So I've been using a not-so-legit version of Windows XP (TinyXP) for a few years now and I'm just not happy with some of its issues. I really want to upgrade to Windows 7, but I'm kind of a newbie here.
What version should I go for? I don't need anything too crazy, so Home Premium sounds about right, but 32-bit? 64-bit? Will the latter allow me to upgrade my 2GB of DDR3 RAM to 4GB? That would be nice. Other than that, what does the 64-bit version get me? Any issues?
I'm guessing I should run the compatibility checker too, right? Will that scan my PC for compatible hardware and/or software? I assume so. My machine isn't actually too old, so I think it should all work, but you never know I guess. I've also hear the compatibility scanner isn't too helpful, so should I let it stop me from upgrading?
The biggest issue I keep having with my current system is with my wireless router. Whenever my PC is turned on, my laptop can't connect via wireless. Whenever the PC is off, it can. I have DHCP set, so everything should work - and does - just intermittently. Sometimes they both connect, most times the laptop drops. I thought it might be a router issue so I bought a new router but the same problem is persisting.
I hear Windows 7 is quite an improvement over Vista, XP, and pretty much everything before it. I think it's time to finally make the jump to a paid for, legit operating system.
Final question: I need the full version, not the upgrade right? Since I don't have a Windows XP CD/key, I'm guessing I need to do a complete format and re-install.
You want 64bit for 4GB of ram or great, you want Full not upgrade. I installed Windows 7 Pro on my laptop from 2005, some hardware was not auto detected/installed, but I used drivers from XP and vista, and everything works beautifully. I highly recommend Windows 7.
Posted by: Dcastellani | 10/26/2010 at 11:28 AM
Oh also, I went from Vista 64bit business to Windows 7 Pro 64bit on my gaming machine, and I saw an almost 10% improvement in overall performance. Cheers
Posted by: Dcastellani | 10/26/2010 at 11:29 AM
On last tip, Windows 7 has a pretty decent backup/recovery mechanism. Once you get reinstalled, get the drivers working, etc, before you install games and all that. Use the backup mechanism to create a fresh install image. Will save you so much time if you ever need to reinstall. Also do regular backups of your system in case you screw things up. I recommend to an external or network drive.
Posted by: Dcastellani | 10/26/2010 at 12:10 PM
Thanks so much! :)
Posted by: Snafzg | 10/26/2010 at 12:19 PM
Got myself Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM and another 4GB of RAM (now have 6GB). Now I just need ~3 hrs to back-up, format, install, and put everything back.
Posted by: Snafzg | 10/26/2010 at 04:37 PM
Hey man, how did you fair with this? Everything up and running? You make that initial backup? ;)
Posted by: Dcastellani | 10/28/2010 at 11:11 AM
I'm hoping the order will arrive before the weekend so I can spend Saturday installing the new OS/RAM (ordered online). :)
I ended up making my 150GB backup last night! Heh.
I hope everything goes smoothly!
As for video card drivers (nVidia 9800GT+ 512MB), do I still install them the same way as I did in XP? Remove the old ones in safe mode, reboot to normal, and install the new ones?
Posted by: Snafzg | 10/28/2010 at 11:15 AM
You shouldnt need to worry about it, Nvidia recently added a cleanup feature to their driver installer. This has been working great for me.
If you still feel the need.
http://www.guru3d.com/category/driversweeper/
Read up on that before you use it, you could cause some damage. Try the Nvidia option first, if you have any issues, try driversweeper.
Posted by: Dcastellani | 10/28/2010 at 11:31 AM