Windows 7 10/10 support about 2/10

I was recently persuaded at a Microsoft Presentation to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 Ultimate. First problem - no seller seemed to know how many licences came with the pack - 1, 3, 20, unlimited were all quoted. In the end I needed to buy one for my desk top and one for the lap top. The desk top conversion went well although it was time consuming. Then I made the huge mistake of installing 7 into my Sony Viao Lap top. The result is that I now have a 1600GBP PC that is almost useless for the main purposes that I use it. The display fills 3/4 of the screen, the web cam doesn't operate, the biometrics don't work and I cannot now use my projector because the serial port doesn't work. Contacted Windows tech help - they say it is Sony's problem but Sony don't want to know because it is not the original pre installed operating system. and they don't provide driver upgrades I was then directed to Paretologic - this is supposed to be a free down load - yes it is - it identifies the drivers that have problems - In my case it was 83 problems - you need a fix you pay 30USD. Amazing just by paying 30 USD the 83 problems became 1 problem. - not sure what happened to the other 82 but I wonder if this is just a scam - 83 sounds a lot of problems needing to be fixed - 1 isn't. Anyway I persevered and down loaded the repair. Guess what the camera doesn't work, the display covers 3/4 of the screen, the biometric doesn't work and the projector doesn't work.
Basically having invested into what is, when it is working an excellent system it looks like I have a high spec but scrap lap top.
What amazes me is that there must be hundreds of thousands of people upgrading from XP to 7 since Vista was a bit of a white elephant but how many will fall for the hype and regret it later. I guess the thing that really grates is the Microsoft guy said it is simple you put in the disc and it does it all for you - yeh right

Has anyone out there had similar problems and found solutions that really work ??

Adrian

Unfortunately for those still using Windows XP, Windows 7 is not a drop-in replacement for XP regardless what the salespersons say! As a general rule, manufacturers' computers that supported Vista also accept Windows 7. To know if Windows 7 is even an option for you, you need to go to your computer's web site to see if the manufacturer has released drivers for Windows 7. The link to the Windows 7 Compatibility Site already posted can also help determine whether Windows 7 will run on a given computer.

Google can also be a friend. Type in your computer model and Windows 7 and see if others have had difficulty finding drivers for Windows 7 from their manufacturers.

Windows 7 is a more robust Operating System than its predecessors, is more demanding of hardware and software. It may not be wise to use an older computer that can not withstand these requirements to try to run Windows 7. This is not a fault of Microsoft or the Operating System. This is the 21st Century.

Cheers!
Robert

Thanks guys. All you say is very true - It is a pity that people only learn about this after they have bought the product.
Most of us are not "techies" We just want something to work.
Whilst it is not fair to blame Microsoft for Sony's attitude it seems to me that since the PC manufacturers and Microsoft have a symbiotic relationship, it would make sense if they worked together. Maybe they do but that doesn't seem to filter down to the front line staff of either company.
My experience with both so far has been that one is very quick to point the finger at the other.

Maybe Microsoft could be a little more proactive in pointing out that older XP based PC's are unlikely to work properly before you buy the product as opposed to afterwards - but then I guess that would reduce sales. No doubt the PC manufacturers are more eager for people to upgrade.

I guess I am more disappointed in Sony than Microsoft. The 7 Ultimate system is a big step forward. I have been a Sony fan for many years and have gone for the brand despite the often elevated cost expecting increased value. My experience with them this time means I will never consider Sony again for any equipment

Hi laowantong and welcome to Seven Forums.

Why not post the model number of your laptop and list this things that are not working as you would expect and see if the guys can help you out.

I can understand the frustration on the OP's part. Here's a little logical reasoning...

How long do you expect a PC manufacturer to provide updates for their products? As a means to prove a point; car manufacturers are required to have body panel stampings available for 10 years after vehicle production has stopped. This doesn't mean they have to continually produce them, they just have to keep a stock (for crash repairs). Now, a car is a long-term investment, it's expected to last at least 10 years. The PC lifecycle is ~3 years usually, I upgrade my gaming system every 3-4 years.

With this in mind, how long would you expect the PC makers to provide driver updates for their PCs? In the consumer world, a laptop is nearly obsolete from a speed standpoint as soon as you buy it. This is mainly due to lead time for manufacturers. This also means that you could buy a laptop today and not be able to get the same one in 6 months. PC manufacturers can't possibly be able to keep providing driver updates (and drivers for new versions of Windows) past 4 or 5 years, mainly due to the sheer number of models they would have to code for. That's not to say SOME companies aren't trying. nVidia provides drivers in a single package that encompasses all models they produce and supports cards that are relatively old as well (and I applaud them for this).

Also consider that it may not be Sony that's not providing the update, someone makes the device for them and would then provide the drivers. If that company goes out of business or Sony got the product from the supplier near the end of its lifecycle (can you say cost savings?), drivers may not get updated anymore.