Tips on How to Upgrade to Windows 7

If You Decide to Switch to the Latest Version, Here's What to Keep in Mind

(CBS)  Microsoft is, if anything, tenacious. After nearly three years trying to get people to buy Vista, the company has decided to put that operating system in its rear-view mirror. On Thursday Microsoft and a slew of PC makers will introduce Windows 7 to the general public.

I’ve been using various test versions of Windows 7 for nearly a year and the final version since August. As I said in my review of the final version, I found Windows 7 to be a worthy upgrade. While the improvements over Vista and even Windows XP aren’t dramatic, they are significant. Having said that, I don’t think everyone should upgrade existing machines, but those who are willing to spend the time and money for an upgrade will notice improvements.

CNET coverage of Windows 7 Launch

Before spending between $120 and $220 for a Windows 7 upgrade disc, think about instead waiting till you buy your next PC. With PC prices at near record lows, you may be better off replacing rather than upgrading. By getting Windows 7 on a new machine you not only avoid the hassle of upgrading but you’ll probably wind up with better hardware for less than you paid for your old system. For example, Dell’s $399 Inspiron 546 comes with Windows 7 Home Premium along with a pretty fast processor, 3 gigabytes of memory and a 320 GB hard drive. You’ll also find plenty of low-cost Windows 7 equipped laptops. If you bought your machine recently, check with your PC maker or Microsoft to see if you qualify for a free upgrade.

If you are tempted to purchase an upgrade, I recommend the $120 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium version for most users. It has the features most consumers and professionals will care about, including the improved user interface, the ability to watch, pause, rewind and record TV programs on tuner-equipped PCs) and easier to set-up home networking. My favorite feature is the new task bar that shows you thumbnails of windows of all running programs, making it easier to manage running several programs at a time. The $200 Professional edition adds company networking connectivity, the ability to backup to a home or business network (all versions have a basic backup and restore feature). There is also a $220 Ultimate Edition but most people home users and even many small businesses will do fine with the Home Premium version. Microsoft has a chart that lets you compare editions.

There is also the issue of whether to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version. I won’t go into all of the details, but the 64-bit version, in theory, is faster and allows you to address more memory which can be great for people who play heavy-duty games, edit video or run many programs at a time. Most relatively new PCs and newly updated programs are compatible (including all with the Vista logo) However; it’s possible you might have some older programs and drivers that won’t work on a 64-bit system. Before upgrading your machine, download and run Microsoft’s free Windows Upgrade advisor

If you do decide to put Windows 7 on an existing machine, you’re likely to have to re-install all your software but, unless something goes wrong, your data will remain intact.

The upgrade software will allow you to upgrade a Windows XP or a Windows Vista machine to Windows 7 but it won’t work with earlier operating systems such as Windows 98 or older. If you upgrade from XP you will have to do a “clean install” which copies your old Windows installation to a backup directory on your hard drive and gives you an entirely new installation of Windows 7. Once that’s done you’ll have to re-install your software. If you’re upgrading from Vista Service Pack 2, you have the option to doing what Microsoft calls an “upgrade” which keeps you existing software. Personally, I think a clean install is a better choice even for Vista users because it gives you a brand-new installation with none of the problems that typically plague Windows machines after a few months of use. Do you remember how fast your machine was when you first got it compared to now? The hardware hasn’t deteriorated but Windows, after awhile, starts to slow down because of spyware, software that clogs the Windows registry, uninstalled programs that aren’t completely uninstalled and other factors that, collectively, are known as "Windows Rot." A clean install starts the clock again and makes your machine at least as fast and reliable as it was when you bought it. Actually it may even be faster and more reliable because of the advantages of Windows 7 plus the fact that you won’t have some of the junk software (called "bloatware") that some manufacturers pre-install on new machines.

Always backup your data before installing any new operating system. If all goes well, you won’t need the backup, but it’s an important precaution. Then get all of your installation CDs or DVDs handy as you will need to re-install your software. For free programs, like the Firefox browser, you can just download the latest version after you install Windows 7. Microsoft has a Web page with instructions on how to migrate files and settings.

Allow plenty of time for the installation process. Fortunately, once you start the process you can walk away for about an hour but do allow at least an hour or two and if you’re installing it on a laptop be sure it’s plugged into the wall.

When you’re done with the install, your first order of business should be to install a new version of security software - your old version may or may not work right with Windows 7. All of the major vendors including TrendMicro, Symantec and McAfee offer free trial versions that will protect you immediately. Microsoft now offers free Security Essentials software that will give you basic protection against viruses, spyware and other malicious threats.

After your security software is installed you can start the process of re-installing your applications. If you used Microsoft’s File and Settings migration tool before and after the upgrade, your settings should be intact, otherwise you’ll need to restore your browser bookmarks and other settings which, while time consuming, can sometimes be a good experience because it gives you a chance to re-think how you have things set up.

[ariel37]

Windows 7 Beta is quite good. I started using it a while ago. When you keep a lot of programs open it doesn?t seem to lag. There are some nice features that Microsoft introduced into Windows 7. I found it faster and easier to use. It?s a serious improvement on vista and I think it?s a necessary one. I have written in some detail about Windows 7 Beta and my experience using it. Please take a look at it and comment on what you think.

<a href="http://ketiva.com/Computers_and_Internet/my_experience_with_windows_7_using_the_beta_version1.html">http://ketiva.com/Computers_and_Internet/my_experience_with_windows_7_using_the_beta_version1.html</a>

Because Windows 7 Beta is still so new it?s hard to know what problems it could have in the future but it looks like it?s going to be a fantastic operating system.

[rafterman1]

Windows Vista worked fine if you knew what you were doing. Too many amateur users falsly made Vista in some sort of boogeyman. The biggest problem - drivers - wasn't even Microsoft's fault, it was lazy vendors not getting out their drivers on time despite months of warning. Yet MS got all the blame. Go figure.

I have one of the new Mac laptops and they are solidly built machines and Snow Leopard works fine. But Crossover and other emulators still do not run a lot of common Windows apps, requiring the need of vmware or Parallels. And having to boot one OS in another just to get to some of your stuff is as pain.

[SS_433]

"Dell?s $399 Inspiron 546 comes with Windows 7 Home Premium ..."

I'd rather get it cheaper with no OS. hint hint.

[SS_433]

"Tips on How to Upgrade to Windows 7"

1) Don't use windows.

2) That is all.

[thesevenveils]

Do not be fooled. Windows 7 is Vista 1.1. And Vista is what XP was supposed to be. The operating system by no means, even its most expensive version is worth $100, and much less for an upgrade.

The first step towards updating your XP operating systems is install a FREE version of Linux or Solaris. Sun Solaris offers an simple 1 disk install that includes all core office packages for FREE.

You can't beat the price or Sun's Operating System's reliability and price!

[rafterman1]

...Linux if you like compiling your own drivers. Good luck with the less common devices.

[SusanStoHelit]

Friends of mine use Win7 (beta), have for some time, say it is significantly better. Still, XP is a good option. But if you've gotten sucked into Vista - Win 7 IMO is a good improvement.

[SunDog8259]

I just use kubuntu linux (debian&KDE), it does everything I want for free. The browsers I use are Opera 9+ and Firefox. "Open Office" can do the rest. I dual-boot WinXP for games or to visit the few "IE centric" websites that still remain in the cloud.

[fdwilliams]

I do not plan to XP works fine for me.

Why in the world would anyone want to upgrade to a more bloated operating system?

Windows 7 = Vista Service Pack 2

But, do not believe me, just blindly follow Microsoft's Marketing people, they would never lie!

[Hosheen]

After the Vista disaster, almost anything would be an improvement. But it seems that a lot of people are now going to switch to Apple's OSX. I see many web sites with instructions on how to build a "Hackintosh" and there are several companies offering them for sale.

There is even a computer store a short distance from me that will either convert your Windows system to the Mac OSX or sell you one ready-built.

Could the days of Micro$oft be doomed? Let us hope so.

[voxpopulus]

Ha ha ha. Because Apple's marketing practices make Microsoft look like a guppy in a shark tank. The ONLY reason Macs are even affordable is because of the huge market share they lost that taught them a little humility. Believe it or not, locking people into hardware, OS, and peripherals at outrageous prices is NOT a charitable enterprise.

[Ms_enza]

Windows 7 is Vista... Windows 7 is Vista... Soylent Green is...

[Ms_enza]

Our SysAd informs me that any difficulties with Win 7 drivers is easily overcome by using the Vista drivers. Like ME to 98, Win 7 is to Vista. There is little difference.

[jbeckett5]

After a year of running Vista, I moved to Windows 7 RTM several weeks ago. It is far better than Vista - especially on a laptop or netbook (I have both). Microsoft's new OS rollouts have usually been buggy, but this is an exception.

[Scimajor]

I would try Windows 7 as Dell promised a free upgrade to Windows 7. In classic fasion, however, they farmed out the upgrade and the people they farmed it to make it so difficult to actually recieve the upgrade it's not worth the trouble.

I just wish I could downgrade back to the far superior XP. I would but the hardware on the laptop is not supported in XP. Nice.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Driver detective", Sci'.

There is no commercial hardware out there that cannot be driven by 32 bit drivers in any commercial laptop, or desktop. Perhaps you simply need to source older drivers, as the current ones may be for a 64-bit OS.

[hologram5]

I have been using the Windows 7 beta on my system since it came out. I have had schooling in computer information systems and would tell you that windows 7 is light years beyond Vista. It is better in every way. It is NOT a resource hog, it uses everything perfectly. There are security features in it from WindowsNT and XP. I would recommend anyone thinking on upgrading to use win7. I would say, however, DO NOT DO AN UPGRADE. Do a clean install as it works much better. But again, Windows 7 is MUCH BETTER than Vista.

[docpeter1953]

If you are upgrading from XP you MUST DO A COMPLETE CLEAN INSTALL!

If you are upgrading from Vista you can do the upgrade only.

[clarkalex]

Stop feeding the Microsoft money machine. Liberate yourself. Microsoft is the McDonald's of the computing world. JUNK.

[Wolf1944]

It would be a lot simpler just to get a Mac.

[Scimajor]

Unfortunately Mac's are far more expensive and then there's the cost of replacing all the software not to mention the fact that many applications aren't even available for Mac. Other than all those things .....

Don't get me wrong. The Mac is superior but that's not good enough.

[brianbwb-2009]

Yeah perhaps, but who wants to pay double, and in some cases triple the cost of an Intel machine, just for another Intel machine with a reverse byte-order ripped off of Unix as the OS?

[SusanStoHelit]

I've used them - they are not that simple. I bought the propaganda - and a laptop - was all ready to fall in love - nope. Not a bunch worse - but not a bunch better either.

[jbeckett5]

Yup. My Mac runs Windows 7 even better than it ran Vista. Great hardware.

[Wolf1944]

When you figure in all the software that comes with a Mac today, the price is not bad at all. If you use iLife, it's well worth the price. And iWorks is amazingly cheap compared to MS Office and does everything you need for home use.

[rf35]

Considering the crap that was Windows Vista, I kept XP on my primary system. I only got Vista on my other two computers because it came with it and didn't give me the option to use XP instead. IF W7 works better than Vista, I MIGHT get it for the Vista computers after the first service pack update is out. In other words, after the early adopters find the bugs and MS fixes them. One thing for sure: if they haven't fixed the Vista wi-fi issues, I'm not touching it.

[ShastaX1]

I can't believe you would give the advice to stick with a 32-bit operating system. Get with the times, you've got to be kidding me. You know virtually every 32 bit software will still run under Vista 64 or Windows 7 and 75%+ of any program worth it's salt already has a 64 bit version if it will help it. Also if you still have hardware that can't run on a 64 bit platform, there is no reason you should be upgrading to Windows 7 in the first place.

[larrymagid]

I struggled over this one. And while you may be right about "every program worth its salt" having a 64-bit version there are some programs and hardware devices that are old but still in use that are not 32-bit. Also many people who buy even new machines don?t' have enough memory to truly take advantage of 64-bit processing. I hedged my bets by saying that this is the "safest" option for "most" people "for now." I just don't think the installed base of 64 bit home users is big enough to reliably recommend 64-bit Windows for average home users. It looks as if you're a fairly advance user who, obviously, can make an informed decision and probably able to deal with any incompatibility issue you might encounter.

Thanks for writing.

Larry Magid

[brianbwb-2009]

To Shasta

Not every program "worth it's salt" has a 64-bit version, if you are a professional audio recording studio operator with a $25,000 Pro Tools setup,(which is still the most common software in studios around the world, followed by Steinberg's Cubase/Nuendo, and then Cakewals Sonar Producer) you are better off by far sticking with XP32, not even Vista. In fact, if you still use 32-bit software at all, there is no reason to (and quite a few valid reasons not to) even use Vista.

Music may well be a niche market, but it is a multi-billion dollar international market, and one that both Microsoft and Apple chose to neglect, a choice that will come back to haunt them very soon.

To Mr. Magid,

Thank you at last for a view of the OS choices more balanced than your usual fare.

However, for the reasons stated above, many experienced and informed users will tell you that the choice not to upgrade at all from XP represents, in many important cases, the most viable and economically sensible option. Even hospitals can be considered a niche market, but I doubt that knowing your heart machine is testing a potentially buggy OS just because it is new, would be very reassuring.

At any rate, I commend you on your increasing objectivity, and hope you someday will see fit to use your soapbox to help us in the struggle for better OS es, rather than just more unnecessary bloat and bling.

This time I won't ask for your job, but I will be watching.... ; )

[Ms_enza]

1... goto redhat.com
2... download a real operating system
3... install linux
4... throw away all Anti-Virus software

[kenhamlett]

Almost a perfect answer.
Substitute Mandriva for Red hat for the first time Linux user and you have the solution to the Win 7 conundrum.

[brianbwb-2009]

That bet is lost before you make it.

The word "woot" is a hacker cheer that came from gaining access to the root directory of a machine by hacking,, and you must know how old that word is.

If everyone adopted a *-nix OS this second, trojans and virii would appear ten seconds later.

[Scimajor]

You forget step 5.

5. Say goodbye to 95% of the apps you like to use.

[Hosheen]

Scimajor, "Throw away 95% of the apps you like to use? How ignorant of you. I have an iMac and I had to give up nothing in the way of applications. In fact, with OSX and Linux, applications for Windows run just fine under either Cross-Over or Wine. Yes, even Windows games run faster and better for me, now.

Even better, equivalent applications that run better than the Windows ones are either free or far cheaper. Before you make any more statements, learn what you're talking about. This just shows you to be uninformed and so prejudiced that you'll quote anything that makes your own sillyness look good.

[thesevenveils]

It is true.
After running Windows 7 on a standalone computer,
Many many applications, especially those that I have tested that were written as private business applications are not usable.
Just Throw them away if you want Windows 7.

Windows 7 backwards compatibility SUCKS! Why? because they have tried to write their own Windows virtual machine (that makes XP compatible with all previous Windows apps) and this virtual machine simply is inferior.

In short Windows is like curtains dressing the view to the world of computing. But if you want to experience the real world of personal computers and what they can do, you have to leave the window and go outside your box.