Windows 7 - Keep connected to internet during installation!

Many of the failed in-place Upgrades we are reading about here daily might have a better chance if the installer had stayed connected to the internet during installation. This is just as true for Custom installs, even from booted DVD.

It's best to plug an ethernet cable to be sure you stay connected, although the driver for your LAN should hold on (even after a format) if it is detected and downloads initial updates when you choose "Connect to the internet during installation" in the earliest stages of installation.

This seamless connnection to MS servers during installation, then via Windows Updates for real time driver and other Updates, is designed to take advantage of the fact that MS has almost all of the Windows 7 drivers from every manufacturer to begin with.

Thanks to Windows Hardware Quality Labs, the partnership with all manufacturers which MS funded to build drivers for Windows 7, MS has the drivers up front this time, since they paid the bill. They also used that funding power to convince manufacturers not to hold out on Windows 7 drivers for hardware that is compatible, as happened with Vista, and to have them ready as close to Oct. 22 as possible.

MS really learned the lessons of Vista well, and Windows 7 is the proof.

Hello Greg-

Thanks for the great feedback! Many of the installation problems can be resolved by checking the computer being upgraded according to the step-by-step installation guide provided for Vista: Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows.

OR XP: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

These guides include information about upgrades vs. custom installation, the Windows upgrade advisor, backup and restore information and an installation guide.

Another key resource is the compatibility center: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/com...s/default.aspx. At this site you can check for updated software and drivers.

Cheers,
Tara
Windows Outreach Team

Thanks, Tara!

First things first: Always check compatibility of your hardware and software with Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

That's good advice! I usually suggest that once you are running Windows 7- but you can absolutely check your hardware and software through an easy search!

Also, you can run older software by either using Windows 7 XP mode (Windows 7 features - Windows XP Mode - Microsoft Windows) or by following this tutorial: Make older programs run in this version of Windows.

Tara
Windows Outreach Team