Upgrading your OS is fraught with problems and anxiety, and occasionally things will go seriously wrong. But by taking the necessary precautions and assembling the right materials you can upgrade without gaining any grey hairs.
Switch from XP or Vista now
If you've yet to check that your existing hardware is compatible, scan the system requirements and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Belarc tool. Current Vista users shouldn't have any problems here.
Next, you need to decide between upgrading your current version of Windows or going for a clean, fresh install. The upgrade is easier, since your applications, settings and data travel with you and there's little to do after the install is complete. After a clean or ‘custom' install, you'll have to set up your users and network, reinstall drivers and programs and move your data back into place.
Is my PC Windows 7 compatible?
On the other hand, a custom install is cleaner than an upgrade. Windows accumulates junk as you use it. Flushing it out every so often makes sense, as does starting a new version of the OS with a clean slate.
If you're currently using XP, the choice has been made for you. A custom install is the only option. The following instructions apply to both types except where stated.
Comments
Selwyn Glick said: The article definitely makes me want to stick with XP
cazzool said: Entering the key the first time you are asked doesnt actually do anything you are asked for it again laterI did a clean install didnt know it would put every file and program into Windows Old and have been trying to get up to date drivers and programs since Kapersky Internet 2009 is no longer compatible but you can download 2010 and use your 2009 licence keyI did back up my documents and Firefox Mozilla and ThunderbirdI started it in the evening not realising it would take hours to complete so was up until the early hours waiting to put the key inThere were also immediate updates that you need to download and the updates have been arriving dailyMany of the drivers are now not compatible so it is best to check the manufacturers site for compatible driversDont download Driver Robot I got fooled into this at first
Cyteck said: The central points in this article are fine if your an experienced PC desktop or laptop user however millions of more novice Microsoft windows user will find even this article rather a daunting prospect amp I suspect will a purchase a new PC with windows 7 pre-installed because they dont want to deal with all that techie stuff which feels beyond them hay I just want to use the darn thing or b will get someone else to do all that technical stuff for them in which case the upgrade or installation may or may not done correctly or c even put off buying any newer version of windows hay I have XP or Vista amp it does everything I need my machine too do so why shell out in a time of recessionI am very pleasantly surprised that windows 7 does actually live up to some of the media claims and it is on a par with windows XP perhaps windows 7 does even have the edge over XP and thats not something I ever thought Id find myself saying as a dye hard XP enthusiast