installed and added back to the domain, of course). Give it a try!
"being in IT" has lost its "wow" factor in the past 2 years. seems like everyone and their dad is "in IT". I used to envy IT managers at every job I had. Now after really seeing what you do in "IT", its really uneventful and most get snobby because they are the only ones who know how to use a computer.
IT = get over yourself
Better than vista ever was (the shameful truth) and far stabler and faster than any release from Microsoft I've seen. Have been using it as my primary OS on my Samsung Q210 as soon as it was released to RC... and that was ages ago. Looking forward to the official release, but pity that it's so expensive.
My vote refered to the upgrade i did last year. agreed - Windows 7 FTW
Finally, a functional system (vista fails) with a great UI (XP fails), widespread support and compatibility with most of my software needs *OSX / Linux fail) (don't take me for a blind fanboyh - its got some issues, but after vista....wow) I've never been happier with Microsoft.
protip: Installing depends on what serial number you use. So next time the scene gives you a list of serials, CIRCLE the one that worked the best for you.
@t3yf5g
Yes, all "IT" need to get over themselves. Just like I'd like to introduce you, pot, to the kettle.
Regarding Windows 7:
I've been testing Windows 7 on a Dell Lattitude X1 since the first beta. The RC seems to be markedly improved with regard to hardware recognition and support. More to the point, the installation of a new operating system, in my humble opinion, should never be an upgrade if you can help it. Not only are you wasting space on your hard drive, but sometimes drivers and registry entries will get confused from one OS to the next. Point is; if you /have/ to upgrade, you're doing it wrong.
It took me about 3 hours but I upgraded from Vista to 7 without too much difficulty. I had to take off itunes and my anti virus software but its all good now.
Get Microsoft Security Essentials for good free antivirus/spyware software and keep that pos itunes off of there and you should be good to go.
Microsoft made security software ? Ethics FAIL
So does Microsoft's Easy Transfer backup media center settings and scheduled series recording lists? If not, fail!
No, it does not, nothing backs that up.
i am running it now
and i am loving it !
I've upgraded from Vista 32-bit to 7 32-bit on two computers, one I did a direct upgrade and the other, I did a clean install. In the clean install, it copied all the files to a "Windows.OLD" folder.
Now I know I have to do a clean install going from 32-bit to 64-bit. So if I upgrade from 7 32-bit to 64-bit, will it also put all my files into a "Windows.OLD" folder?
You can't upgrade from 32bit to 64bit clean install is required.
The answer to your questions: backup your data externally, then do a reformat and clean install.
You only get Windows.Old if you do upgrades. Clean install is a complete wipe of the HD.. no remnants of previous Windows installs left at all.
So when you install 64 bit, you'll have nothing left of the 32 bit install unless you back things up yourself.
Yes, you have to do a "clean" install
@cykosis
doing a clean install from 32 to 64 bit still creates the Windows.old folder, I myself just went from 32 to 64bit vista a few days ago
On the laptop I did a clean install from Vista to 7, I still got the Windows.OLD folder. In the upgrade option for my desktop, it transferred everything right over.
I hope by going from 7 32-bit to 64-bit, where I can ONLY do a clean install, it will also move my files to the Windows.OLD folder right?
to me a clean install is backup any need files, delete partition, create partition and reinstall.
@onelove
im pretty lazy when it comes to backing things up, so the windows defined "clean install" is fairly helpful to some and the Windows.old folder lets me go through what i used to have and copy over most of the things i need and just delete it (which i have yet to do because i am somewhat of a program packrat)
and @desi
Win7 should do the whole Windows.old folder as well from what i have looked at
@oceloteye: I always keep things in certain folders (downloads,documents), so I automatically know which folders to copy to drive B, when I have to reformat drive A and install the OS.
You will get windows.old from a clean install so long as you don't re-partition your drive. This is confirmed from my own experience across multiple machines in the last few days.
Windows 7 setup will always create a Windows.OLD folder when you select the Custom install option in setup and choose to install to the same partition as your existing Windows XP or Vista partition. If you select an alternate partition, it will just set up the boot menu (BCD) with two OS options so you can dual boot.
If you have only one partition, have at least 16GB of free space on that partition, and you want to perform a clean install, it's not necessary to format and partition first. These folders will be moved to the Windows.old folder as part of Win7 setup.
\Windows
\Program Files
\Program Files (x86) (if it exists)
\Documents and Settings
\Users
No Windows.old folder is created during an upgrade. Windows setup will just migrate everything forward. The Windows.OLD folder is really just to get everything out of the way so that the clean install you are attempting will actually be clean. Once you are ready to remove that Windows.OLD folder, the easiest way is to use the Disk Cleanup Utility built into Win7.
You should use Windows Easy Transfer from the Win7 DVD to backup your data and program settings prior to this process. It will create a .MIG file that acts as an interim store during setup . Once setup completes, you can run Windows Easy Transfer again, tell it this is your new computer, and point to that Mig file. It will pull your data in, recreate your user accounts, allow you to migrate data across multiple accounts, and tell you which program you should reinstall based on the settings it has in the store.
You can choose custom locations during the initial Windows Easy Transfer gather process so you are not stuck with just the predefined options. When you are creating the MIG file from XP or Vista, you should have the options to store on external drive, store on DVD (this may be Vista only, I'm not positive), or store on a network share. You can use Windows Easy Transfer even if you are going to be formatting and repartition prior to or during setup. (just make sure you don't store the MIG file on the partition you are deleting :) ). Windows Easy Transfer can also be used to migrate settings, data, and user accounts to a totally new computer since it's not tied to hardware.
If you need help installing Windows 7, you probably shouldn't be reading Engadget.
It's Windows... users have been trained to hit: Next, Agree, Next, Next, Next, Next... Done.
@Andir
As opposed to "what do you mean it doesn't support that brand of wireless card?"
x2
Mark, Atheros and Broadcom Just Work now like all the other ones, so your jab is like a year late.
@ethana2
WRONG !!!!!
i did a clean install of win7 (x64) 2 days ago, ... everything installed perfectly
EXCEPT for the freaking wireless .... (atheros based 802.11g card)
"unsigned verified" driver would install, but device couldnt start ... had to switch back to freaking XP
you think you're clever for pointing out his comment is "a year late," but you're glossing over the fact that Windows support of those devices was like 8 years late.
Y halo thar Netgear?
I think ethana was talking about Linux wireless support. It's been pretty streamlined for over a year. No driver disks required for pretty much all wifi devices. Mark probably found one card that wasn't supported yet (or he's read some post on a forum and never actually tried himself) and is facilitating the FUD over Linux Wireless support problems. To which I ask him, How many Wifi devices work on Windows without installing a driver? hmm? As noted above, there's at least one that won't work in Win7.
@Makavre
Well, in my testing, Windows 7 has worked out-of-the-box (didn't even need a trip to Windows Update) with various Intel, Broadcom and Atheros wireless cards. I dunno what the problem could be on your computer.
@Andir
Nope. My Netgear card doesn't work without ndiswrapper on Ubuntu 9.04. Mind you, Compiz also hates my Radeon 9800 too.
Go figure.
So did you tell Netgear?
Or better yet, buy a wifi card that has support. You're the consumer in this equation. Don't blame Linux if you bought from a company with poor support.
Andir, did you really just suggest that I should pay to replace an existing wireless card that was installed when the box in question was running XP a few years ago?
Because that would be awesome - having to buy a new card to run my free OS.
As for the bug, yup - it's been reported.
Like I said... you're the consumer in this equation. (I'd call you a vocal opinionated consumer.) So if you really wanted it to work and you aren't willing to put in the time to make it work, then you are simply trying to place blame on some object for your laziness and you are vocally here trying to spread this ideology as if it mattered. If you truly wanted to use a free OS and experience the freedom that it provides, a small investment is a minor consolation. The least you could do was continue to use XP and if you were interested in Linux (truly interested, not just pretending in order to spread bad reports) then you can use that as a deciding factor in your next hardware upgrade requirements.
I don't understand what you are trying to prove with your question...
@Makavre
Its kinda funny that you would go back to XP cause you couldent get a driver to work. Did you think of maybe just googling the problem. I love how people are like ahhhhh something doesn't work with little to no effort on my part, I'am going back to XP.
@Andir3.0:
"If you truly wanted to use a free OS and experience the freedom that it provides, a small investment is a minor consolation."
That's the funniest thing I've read here all day.
Roughly translated: If you want to use this free OS you need to pay.
I don't have a problem with linux, I've used it since Gutsy off and on, but it was too unstable for me to use as a main OS. In college I need reliability to make sure that I can write those last minute papers and have support for all the crappy software the professors throw at me. It was a fun challenge to figure out how to get everything to work though, but consumed a lot of my time that probably should have been spent studying :D
People still use the upgrade option... Am I the only one that uses a clean install?
I never upgrade.
Nah, I use it as well. I prefer it, actually. =/
-Blade Genexis
Clean install 100% of the time....
Years of bitter experience have taught me ... never upgrade, only clean install.
Always clean installs here too. Less variables to worry about, I figure it's less likely that anything will go wrong later.
I've always done clean installs, but they've always been less than legal. I built a new system with vista 64 about a year ago (my first legal windows install). I also legally bought the win7 upgrade and am eagerly waiting for its delivery. Now, my question is, if I do a clean install, how will the 7 recognize that vista was installed. I want it to be a clean install, but I also don't want to go through the hassle of calling up Microsoft for activation. I'm doing it legally, damnit, it should be easier than sailing the high seas.
Yes, a clean install is better.
Backup any needed files, delete partition, create partition and install windows 7, install drivers, setup media center, customize windows 7, ghost drive. I just did this on my HTPC and it took me 45 only minutes.
45 only minutes?
"less than legal" is a great way of saying you paid pirate bay a little visit.
I have a Dell XPS laptop that came with Vista Home Basic [32-bit] on it.
I got the Win 7 beta when it was first released. Since I had 32-bit Vista, I went with 32-bit Win7. When all of the reports about RAM and CPU usage cam out in favor of Win7 64-bot for machines like mine, I was kinda bummed.
I have been running the Win7 64-bit RC since it was released. However, when I tried to perform the clean install [boot from optical drive], the 'format and install' option was grayed out on the menu. I was forced to install overtop my current version and it dumped my windows and program files folders into 'windows.old'.
Just saying that it's not always easy breezy. Win7 doesn't allow a formatting of the drive that it is installed in, even with the disk in the drive at the time.
Its usually best to do a clean install now matter what you're upgrading from anyway. If not for the registry clear out, then as an easy way to get rid off all the junk programs and random drivers you system would have collected over time
If you create your giant (NTFS?) partition after the 100MB System Partition, the two can be merged together in Advanced mode.
Actually now I can't remember if I merged them or simply deleted the giant partition and resized the System partition to be gigantic...either way, there's a fairly simple workaround.
Why would you want to merge them anyway?
I have been running Vista 7 x64 for around 3 weeks now. My only negative with it is that no matter what I do it refuses to see my IDE Optical Drives. I've tried different cables, different drives, Master, Slave, Cable Select, deleting the Upper and Lower Filter registry keys, and disabling Driver Integrity Checks. Nothing has worked. And yes my IDE Channel is ENABLED in the BIOS, and the drive appears during POST, and works in all Non Win 7 machines.
Any answers?
External USB enclosure? ;-)
...Vista 7?
ChrisS, probably meant "Vista to 7 x64", people need to proofread.
Have you tried going to the Drive Manager (Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management) and Seeing if the CD Drive is listed in there. I have seen windows try to assign the same drive letter to two different drives before and only one will appear in Windows Explorer.
Also, did you check your device manager through the system properties? Is the CD Drive listed there and does it possibly have a exclamation mark next to it indicating that the device didn't start properly in Windows?
I've got three upgrade pre-ordered licenses for Windows 7 at new-egg, but I wanted to do some test upgrades on two laptops to see how problematic it would be to go from RC to RTM using a usb flash drive and a torrent version of windows 7 tweaked allowing me to upgrade the RC version with all the files and settings. Answer....flawless. No issues to speak of. Also did a vista to RTM upgrade on another laptop and have yet to find an issue with any software running or any driver installed. Extremely impressed by the no brainer upgrade of 7.
Up and running Windows 7 now on my notebook (fresh install x64)
My Girlfriends Notebook (Vista Upgrade x86)
Family's Desktop (Vista Upgrade x86)
Friend's Desktop (fresh install x64)
and Friend's Mother's Notebook (Vista Upgrade x86)
Come back with a status report to let us know how everyone's handling it.
Yeah, PUNISH those windows xp, 98 and 95 users through lack of compatibility!
There's always going to be "that guy" who complains. I'm sure there are people still lamenting that MS no longer makes their stuff compatible with Windows 3.1.
Make that two guys. Screw upgrading if my software will crap out
@ Chris:
Thats why virtual PC exists
shut up, my ipod touch just lost three apps that i PAID for because they are no longer supported by ipod touch os 2.0
yay for apple and their lack of backward compatibility
(and snow leopard wont work on non-intel based macs wtf?)
There comes a point when backward compatibility becomes a hindrance to innovation. When software developers have to constantly check and revise their code because it doesn't work in some weird configuration from 1998, they can't work as much on making things better for the main base of users.
just buy a new computer in October... voila.... instant Windows 7 ...
or buy one since July 1st and get a free upgrade...
Or just install Windows 7. It won't take very much time and it won't take as much money.
Most people don't know what a partition is or what to do with it.
And not all engadget readers are that knowledgeable about computers.
I wonder if people on xp will buy a copy of win7 not knowing that they will have to backup their files before upgrading.
exactly,... the non-knowledgeable ones are using Macs ....
Or whatever it is that the family sysadmin puts them on. ..although I do have my grandma on a mac, mostly because the hardware isn't so ugly that it's intimidating.
Nothing new here since the beat/RC. Doing an in-place upgrade will take forever, while doing a clean install is fairly quick, the same as beta/RC.
20min compared to hour+ depending on size of the hard drive. Any tech savvy person is going to do a clean install anyway.
I did an in-place upgrade from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 RC1 on my 32-bit laptop. The only compatibility issue I had that wasn't detected was a trial of Super Anti-Spyware and it subsequently caused a BSOD upon every boot. A quick trip into safe-mode fixed the problem. Performance increases were noticed all around, especially in the time I pushed the power button till the time my desktop was ready to interact with.
I did a new install of RC1 64-bit coming from Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit on my desktop. Again, performance increases were noticed all around, especially in boot time.
I know not much has changed, but I look forward to installing RTM on both my systems. Even my wife is jealous of my Win7 boot times vs her Vista boot times. lol.
I just installed the RTM version courtesy of MSDN this weekend. Went from Vista Ultimate x64 to Windows 7 x64 as a fresh install... no in place upgrades. Installed faster and more smoothly than XP or Vista ever did. Very slick OS... boots quickly, uses less ram, even seems to multitask better. Everything is running great except for my sound card. Creative's X-Fi beta driver for Windows 7 doesn't seem to like me. Changed over to the on board and sound a works just fine. I'll change it back when their driver comes out of beta in October.
Hi guys, sorry for the rookie question...
I thought W7 was coming out in October? I preordered the CD on Amazon, to update from Vista HP, how is everyone upgrading already?!
TIA
I'm guessing most people are running the Release Candidate, which was released publicly a couple months ago. That or they pirated a leaked build.
MSDN subscribers have the RTM copy available for acquisition as of last week. Of course, any type of software is available through other means well in advance, but the legit versions of it have only just started making the rounds...Retail release is actually October 22, which is when your pre-order will ship, along with people like myself who got the free upgrade option that came with their summer computer purchase.
welcome to engadget.
For anyone with a Asus EEE 1000H there are Vista ACPI drivers available which work perfectly with Windows 7 and enable the FN + function of the unit, instructions and download link here;
http://www.guyontechnology.co.uk/2009/05/09/windows-7-on-the-asus-eee-1000h/
What about the all-important Win7 RC to Win7 RTM?
Nope you will need to do a clean install. Just tried to upgrade Win 7RC x64 to Win 7 RTM x64 and no go it requires a clean install.
What a total crock of a first section - Saying MS refuses to allow upgrades from XP to Win7, and they try to upgrade from 32 to 64 bit? Do you even understand that is not possible from Vista or any other O/S?
There was no finalizing decisions here, it was never an option, because it's not possible to achieve.