Clean drive and upgrade from Vista to Win7 HELP

[Ocek]

Hi,

I got a Win 7 (64bit) with a valid CD-Key (got it from school) and i wonder if I BOOT from the DVD and enter the setup that will install Win7, will it ask me if I want to remove everything including my Vista OS? I hope this is the case since it is what I want. And how about drivers? Will windows update just update my computer right away? Do I need drivers on disk? I don't have any drivers CDs sinces it's a laptop with everything pre-installed.. Where can i find drivers?

The reason I'm asking is this:

Once i cleand my sis' computer by re-installed XP. When I had re-installed it and went to the desktop the first time I realized i had no drivers. So i figured i'd just hit Windows update but heres the problem: I had no drivers for my network-card so i could not get internet access! Not via WLAN or cable. I solved it after several hours downloading several types of drivers from my own computer and putting it on a USB. I even had to open the computer up to see the labels on the parts in order to se exactly what to download for each part.

Sorry for bad English (from Sweden)

/Ocek

 

[Jonathan_King]

Windows 7 is a lot different, in that it has many drivers built-in.

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

Be sure to run the upgrade adviser first, to make sure everything's compatible:

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

 

[Ocek]

I read the manual and I know all of the steps BUT:

19. Install all of your device drivers, then Windows Updates. I do not have any of these drivers. What do I do then? I'm afraid I wont be able to connect to internet while not having these drivers..

Thanks for fast answers!

 

[Jonathan_King]

Be sure to run the upgrade adviser. That will calm all your fears, way better than I can.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Unless your system is way old (like ME kind of old), you should have no trouble finding network drivers.

 

[theog]

Download this app, to save your drivers.

My Drivers - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Follow Jonathon's direction.
1. Upgrade advisor will let you know if your system can or cannot handle it and what driver's need to be installed afterwards.
2. Clean install is next.
I upgraded from Vista Home Premium to Win7 Home Prem 64 bit. Then I had to upgrade the drivers going to the vender's site to get the correct upgrade for 64 bit Win 7. I also found that some of my programs were obsolete and were not compatible. I found all the necessary drives for printer's, scanners at there respective sites.
Take you time and refer back to Jonathon's outline if needed.
Good luck and check back if you need more help.

oh, 2 more things:
1. Scan your system and make sure it is clean and free of bugs
2. Then back up your system

 

[Ocek]

I see, thanks for all your fast feedback! I ran the program and it tells me that all of my hardware&software are compatible. Does that mean that I just sweep my comp and it will download them by it self? The program does not say where I can find drivers but i guess that I can just write down all the names of my hardware and then visit their homepages?

 

[Ocek]

I'll think i'll manage now guys. Thanks a lot, love the translation

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

Hi Ocek - Hope I'm not too late, but this guide will help you through every step of the installation process. Since you are going from 32-bit to 64-bit, you will need to do a custom installation (so be sure to back up to an external hard drive) - Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation) - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

I recommend printing the guide and using it during the install.

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outrech

 

[Ocek]

Already done! And it works perfectly. Thou I upgraded from 32 vista to 32 Win7 instead to 64. It seemed less 'harmless' if I may say so. It would be nice to be able to use all my RAM (4gig) but i'm not running any hardcore games or programs so I guess I'll be fine. But I'll save the guide for another time. Thanks a lot

/Ocek

 

[fritszol]

I hope you updated all of your drivers for best systemstability!