Easiest way from XP to Win7 on Netbook

[drjim]

I have an MSI Wind U100 (160GB HD, 2GB RAM) that runs XP. We just use it in the kitchen for emails and web mostly, so we don't have anything of value stored on it.

I've heard that the easiest way to upgrade from XP to 7 is to first upgrade to Vista.

Also, with no disk drive, I will have to download 7 and won't be able to ISO it to a disk.

Can you folks suggest the simplest way to upgrade from XP to 7 on a netbook?

Thanks.

 

[Zidane24]

I have an MSI Wind U100 (160GB HD, 2GB RAM) that runs XP. We just use it in the kitchen for emails and web mostly, so we don't have anything of value stored on it.

I've heard that the easiest way to upgrade from XP to 7 is to first upgrade to Vista.

Also, with no disk drive, I will have to download 7 and won't be able to ISO it to a disk.

Can you folks suggest the simplest way to upgrade from XP to 7 on a netbook?

Thanks.

I don't know who told you about going to Vista first but that is nonsense...

You have to perform a clean installation to go from XP to 7 (clean install...no upgrade)

Go out and get yourself a 4GB flash drive (around $20 at Wal-Mart) and you will be able to load the Windows 7 image on the drive and use it to format/install 7 onto the netbook

Here are some tutorials to look at:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

 

[gregrocker]

Download and extract the Win7 ISO to your desktop, use Win2Flash to easily put it on a USB flash installer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srOoGhm-jcI

You can also use UltraISO trial version to write ISO to flash using Bootable tab.

You need to do a clean install, but the installer is driver-complete. Stay connected to internet during install to get more recent drivers/Updates, plus Windows Updates will have newer ones when you get online.

Get any favorite apps or additional drivers (check Device Manager at startup) from the Support Downloads page for your model computer on the manufacturers website, or by Googling.

 

[win7clutz]

I have an MSI Wind U100 (160GB HD, 2GB RAM) that runs XP. We just use it in the kitchen for emails and web mostly, so we don't have anything of value stored on it.

I've heard that the easiest way to upgrade from XP to 7 is to first upgrade to Vista.

Also, with no disk drive, I will have to download 7 and won't be able to ISO it to a disk.

Can you folks suggest the simplest way to upgrade from XP to 7 on a netbook?

Thanks.

The reason you were advised to do this is that you cannot do an in place upgrade from XP to Win7. So what was suggested was a method to avoid a format and clean install that would get you to Win7 without having to reload your apps or backup your data since XP will upgrade to Vista, and Vista will upgrade to Win7.

Unfortunately this approach will also bring forward a lot of crap and grief!

Both Zidane24 and gregrocker have giving you correct alternatives, I’d highly recommend you follow their lead and then enjoy Windows 7…

 

[drjim]

Thanks to all. Very useful information.

I've been a contributor to several mobile-technology web sites and this is my first foray into PC forums. I have myself a home.

 

[Tews]

Welcome to Seven Forums!!

 

[drjim]

Welcome to Seven Forums!!

Thanks, guys.

Follow-up question. Is there any way to install 7 to a netbook without a flash drive, i.e., directly from the netbook?

 

[Tews]

do you have an optical drive..DVD drive ?

 

[Zidane24]

do you have an optical drive..DVD drive ?

By his post above...no

 

[Tews]

Unless you can download the ISO file, you are going to have a hard time... if you can, then extract the files to a separate partition and run the setup.exe file from there...

 

[gregrocker]

You can try running Setup from the XP desktop, doing Custom install sometimes it will run and overwrite itself since all files are loaded, expanded before it restarts.

This is the not the cleanest install as the Advanced tools used for partitioning/formatting will be greyed out if you don't boot from installer. Get a USB flash drive.

 

[drjim]

I just ordered a 4GB flash for $10 on line.

Many thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

Good, it will be vital as a repair tool too.

The repair console has Startup Repair, System Restore, Restore using an Image, Command Line, etc.

If you'd like to keep some other files on the stick with the Win7 installer, try first plugging in and formatting Primary FAT32 in Disk Management. Then copy the Win7 files into the root. See if it will boot that way by tapping the F-key given for Boot Menu on your first bootup screen, flash will be listed under hard drives. If so, you can add other files to fill up the stick.

If not, try the two other methods given earlier.

I keep Win7 installer on a 16 gb stick along with all of my other tools, apps like Adobe, Java, Works, etc. When I want to install Win7, I spill the files out of the folder I keep them in so it will boot. Easy.

 

[drjim]

I'm on it! Many thanks to all.

 

[Tews]

I hope it all goes well for you... If you run into problems, just ask!!