I have read that I should do a clean install from Vista to Windows 7, although the specifications say that that is not necessary. I would prefer not to do that as I don’t want to have to load all my programs and files. What kinds of problems has anyone had with installing the beta over the Vista OS? Is it really that important to do a clean install of Windows 7. ???
I am not going to upgrade my XP machine as it doesn’t have the necessary RAM.
RoRo
I am going to back up important files on my Windows 7 Evaluation copy. Build 7100 system to a USB external hard drive then I am going to do a clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium because it will make the system perform like new as updating always leaves lots of un-necessary files on the hard drive and the ones that are necessary are not in an optimized location.
[b]Clean Install[/b]http://windows7news.com/2009/10/08/windows-7-clean-install-vs-upgradeClean installs will give you a fresher, cleaner OS without having all those old files and registry entries bogging down your system. All files will be removed and even that nasty virus that has been living there unknown to you will be deleted. A clean install gives you a fresh start and the opportunity to restore your computer to pristine condition like it was the very first day you got it. Also clean installs of Windows 7 from my experience never take more than 30 mins.
Windows 7 Upgrade Could Take Over 20 Hours
Most users will average upgrade times lasting just a few hours, but those with slower systems or exceptional amounts of data will have to set aside a good portion of the day just for the automated process. All clean install systems upgraded in around 40 minutes or less.
Windows 7 upgrade could take whole day - so clean install!
I would always recommend a clean install because although it’s more work, it means you have a nice fresh system complete with new OS to play around with. It also gives you a chance to spring clean your computer, deciding what really needs to be moved over during the swap from one OS to the next.http://vista.blorge.com/2009/09/13/windows-7-upgrade-could-take-whole-day-so-clean-install
I see what you mean. It probably would be smart to do a complete install. I will back up everything to my external hard drive before that so I don’t lose anything. I am hoping they ship out the upgrade of Windows 7 Home Premium on the 22 of Oct. Of course, even though it is an upgrade, I can still do a clean install. On the other hand, if I just upgrade the Vista machine, and I have problems, I can always do a clean install later. I still haven’t made up my mind. I figure it will take around 4 hours with 150 G of files and my applications. I can use my other laptop or my desktop if I really need to be on line.
Those are great links YoKenny.
RoRo
I’ll find out October 22nd as I will get the update from my local PC store that I purchased the system that runs Windows 7 now.
Actually I am really considering getting the full package as it is not that much more and I have done the upgrade route before and the clean install is always better.
Its $119 vs $199 so the $80 difference for less hassle and much less time to have Windows 7 Home Premium back up and running makes it worth it for me.
But you can do a clean install with the upgrade can’t you? You don’t have to buy the full edition.
If you do not have a qualifying Windows operating system installed with a genuine license activated, then you cannot use the upgrade version of Windows 7 - you would need a “full version” Windows 7 license.
Read how to do it here:
RoRo
Oh the suspense
I believe it will. But of course, I will need to test that to be sure. And to do so, I need actual Upgrade media. I’ve asked. It may be a while.In the meantime, this is yet another area in which Microsoft could have been far more forthcoming about how the Upgrade process works. There are still far too many unanswered questions here.
"The thing is, with Windows Vista, you could actually clean install the OS using Upgrade media, without having a previous Windows version installed on the PC. (I documented this over two years ago in How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media.) Will this method work in Windows 7?
I believe it will. But of course, I will need to test that to be sure. And to do so, I need actual Upgrade media. I’ve asked. It may be a while.
In the meantime, this is yet another area in which Microsoft could have been far more forthcoming about how the Upgrade process works. There are still far too many unanswered questions here."
YoKenny,
Doesn’t his quote still mean, you don’t have to buy the full version and can use the update version of Windows 7 instead. It still would be quite a bit cheaper.
RoRo
I found this : http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=5788
does that help?
I saw it now. I have not read it. but is it of any help to you?
nmb
I upgraded my Dell Vostro 1700 (32bit) from Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate without any problems.
It took about 2 1/2 hrs because I have quite a bit of stuff on this laptop.
I always make sure the drivers are as up-to-date as possible.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor does not let me know if I can run x64 bit or not so it must mean that it will run x32 bit only.
I don’t need Ultimate so I’m going with Home Premium and save $100.00.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YQECJlDP3bE/Ss9F7GfyLNI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/y3hZ4bheuK4/s576/IMG_0670.JPG
I have no choice. 
This is my reward for the holding the Windows 7 Launch party for our seniors in Meadow Lake.
I’ll settle for my $100.00 as at least I can spend that on groceries or other more important stuff like rent.
Bob
don’t make us feel 
We know that we can’t get windows 7 for free. (not even a good offer like the student’s $ 30 offer.)
nmb
It isn’t meant to make any one feel bad. 
I just happen to get lucky and my request to hold a launch party was accepted.
I’m sure you don’t want me to return the copy I was given back to MS do you ???
I know. but I felt sad.
I'm sure you don't want me to return the copy I was given back to MS do you ???
Not at all. Enjoy. see if you can get me one. 
nmb
There’s always OEM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116752
thanks for the link. I’m planning to give 64 bit a try. do you think I should?. is it oki? I’ll buy it in my country so that I can get better support, if required, and non-oem. also $99 *Rs 46.400 = 4593.6 but I think I’ll get at half the price, here.
nmb
Would it be legal to purchase an OEM copy, Build a system and then sell that system to yourself ??? ;D ;D
I wonder if its in the EULA ??? ;D
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=49459.0
I believe self-builders can purchase OEM versions, without jumping through any flaming hoops ;D