Can't install Windows 7 64-bit

[Revol]

I'm running a Windows Vista 32-bit system and I want to install Windows 7 64-bit.

If I click on the setup.exe file in My Computer, it says the version of the file isn't compatible with the current Windows version. So I tried to install it the other way around, by rebooting the computer with the disc inside. But during the boot, there comes no message or menu regarding the installation and I'm just led to the desktop like usually.

Any idea how to do it right?

 

[TGSoldier]

You sure it's a boot disc??

Maybe you miss the part that says "Press any key to boto from CD/DVD" . That screen passes after POST. Reboot and look out for it again. You can't take your eyes of the screen or else you'll miss it.

 

[Revol]

Well, I only get the F2 and F12 setup functions during boot. Can I do it from there?

 

[TGSoldier]

My bad. It's probably not set to boot from CD in BIOS.

Which ever one ( F2 / F12 ) has boot menu by it, choose that one. Then select your CD drive.

Also please http://www.sevenforums.com/profile.php?do=extra

 

[electrotune1200]

f12 should be the boot menu. Just make sure you tap it when you see the bios screen.

 

[Revol]

Alright, I installed it. Working fine. I have two further questions though.

1. There's a folder called Windows.old that contains the old files of Vista. Is it necessary or should I just delete it?

2. I have a few movies in HD, but when I play them with VLC or any other media player, the image is rather shaky and I don't get a clear picture. Any ideas why?

 

[TGSoldier]

You did an upgrade.

You should do a clean install.

 

[Revol]

No, I'm pretty sure I did a clean install. I didn't chose Upgrade during installation, but Custom. However, I didn't click on Format when choosing the drive to install Winodws 7. Should I have done that?

 

[TGSoldier]

Yes.

 

[Revol]

Ah, crap. I already installed a lot of programs. Oh well...

 

[wallyinnc]

Revol
Windows.old is exactly that, the personal files you had in Vista. You can delete after you are sure you have everything OK in Windows 7

A clean install is recommended to avoid carrying over all the junk we accumulate in the registry over the years. It is not mandatory. You can upgrade, but you might face problems. It seems to be your case, so if you can afford reinstalling all programs and moving your personal files, clean install is the way to go

Please have backups of all your personal files. Everything will be erased with a clean install (OK, put in Windows.old, but it is not worth the risk)

 

[PeteC]

Sorry but that is bad advice. No reason at all to do a so-called clean install, since everything that was on your previous set up is now in Windows.old. In effect, minus the Windows.old folder, you DO have a clean install!

Can you safely delete the Windows.old folder? Absolutely. Of course, I would run it awhile just to make sure that you are happy with the installation, but at that point, it is easy and safe to remove, which is exactly what I did.

Folks get confused between "upgrade" and "custom install". In Windows 7 if you do a "custom install", EVERYTHING from your previous installation, OS/files/programs...everything becomes Windows.old IMHO, this was a very smart decision by MS to help "goof-proof" installation.

 

[wallyinnc]

Pete
You will find about 3563 advices here to do a clean install. Not invented by me, colleagues with way more experience than me recommend it.

The difference between an upgrade and a clean install is not only the windows.old folder. Settings and drivers not used anymore, lost registry entries etc are all carried over. And there is no Cccleaner that fixes them all for good.