Unable to download

Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit - recently upgraded from Vista Ultimate. No problems while in Vista. Now I am unable to download anything. Example: in Outlook - unable to open attached files in Word, Excel, or pdf (Yes, I have Office 2007 and have Accrobat Adobe Professional). Yesterday, I unsuccessfully attempted to add a new gadget to my desktop.

It always acts like it is downloading - even shows the green progress bar, but when completed - nothing is there. When attempting to open those attached files, it won't open the program, just gives me a new blank window with the DONE at the bottom. I have opened the programs myself seperately, but still won't open the attached file. I have tried to SAVE the file; again, it acts like it is saving the file, but when I look for it - it isn't there.

I am sure that all of the programs are activated and registered. I really need to be able to open these files as I am teaching an on-line course. This is the way the students will soon be sending in their assignments. Please help.

The problem is likely the inferior in-place Upgrade from Vista. You need to clean reinstall using the Win7 upgrade DVD. As teachers are my heroes I will show you the steps to make it as easy as possible.

Back up your files externally, gather your program installers, audit any Product Codes from your HD if you don't have them by running Belarc Advisor.

Boot Win7 DVD, select Custom Install to install to Win 7 partition. Save the Dell Recovery partition which will still run from boot if you ever need to recover to factory condition, however you don't need Vista on the HD to reinstall Upgrade. Installer will scan HD to see any other OS, allowing use of Upgrade version Product Key. Clean Install Windows 7

The installer is mostly driver-complete with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Put your ethernet (wired) or wireless adapter on a flash stick or CD in case installer doesn't deliver it so you can get online quickly for updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on Dell's Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. I would not change any drivers given by installer/Updates unless performance dictates.

Install programs over time to gauge performance changes. Don't allow any programs to write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets.

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials with Windows Firewall.

When complete, perfectly clean and order the HD using free state-of-the-art CCleaner and Auslogics Disk and Registry Defraggers monthly. Save a Win7 backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement in 15 minutes from DVD or REpair CD.

Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much for your reply and for the detailed instructions. This looks extremely complicated. The primary reason that I chose to buy and install Windows 7 Ultimate was so that I would not have to do a clean install and have to reinstall all of my programs. I am SO sad to hear that once again Microsoft has led me astray and that I am going to have to do a clean install. I should have learned my lesson when I went from XP to vista - had to do the same thing then. Unfortunately, when I bought Windows 7, I downloaded it and did not buy the disk. Hopefully, I can download it again, but since downloading is the problem, I don't know if it will work or not. wish me luck!

You'll need the Win7 installer for repairs anyway. Your issue sounds so much like an Upgrade gone bad that a clean reinstall may be the only solution to enjoy Win7 as the lightweight instantaneous OS which it normally is.

Until then, there are a few things to do to see if you can troubleshoot the issue or even repair it without reinstall:

Run the System File Checker: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Go Start>rightclick Computer>Manage. Choose Event VIewer>Custom VIew>Admin to google repeat error text and ID# to find how others have fixed the issue. Ask us for help if you see a pattern.

Again Start>rightclick Computer>Properties. Click on the WEI score link>Advanced Tools>Performance log to study repeat errors. Also on Tools page look for cued issues at top, Generate A System Health Report.

You'll need the Win7 DVD to do a Repair Install that keeps all of your programs, files and settings in place but reinstalls the OS. It fixes many problems. If not, then you'll know for sure you need a Clean Reinstall.

If you can borrow/locate any version installer of Win7, all versions can be unlocked to burn to DVD using this method: Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create