Installing Windows 7 on Dell XPS Gen 5

majax79 · 28 Dec 2009

Hello,

I want to purchase Windows 7 and upgrade my PC from Windows XP. In the past, I tried using freshly installing Windows XP with a retail Windows XP disc and it couldn't find my HD to partition during the beginning installation. I'm nervous that will happen again.

I don't suppose anyone has installed Windows 7 on a Dell XPS Gen 5? I have no problem doing a fresh install but, before I buy it, I'd like to know that it'll work.

Also, which retail version of Windows 7 should I get? The upgrade?

Jonathan_King · 28 Dec 2009

Hello, Welcome!

Don't worry about installation problems. I have written a troubleshooting guide, and we have hundreds of capable volunteers willing to help you should anything go wrong.

As for the version, if you have a Windows OS now, like XP or Vista, you qualify for the Upgrade version. There is a way to do a clean install with that copy, don't be fooled.

majax79 · 28 Dec 2009

Thank you for the advice. I'll be purchasing it next week then I'll return.

richc46 · 28 Dec 2009

majax79 said:

Hello,

I want to purchase Windows 7 and upgrade my PC from Windows XP. In the past, I tried using freshly installing Windows XP with a retail Windows XP disc and it couldn't find my HD to partition during the beginning installation. I'm nervous that will happen again.

I don't suppose anyone has installed Windows 7 on a Dell XPS Gen 5? I have no problem doing a fresh install but, before I buy it, I'd like to know that it'll work.

Also, which retail version of Windows 7 should I get? The upgrade?

Hi
Just to give you the benefit of two posts, Jonathan is correct. Do not waste your money on the full retail CD, if you have a qualifying OS, you can buy the upgrade and install the same as the full retail CD. The only draw back and its small, if you upgrade your computer and install a new MB, new HD, etc, and you install the upgrade version, you may wind up on the phone with a rep. Trust me, that would not be a problem, just a minor inconvenience. So now you have a confirmation of Jonathans opinion, just go out get the upgrade version of Windows 7 and in no time, you will be enjoying the best operating system around, today.

gregrocker · 28 Dec 2009

Back up your files. You may want to save an XP system image, or recovery disks if available.

Boot from the Win7 DVD, Select Custom install, use Drive Options to delete partitions, create New as you please, format before installing to first partition.

The installer is mostly driver complete, more will come via Windows Updates. You can find any drivers missing in Device Manager along with favorite apps at the Support Downloads web page for your model.

If the booted install fails, we can help you troubleshoot or you can then immediately try to install from XP, either over itself or to a second partition made using free Partition Wizard to shrink XP, Create and format NTFS primary.