Is it a bad idea to install a fresh copy of Windows 7 on an XP system?

Just as the title says. Would it be a bad idea / cause a lot of driver issues?

I'll try to find all the drivers for her computer ahead of time online and download the setup files to a USB, then install Windows 7 and install the drivers. But is there any big problems with doing this that I should be made aware of?

By the way, would the CPU and Motherboard need driver software? I've never messed around with CPU and Motherboard drivers because they seem like the kinda thing you don't wanna screw with unless you really have to. I usually just update GPU, sound card, and WiFi drivers.

The motherboard will need drivers because there are multiple things that could be in use, such as the onboard audio, onboard video, onboard Ethernet adapter, and of course the chipset needs a driver. The CPU will be fine with what Windows installs. There really aren't any available CPU-specific drivers anyway.

So you will need to find out as much information as you can to make sure you have all the drivers you need. Two programs that may be able to help are CPU-Z and HWiNFO:

CPU-Z - CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools

I think it would help to understand what a driver is. Basically, drivers let your computer communicate with hardware or devices. Without drivers, the hardware connected to your computer will not work properly.

What is a driver?

In addition to having the correct drivers, an XP machine may not meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 7.

Windows 7 system requirements - Microsoft Windows

Microsoft has a free tool that can scan your computer to see if it can be upgraded to Windows 7.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows

Hi Alexander Moore!

Could you post all the specs of the system on which you intend to install Windows 7?

Windows 7 is certainly better than XP, performs better even on older hardware, but still we need to know the specs.

Most XP machines either won't be compatible with Win 7 due to hardware and/or driver issues or will be only partially compatible. For example, when I ran M$ upgrade advisor on my last XP desktop machine, Aero wasn't compatible (I eventually replaced the computer).

Also, keep in mind it's possible that your peripherals, such as printers and scanners, and some programs may not be compatible and will need replacing. I had to replace my printer, a scanner, and several programs.

I know what a driver is. I know that everything needs a driver, but I wasn't sure if removing and installing a new version of windows would remove all the drivers, or if the drivers for something like a motherboard exist on a chip and aren't required to reinstall them.

All I know right now is that it's a 14" HP Compaq 515, runs on an AMD Athlon x2 64, and it has a Windows Vista Basic sticker on it, even though it was clearly running XP.

Alexander Moore said:

I know what a driver is. I know that everything needs a driver, but I wasn't sure if removing and installing a new version of windows would remove all the drivers, or if the drivers for something like a motherboard exist on a chip and aren't required to reinstall them.

All I know right now is that it's a 14" HP Compaq 515, runs on an AMD Athlon x2 64, and it has a Windows Vista Basic sticker on it, even though it was clearly running XP.

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Oh, I see what you want to do now. Unfortunately, upgrading from XP to 7 is not possible. A clean installation is required, so you will be formatting and starting over.

Upgrading isn't what we want to do. I always prefer clean installations.

Her computer has tons of junk and viruses on it. I want to clean install Win 7, load up newer drivers for her, install MSE and CCleaner, and teach her how to use a computer properly (EG: NOT DOWNLOADING TONS OF SHIT SOFTWARE FROM AD-RIDDEN WEBSITES)

Oh, and she's using IE. That's gotta go.

She doesn't give a crap about anything currently on the computer, so I could format this thing and she couldn't care less, as long as I get it back to working conditions.

Sorry if I'm replying a bit slow. I have it opened and am trying to clean it out right now. I really despise how they used three different screw types to put it together. I wish people could just choose a screw type and stick with it, instead of me getting halfway into the system and realizing I don't have all the proper tools. I also hate plastic clips that hold crap together. I'm always scared I'm gonna bust one. I couldn't remove the fan so I just tried sticking a hairdryer (not hot) on one end and a strong vacuum on the other end to suck dust out. Got a lot out. Surely not all, but all the excess anyway. I'll have to hit the tool shop.

Just a 19 year old, having fun serving my curiosity by taking electronics apart.

I think I misunderstood. I was responding to how you said that you weren't sure if removing and installing a new version of Windows would remove all the drivers. So I was trying to point out that you won't be left with anything at all because you'll be formatting and starting over.

Anyway, I see what I missed: there's no chip or anything that contains things like drivers. All the drivers will have to be installed. Some of the generic Microsoft drivers that get installed by Windows are all you'll need, and for other things you'll have to get the correct drivers. Being that this is a pre-built computer, I expect this task to be a little bit difficult. I mean, it's not like when you build a computer yourself and you have easy access to all the drivers you need either on a CD or on the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Alexander Moore said:

I know what a driver is. I know that everything needs a driver, but I wasn't sure if removing and installing a new version of windows would remove all the drivers, or if the drivers for something like a motherboard exist on a chip and aren't required to reinstall them.

All I know right now is that it's a 14" HP Compaq 515, runs on an AMD Athlon x2 64, and it has a Windows Vista Basic sticker on it, even though it was clearly running XP.

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If it's having a Vista sticker, it certainly will run Windows 7 flawlessly. Go ahead and install 7, but still you need to find out the specs so that you can get proper drivers.

Get Speccy - System Information - Free Download and write all the specs down. First search for available drivers online (at HP support pages, etc) and then install 7. 7 can tolerate some XP drivers in compatibility mode.

Or you can take screenshots and save them to a USB flash drive.

I also recommend trying HWiNFO and CPU-Z.

Hi there
The chances are that your XP system would work without batting an eyelid -- and better too probably.
Depends hugely on what hardware you have but these days there isn't much that won't run on W7.

Before attempting an install BACKUP you system first so if it doesn't work you can then restore your old XP system. Use something like FREE MACRIUM to backup -- don't rely on the Windows utilities.

You could also TRY W8 -- you might not like it but it DOES appear that the hardware support seems slightly better than W7 and it installs a lot quicker -- and that's by common consent even by the people who HATE W8.

You can download a FREE 90 day trial of W8 Enterprise from the Ms site to test it with -- if you don't like it then nothing lost.

As before ensure you backup your running system before upgrading / installing.

If you DO need MOBO drivers then the VISTA ones would probably work if you can't find newer copies.

For an old XP system you've probably got a better chance of making the 32 bit work -- chances are the old CPU won't even be capable of running 64 bit versions.

Cheers
jimbo

Press the Windows key & R at the same time, type DXDIAG then hit the save all information button, save it as a text file, attach it & send it. So we can review detailed system specs.

The only thing I would advise is to ensure you have the drivers on a USB stick or otherwise available, for your network. Windows 7 is the best Microsoft OS to date with setting itself up however it needs to be connected to the net before it can do this.

To be honest, unless your system is unusual you will probably find it will find a usable driver in it's internal store for any wireless connection on setup, but it's best to be safe.

Another option is, of course to temporarily (or permanently), if practical, connect to your router with a wired connection.

Once you have the install finished and running with the standard windows supplied drivers, you can investigate the availability of better drivers, direct from the manufactures site

She lost the CD. I will check the Manu's website. I was just doubtful that they'll have a full download of all the drivers, but I think a long-time manu like HP should have this down by now.

My plans have already been to get the goods and keep them externally, then wipe the MFer out and to a fresh install. I just wanted to make sure of any implications I wasn't aware of.

I prefer Piriform and CPUID's software and will be using them. I trust them the most, kind of have a bit of a consumer loyalty to them.

Alexander Moore said:

She lost the CD. I will check the Manu's website. I was just doubtful that they'll have a full download of all the drivers, but I think a long-time manu like HP should have this down by now.

My plans have already been to get the goods and keep them externally, then wipe the MFer out and to a fresh install. I just wanted to make sure of any implications I wasn't aware of.

I prefer Piriform and CPUID's software and will be using them. I trust them the most, kind of have a bit of a consumer loyalty to them.

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Right, but the other programs might help fill in the gaps of missing information. We only recommend software that's trustworthy.

I just checked online, and they have the Compaq 515 on CNet, and it clearly states that it has Windows 7 Home Premium, so you should be right to go.
You should be able to get the drivers you need from the Compaq website.

Link: - HP Compaq 515 Overview & Specs - Laptops - CNET Reviews

Hope this helps you.

Wenda.

Already found everything here : http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...eId=321957&prodSeriesId=3957678&lang=en&cc=us

I don't trust CNET very much. CNET is like this big downloads middle-man that often doesn't even have the latest version of stuff. I always try to go to the source whenever possible.

I should download the Win7 x64 version, yes? Since that's what I want.

I tried Windows 8 on a friend's computer once. It's awful. Now way. I'm hopeless navigating that crap.

Historically, Microsoft only get's their shit right on every other attempt. I eagerly await their 9th OS, however I feel that Win8 is all about tablets and touchscreens.

Alexander Moore said:

Already found everything here : http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...eId=321957&prodSeriesId=3957678&lang=en&cc=us

I don't trust CNET very much. CNET is like this big downloads middle-man that often doesn't even have the latest version of stuff. I always try to go to the source whenever possible.

I should download the Win7 x64 version, yes? Since that's what I want.

I tried Windows 8 on a friend's computer once. It's awful. Now way. I'm hopeless navigating that crap.

Historically, Microsoft only get's their shit right on every other attempt.

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How much memory is installed in this laptop?

Honestly, I think between 2 and 4GB. I'm gonna guess you'll say 32 bit is better to install than 64? I didn't think it'd really matter performance-wise except in systems that have enough power (memory etc) that there's a difference between them. I figured in systems with low memory and hardware it won't really matter. Is there cons to installing x64 software on a low-end system?

Her current Windows version is 64 bit anyway, though.

I can't get into the system because it's filled with crappy Chinese software and viruses and takes 30 minutes to boot up. As-is, it's garbage really.