A comment on Microsoft Windows 7

This is just something I wanted to say.
I am running a dual boot, Windows 7 and Ubuntu 14.04.
Today is Friday. Last Monday, I did something,(I am not sure what) and wiped Windows 7 from my computer. My bad, but what the heck.
I decided on a clean install, which meant I would also have to load Ubuntu again. I have the Windows 7 disk that I paid a lot of money for, and I started the installation.
Today, I finally have Windows 7 working properly. I spent days looking for ways to get the proper drivers in place. No Internet connection. mouse didn't work, display was wrong, etc. But after many hours I finally got things up and running.
Then I had to load Ubuntu. One and one half hour later,Ubuntu was up and running. Things were back to normal. My question is, why can't Microsoft have a method for loading the correct drivers, as does Ubuntu?
No, this is definitely not a rant against Microsoft. I am very happy with Windows 7. Just a curious comment.

My question is, why can't Microsoft have a method for loading the correct drivers, as does Ubuntu?

Can you clarify exactly what that means.

Windows is generally very good with including drivers on the install media, but only for hardware that existed at the time the version of Windows was released. You can hardly expect Microsoft to include drivers for future devices. Remember that Windows 7 is almost 5 years old, likely older then your computer.

The problems might be because you did not have the latest Win 7 ISO, and you could not connect to the internet with your re-install.

If the disc you used to install Win 7 is an older version that can cause problems.
You can download and burn a disc with the latest official W7 ISO and use that for your licensed version.
If your original disc is pre SP1, you should get the latest media refresh version - with SP1, and use that.
You paid for the license, not the "disc".
i.e. - I believe if your disc is pre-SP1, and you updated to SP1, your disc will not work for a Startup Repair, if you ever need to ?
You will need a SP1 disc for that.
And, installing with the latest ISO, there are fewer Windows Updates needed to get "up to date" after a re-install.

You should always have your LAN and/or Wireless drivers backed up and ready to install, if needed for a Win install/internet access.
It seems you didn't have internet access with the re-install, and that's what caused your "driver problems".

This tutorial by gregrocker explains all this - where to get the latest Win 7 ISO, how to get and handle drivers, ...
The Tutorial title is for OEM, but it applies to Retail as well.
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

As you have everything working, I'm not suggesting you making any changes, but you might want to review the tutorial and compare it to how you installed, and use it for future reference.
There are also other MANY other SF tutorials, that can help with topics such as installation, dual-booting, Linux, ...
Tutorials - Windows 7 Help Forums

hth,
David

Some interesting responses.

I purchased the Windows 7 disk approximately 9 months ago. Perhaps it is outdated.

I am running the system on a Dell Inspiron 17R 5721. I went to the Microsoft site, and the Dell site trying to get the correct drivers. Plus many others, many that seemed to be a bit shady.

Well, maybe I'm not doing it right, since you all had little trouble installing the system. With luck, I won't have to do it again for a looooong time. I still haven't figured out what I did to cause Windows 7 to bomb out. That is a bit unsettling for me. I will be more careful though.

Thanks for the responses.

You're welcome and glad to hear you have things working.

If your Dell Inspiron 17R 5721 came with Windows pre-installed, you should not have to purchase a NEW license/disc.
It should have a COA (certificate of authenticity) with the license key that you can use to re-install "as needed".
Greg's tutorial has better details and more info ...

If you bought and used an OEM license, it is now tied to that same PC as the DELL license is ONLY valid for ...
A RETAIL license can be transferred to a different PC ... an OEM license can't be transferred ...

DON'T go to shady sites for drivers ...

It came with Windows 8. I really didn't like Windows 8 and after about three months decided to go with Windows 7. My desktop has Windows 7 and I like it a lot.


Yeah, I know, don't say it. I'm an idiot... but a likeable idiot anyway.

I won't go to shady anythings... well, almost anythings.