From time to time I will come across a customer who is using Windows Vista and complaining about several different problems that they are having, normally I can trend the problems back to one simple fact: It’s Vista. I have made a short list of a few different questions these customers normally have, and have also put together some answers as well. Hopefully this will save us all some time, and we can all just decide, “Okay, I want Windows 7 now.”
I am upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7, where do I start?
- The first step you need to take is make sure you have your data backed up using the migration wizard on the Windows 7 disk. This tool automatically saves important information from your Windows XP installation, and then inserts it into the Windows 7 installation. If your Windows XP installation is rather old, you might want to manually backup any data to a USB Jump Drive or CD/DVD, just in case an unforeseen issues arises with the upgrade process due to older hardware. Contact Me and I can help you with this process if you need help.
What about Windows Vista? Should I do the same thing?
From Vista it’s even simpler. All you do is insert the Windows 7 disc into your computer, and choose the “upgrade” option. After that you just follow the on-screen instructions and all of your files will be right where they have always been, Windows 7 style!
I heard something about a free upgrade to Windows 7, what is that?
This upgrade is awesome, and it is basically Windows apologizing for all of their mistakes with Windows Vista. If you purchased a computer that came pre-installed with Windows Vista, it should have also came with a free upgrade voucher! To redeem the free upgrade, visit Microsoft’s upgrade site and follow the instructions there. If you don’t know if your system came with a voucher, call the manufacturer or retail store and ask them, they should be able to clear up your problems.
Can I upgrade to Windows 7 from an older version of Windows? Like ME or 98?
If your system meets the requirements for Windows 7 but is currently running an older operating system, then you will need to purchase an entirely new license for Windows 7. That means you can’t just buy the upgrade version. You will need to install from scratch because older versions of Windows are not built on the same platform as Windows 7. I suggest giving me a call and making an appointment if this is the case.
You mentioned requirements, what are the minimum requirements?
The minimum system requirements are:
- 1Ghz CPU
- 1GB of Memory
- 16GB of free HDD space
There is a lot more to consider than this though, you need to remember that! I suggest that you use Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor Utility, it will tell you whether or not your system is ready to make the switch.
Is upgrading really worth it? Should I upgrade?
If your system meets the requirements, then I strongly suggest you make the upgrade. The new operating system has so much corrected and many of the problems in Microsoft Vista are now non-existant. This operating system will also get the most recent security updates, whereas Windows XP and Windows Vista will become unsupported over time.
If you have anymore questions regarding Windows 7, you should definitely visit Microsoft’s Official Windows 7 Website. Or, you can make an appointment with me and I can answer any questions you might have about the upgrade. If you need anything just let me know!
