[felix]

Hi all. I have a 32bit vista laptop and Im getting 32 bit win7. Now Im no rocket scientist so just how hard will it be to install? Do I clean install or just bang it in there? Ta.

[DynCastProgramming]

Well, any sensible IT guy would tell you to do a clean install. Just make sure you backup all your documents and other data first on a non-system drive.

The process itself is relatively simple and straightforward. Just insert the DVD and restart your computer. Depending on your BIOS config, your computer may automatically attempt to boot from the DVD. If not, you may have to hit F12 or something similar to get a boot menu, and then select your DVD drive. All the screens are self-explanatory. As I mentioned above, I would recommend a clean install just for the sake of being fresh and new. To do that, select the "Custom Install" option when prompted. On the disk management screen, I always delete the pre-existing partitions from the old OS. Then I just select the "Unallocated space" and hit continue. The rest is easy.

[felix]

DynCastProgramming, on 28 October 2009 - 02:06 AM, said:

Well, any sensible IT guy would tell you to do a clean install. Just make sure you backup all your documents and other data first on a non-system drive.

The process itself is relatively simple and straightforward. Just insert the DVD and restart your computer. Depending on your BIOS config, your computer may automatically attempt to boot from the DVD. If not, you may have to hit F12 or something similar to get a boot menu, and then select your DVD drive. All the screens are self-explanatory. As I mentioned above, I would recommend a clean install just for the sake of being fresh and new. To do that, select the "Custom Install" option when prompted. On the disk management screen, I always delete the pre-existing partitions from the old OS. Then I just select the "Unallocated space" and hit continue. The rest is easy.

Thanks 4 that DynCast.

[chconline]

Yeah do a clean install. It's not hard, but then again people say that installing new shocks into your car isn't hard either -- on the other hand, there's no real "gotchas" around and I've been doing clean install of operating systems since I was like 12 years old. Boot from the optical media, follow instructions on screen as Dyncast said, and then install drivers. Do chipset drivers first. Also not ALL Windows Vista drivers work for Windows 7, so be a little careful in that regard.

[CrashGordon]

Yep, clean install is always the better option. Plus it gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate what apps you actually need.

[Mindovermaster]

Yeah, clean install. Setup is rather simple...

[chconline]

It's also important to note that a clean install is also probably faster. It takes only 15 minutes on my computer.

[redeemed]

Woah-ho, 15 minutes? Is that the Lenovo or your desktop?

Edit: Wait, you haven't done it on your desktop yet duh >.<

This post has been edited by redeemed: 30 October 2009 - 07:12 PM

[DynCastProgramming]

Mine took only 10 minutes once it got past the stupid x64 hardware bug where it just sits and stalls for 5 minutes, then goes to the next screen.

[HopkinsProgramming]

That's odd... Don't think I ever ran across that bug....

[DynCastProgramming]

I remember reading something about it when my RC install took forever, but only the x64 version. Its like some weird combination of hardware or motherboard that causes it. All that happens is, you get the WinPE screen, then the blue-ish wallpaper with the spinning ring. It just sits there for 5 minutes doing that, with the CD not even spinning. Then finally, the CD drive spins up and it continues. Then it does it again after you select your language and keyboard type. It's fine after that. =/

[Big Bang]

Just plug it in and follow on screen Instructions, remember do do a clean install.... then do drivers and install software.

[shc-boomer]

Personally, I did an upgrade that took me about 30 minutes on my Netbook. Only because I had too much school data to wipe clean and very little time to back up. Clean install can come during the winter break.

[chconline]

HopkinsProgramming, on 30 October 2009 - 03:59 AM, said:

That's odd... Don't think I ever ran across that bug....

+1

But then again, I'm on RTM.

[TL6MT]

Mine went for 25 minutes. Pretty fast install.

[felix]

chconline, on 28 October 2009 - 07:01 AM, said:

Yeah do a clean install. It's not hard, but then again people say that installing new shocks into your car isn't hard either -- on the other hand, there's no real "gotchas" around and I've been doing clean install of operating systems since I was like 12 years old. Boot from the optical media, follow instructions on screen as Dyncast said, and then install drivers. Do chipset drivers first. Also not ALL Windows Vista drivers work for Windows 7, so be a little careful in that regard.

Thanks chc. In your reply you mentioned that not all Win Vista drivers work for Win 7,and to be careful in that regard. Careful as in?

[chconline]

As in you need to make sure you have all the drivers.

[TL6MT]

felix, on 03 November 2009 - 03:27 PM, said:

Thanks chc. In your reply you mentioned that not all Win Vista drivers work for Win 7,and to be careful in that regard. Careful as in?

make sure you have all the Drivers working otherwise you'll have stuff that dont work.

[felix]

TL6MT, on 07 November 2009 - 10:50 AM, said:

make sure you have all the Drivers working otherwise you'll have stuff that dont work.

Thanks TL6MT, I discovered that the hard way. Now after installing a new BIOS I was able to install upgraded graphics & sound drivers. All running smooth now. ( fingers crossed )