Windows 7: New OS problem...

We just received a small but suitable grant to upgrade our stuff...We are currently running XP and Windows 2000 server. We have connectivity thru a combo of older wired and wireless means...
I use Windows 7 at home so that is why i am here.
I backed up application and data files...I have the original discs for reinstalling apps...

On another PC, I did a clean install of 7... and reinstalled the applications from the original discs as well as restore apps and user files from the back ups..

NOW THE PROBLEMS...On the test PC...We are experiencing frequent memory and CPU issues...slow or occasional no reponse when accessing disc drives or displaying characters on the monitor...

In general terms...without getting into the hardware specs...What could be causing this problem??

It would help a lot if you could be more descriptive of the "memory and CPU issues". That covers a lot of ground.

Are these 32 bit or 64 bit systems? Have you installed all of the drivers (and used the proper 32/64 bit versions)? Or are you relying on the generic drivers that install with Windows 7?

Incorrect chipset drivers come to mind. That would cause some of the kinds of issues you mentioned.

I know the XP is 32 bit...and almost positive the 7 is as well. If the windows 7 is 64 bit, would it work at all?

Drivers...yes...the generic ones that Windows grabbed...I assumed that any of the XP drivers would not have worked with the upgrade. Please explain the chipset drivers...is this the MB chipset you are talking about/?? and why that may be the cause...

If the processor in the computer is 64 bit - meaning it was designed to run 64 bit instructions - then it is ABLE to run 64 bit OS. But it doesn't have to. Running the 32 bit version on a 64 bit system will not cause your kind of problem. The 64 bit version would not install on a 32 bit system, I believe.

But you do need to know which version of Windows 7 you installed in order to get and install the correct drivers for your system. Drivers will come in 32 or 64 bit flavors.

Yes, the chipset on you motherboard performs all of the necessary functions to operate the CPU, RAM and hard disk controllers. The chipset drivers contain all of the instructions needed to run those chips at the manufacturer's specs. Sometimes the generic Windows drivers are good enough for basic use, but many times the manufacturer's driver is much more complex.

You need to know the make and model of your motherboard (and all the other connected components that require drivers) in order to go to the manufacturer's website and download the correct drivers in the correct bit rate.

You will need to do this separately for each of the systems you are upgrading.

That explains alot...next question...if the windows 7 is indeed 64 bit...does it automatically grab the 64 bit versions of the drivers? Or does it grab the 32 bit versions if the components, application and data files is/are designed for 32 bit?

If what you mean is 'does the 64 bit version of Windows install it's own generic 64 bit drivers', then yes.

Any drivers offered by Windows Update will also be keyed to your operating system type.

Any drivers that you install after that require your input. You must check and be certain that the driver you download (or install from a CD/DVD) is the correct version for your operating system type.

Fastest way to check what you have installed on the subject computer:
Start > Computer > System Properties >
Check the "System Type" under the System (middle) section.