is it better to just upgrade from Vista to Windows 7?

I think upgrading is easier, but I'm not sure if it's the best way out, all though, when 7 comes out, it will be my first time to ever install a new OS onto a computer. so, is it best to just upgrade? and when my copy arrives, can I just pop the DVD in there and upgrade it just like that? or is there some complicated process to prepare for all this?

Wii Master 64 said:

I think upgrading is easier, but I'm not sure if it's the best way out, all though, when 7 comes out, it will be my first time to ever install a new OS onto a computer. so, is it best to just upgrade? and when my copy arrives, can I just pop the DVD in there and upgrade it just like that? or is there some complicated process to prepare for all this?

First welcome to SF

Upgrading is easier but not recommended by even MS. Clean installs are a PITA but you dont want to upgrade your brand spanking new OS with all your old vista problems. there is a way to just import your settings, etc. Look in the tutorials section here at SF.

As to how you do it yep you pop the dvd in (assuming your computer can boot from it--check in your BIOS) boot from it and away you go. at the end you are going to have to upgrade any drivers that win 7 doesn't have (like a graphics driver, networking, ) but win 7 has most of the popular drivers. You need to make sure you are installing the correct version of windows (32 bit or 64 if your computer can run it) and the correct version basic, home, ultimate, etc that you want. Its not rocket science and everyone here can help. Its one reason why we are here. One thing I would do is to make a backup just in case

SO ask questions

I hope this has helped and feel free to ask more

Ken

another thing, I've heard that the upgrade can be buggy. is this true?

plus, I want to keep all my settings, apps, browsers, etc. on my computer without having to wipe my hard drive to install this thing.

Are you thinking of upgrading to Windows 7 RC now or just when it comes out in October?

Wii Master 64 said:

another thing, I've heard that the upgrade can be buggy. is this true?

Yes this is true

Ken

Wii Master 64 said:

plus, I want to keep all my settings, apps, browsers, etc. on my computer without having to wipe my hard drive to install this thing.

After clean install (if you have the disk space and right version of win 7) you can import you settings and preferences. I know its a pain to have to re-install all the apps, settings, browsers, serial numbers, passwords, etc. I has been done and in other cases it has screwed up a new install so you decide

Ken

zigzag3143 said:

Yes this is true

Ken

is it always buggy? or does it just happen to random people?

and, which versions of windows 7 allow you to import setting and preferences from your old OS (say, vista home premium)?

Wii Master 64 said:

is it always buggy? or does it just happen to random people?

and, which versions of windows 7 allow you to import setting and preferences from your old OS (say, vista home premium)?

Its not always buggy (a small % are) and all versions of windows allow you to import settings and prefs. there is a tutorial on it in the tutorial section here @SF

Ken

ok cool, ill try to find it. how much diskspace do you have to have to be able to move all your preferences and stuff? I have 154GB free of 222GB. I would think that is enough, but you know, I just want to be safe. oh, I forgot to ask, when you clean install, do you have to copy your hard drive onto a DVD to be able to move your system files and preferences?