Upgrading The Windows 7- Questions

McGarnagle92

Hi,
I currently have Windows Vista Home Premium on my laptop and I'm thinking of upgrading to Windows 7.
First of all, is it worth it? Any pro's or con's?

Also, I'm running 32 Bit Vista now so does that mean I need 32 Bit Windows 7 or does it matter? (64 bit... etc>)

If I go ahead with the change, what is the best way to go about it? keep all my files and making it happen as smooth as possible?

Thanks A Million.
Sorry for the "newb" questions :pac:

docetes

you'll have to stick wiht the same 32-bit version and I think you'll have to upgrade to the windows 7 equivilent or better(Windows 7 version of Vista Home Premium).

I''d backup everything before trying the upgrade aswell

McGarnagle92

Thanks for reply.

So Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bit is fine?

And yes, will back up on external hard drive.

Hope all goes to plan

Shane O' Malley

Word of advice is not to upgrade. Do a new install.

You will have a much cleaner installation.

docetes

Shane O' Malley wrote: »

Word of advice is not to upgrade. Do a new install.

You will have a much cleaner installation.

I agree with Shane. As for Windows Ultimate edition, unless you are a business user I wouldn't bother. Do you need to encrypt your Hard Drive, have access to VPN etc? If you are a home user I'd go for Home Premium or maybe Pro but I think Ultimate is overkill.

Static M.e.

Vista vs Windows 7 - Is it worth it?

I would say Yes in a heartbeat. We have had nothing but problems with Windows Vista on Work and Home PC's. With Windows 7 I have had zero problems, I love it. Its a great OS. I have installed it on a 5 year old HP tablet and had to only look for 1 driver! It found everything else on the install. On my home PC & Laptop it found everything first time.

Biggins

I would agree with others. Yes, install Win7 - but a full fresh install if possible.
Much better, cleaner and faster in the long run. Back-up your important stuff just in case prior to commencing.

McGarnagle92

Thanks for all the replys.
I made the "big switch".
I did a custom/clean install like you said.
Worked out very quick and easy in the end
Had a slight issue with the internet after installing Avast! once again but all is in working order now.
I went with Ultimate in the end as I had the disc already.

Thanks again,

McGarnagle.

Paleface

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I'm planning on upgrading my laptop (Dell XPS M1530) which currently uses Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium.

I agree with what others have been saying in that a fresh install would probably be the best way to go.

My question is when you go to install Windows 7 does it give you the option to do a clean install or do you have to first wipe/format your HD?

McGarnagle92

as far as I know it says upgrade or custom install.

I did my custom install which i thought would wipe my hard drive but it didn't. Although, I had it partitioned if that helps.

Paleface

McGarnagle92 wrote: »

as far as I know it says upgrade or custom install.

I did my custom install which i thought would wipe my hard drive but it didn't. Although, I had it partitioned if that helps.

Ok so did it completely wipe the partition you selected for the install?

McGarnagle92

Paleface wrote: »

Ok so did it completely wipe the partition you selected for the install?

It wiped my Hard Drive which contained program files etc. yes. However, it saved most information in a folder called "Windows Old", and in that I was able to access my old program files etc.

Shane O' Malley

There are a number of options.

1. Upgrade. Will keep your files and settings
2. Clean Install. This will wipe the hard disk you are installing on. (However you do not have to install on the same partition as you are currently using for your OS. You can reconfigure your hard disk or install a new one and install Win 7 on that. You will then still have access to your old files (Thought programs will need to be reinstalled)

Easiest way is to back up all you need, install Win 7 (Clean Install) and put back the files you need.

Paleface

Shane O' Malley wrote: »

There are a number of options.

1. Upgrade. Will keep your files and settings
2. Clean Install. This will wipe the hard disk you are installing on. (However you do not have to install on the same partition as you are currently using for your OS. You can reconfigure your hard disk or install a new one and install Win 7 on that. You will then still have access to your old files (Thought programs will need to be reinstalled)

Easiest way is to back up all you need, install Win 7 (Clean Install) and put back the files you need.

Thanks for the info!