Thinking of installing Windows 7

I have been using Windows XP since 2007. I am now seeking to upgrade it to Windows 7. I really like the looks of the GUI and have heard really good things about Windows 7. The machine I want to install it on has decent specs. 2 GB RAM, about an 80 GB hard drive, and a 2.80 Pentium D Processor. I ran Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and my hardware checked out okay. I also have the 32-Bit version of Windows XP. Would you recommend I install the 32-Bit version of Windows 7?

I am primarily concerned about migrating to Windows 7. I plan on purchasing an external hard drive so I can backup all of my files. As far as applications go, I should have no problem in reinstalling the ones that I use every day. I am actually looking forward to having a clean hard drive. My next concern is, for some reason if I dislike 7 and want to migrate back to Windows XP, will that be difficult? I don't have the XP restore disk for my computer anymore. Thanks for all of your help!

jm1 said:

I have been using Windows XP since 2007. I am now seeking to upgrade it to Windows 7. I really like the looks of the GUI and have heard really good things about Windows 7. The machine I want to install it on has decent specs. 2 GB RAM, about an 80 GB hard drive, and a 2.80 Pentium D Processor. I ran Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and my hardware checked out okay. I also have the 32-Bit version of Windows XP. Would you recommend I install the 32-Bit version of Windows 7?

I am primarily concerned about migrating to Windows 7. I plan on purchasing an external hard drive so I can backup all of my files. As far as applications go, I should have no problem in reinstalling the ones that I use every day. I am actually looking forward to having a clean hard drive. My next concern is, for some reason if I dislike 7 and want to migrate back to Windows XP, will that be difficult? I don't have the XP restore disk for my computer anymore. Thanks for all of your help!

JM

One of the things you should consider is your video card. what make and model? win 7 needs a minimum (bare minimum) of 256 Mb memory just to run the basic aero features.

With 2 gigs of RAM I would definitely stay on 32 bit (just not enough to run 64bit). Can your machine even run 64bit?

Migrating back to XP is going to be a bit of a pain.

Let us know about the video card, and we may have a few tricks up our sleeves to make the transition a bit easier.

Ken

Thanks for your reply! I am not sure if I am looking in the right place, but it is a Intel Q965/Q963. On the description, it says it supports Windows Vista. When I ran the test it said it is compatible with the Windows Aero Interface. I am guessing that I will like 7 a lot. But, is there a certain way I will need to install it in the event I'd need to get XP back?

Here's the report:
Operating System: Windows XP* Professional, Service Pack 3 (5.1.2600)
Default Language: English
DirectX* Version: 9.0
Physical Memory: 2039 MB
Minimum Graphics Memory: 8 MB
Maximum Graphics Memory: 256 MB
Graphics Memory in Use: 9 MB
Processor: x86
Processor Speed: 2791 MHZ
Vendor ID: 8086
Device ID: 2992
Device Revision: 02

It was pre-installed when I got it.

I was researching that today. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a recovery partition. I was reading the manual and it says I should be able to recovery CD's using a program. But, it does not appear to be on my computer. Unfortunately, I only have a CD Burner and DVD Reader, would I be able to make an image backup of just the OS and nothing else?

I suggest you image your XP system to your new external disk before you install Win7. I made this tutorial which will help you understand the whole imaging cycle. If you want to have a quick update, go to the related thread. It works the same for XP. Then, if you ever want to reinstall your XP, you can do it in less than 30 minutes and you will get the exact same XP as it was when you took the image - no need to reinstall any programs, make any system settings, etc.
I also recommend to image your new Win7 system once you have it halfway the way you want it and then make additional images periodically. That would even allow you to go back and forth between XP and Win7 with a 30 minute investment. It also allows you to go back to the last image in case your system goes on the blink, catches a virus or if your disk refuses further cooperation.
I image my systems daily when I boot them. But I am an imaging maniac (so they say) - LOL If you have any questions, let me know (e.g. via PM or on this thread)

PS: use the 32bit Win7, a lot less trouble.

Should I be concerned that I have 256 MB video memory?