http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/ Engadget Comments for How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 2:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
You'd probably have issues with your laser printer .... ]]>Aug 11th 2009 2:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 3:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 3:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
Dude, I was with you for most of your post until you said that Windows 7 is "groundbreaking." What ground does it break exactly? ]]>Aug 11th 2009 3:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
My thoughts exactly.


Where's the option on the poll for "Clean install over Win 7 RC"?]]>Aug 11th 2009 4:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 4:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 4:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/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)]]>Aug 11th 2009 4:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
IT = get over yourself]]>Aug 11th 2009 8:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 12th 2009 4:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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. ]]>Aug 12th 2009 4:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 12th 2009 8:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 12th 2009 11:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 4:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/and i am loving it !]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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?]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
So when you install 64 bit, you'll have nothing left of the 32 bit install unless you back things up yourself.]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
@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]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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?]]>Aug 11th 2009 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/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]]>Aug 11th 2009 2:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 6:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
As opposed to "what do you mean it doesn't support that brand of wireless card?"]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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 ]]>Aug 11th 2009 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 2:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 2:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
Nope. My Netgear card doesn't work without ndiswrapper on Ubuntu 9.04. Mind you, Compiz also hates my Radeon 9800 too.

Go figure.]]>Aug 11th 2009 3:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 4:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/Aug 11th 2009 4:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
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.]]>Aug 11th 2009 4:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/
I don't understand what you are trying to prove with your question...]]>Aug 11th 2009 5:17PM