Thinking of installing Windows 7

[jm1]

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!

 

[zigzag3143]

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

 

[cclloyd9785]

If you only have 2 GB of RAM, I reccommend staying on x32. x64 is only friendly with 4 GB or more. If you by any chance want to go back to XP (you won't), Then I suggest finding a program like norton ghost, that backs up the whole drive to an external drive. That way, if you want to go back, you just restore and it will be like it was before you do. And you can download Retail XP DVDs for free and legal (google is your friend).

 

[jm1]

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

 

[DocBrown]

Do you have Xp install discs or was it pre-installed with the computer ?

 

[jm1]

It was pre-installed when I got it.

 

[DocBrown]

Does it have a recovery partion on the HD or do you have an option to make recovery CD's ? Or you could make an image backup of it with a third party software program.

 

[jm1]

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?

 

[whs]

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.

 

[jm1]

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

 

[DocBrown]

It might be worth the money to get a DVD R/W drive now since the prices are fairly reasonable now. Do you know what kind of Video card slot your computer has ? (AGP or PCI, or other ?)

 

[jm1]

I am not quite sure. Should I be concerned about the 256 MB Graphics Memory?

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

 

[DocBrown]

You may want to run this program System Info for Windows.

It will tell us your motherboard & video card, etc.

Upgrading you video card will depend on how much graphics intensity programs you use, Gaming, graphics software designing, watching videos, etc

SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

 

[jm1]

I installed that program. It says that I have 256 MB of video RAM as well. I will be doing basic Internet surfing, e-mail, and Youtube. Sometimes, I run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Do you think I'll be okay? My concern is if Windows 7 doesn't work well, I want to be able to somehow revert back to XP. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[DocBrown]

Since HD's have become fairly cheap also, & you only have a 80GB hd, would you consider getting a new HD to put win7 on & saving your XP HD as is just in case you don't like win7. :huh:

 

[whs]

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

Makes no difference. Since you have only 2GBs of RAM, it will not impact your RAM address space. That would only be the case with 4GBs of RAM. Even with 3 GBs you would be OK.

 

[jm1]

So I'd be okay with 256 MB of video card space? How does the Windows.OLD folder work? How exactly would I revert back to XP using that? I am pretty sure I am going to like Windows 7, but just in case...

 

[whs]

So I'd be okay with 256 MB of video card space? How does the Windows.OLD folder work? How exactly would I revert back to XP using that? I am pretty sure I am going to like Windows 7, but just in case...

Have a look of my post at the end of the previous page that you might have missed. Windows.old is just transferring your files from XP. But I would very highly advise you to make a clean install and not an upgrade. Just save you own data yourself. Anything extra that you let the system do spells trouble.

 

[jm1]

Sorry, I missed that post. Thanks for all of your help! Is the backup to the external hard drive the same procedure as imaging it to the DVD? If so, can there be other files on the external hard drive, or can the image be the only one on it? Also, can I still use Microsoft's tool to transfer all of my files and settings onto the hard drive while the image of XP is on there as well? Thanks once again!

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, the XP backup image should be saved to an external drive. I would use free Macrium Reflect which is easy to use and reliable. You make a boot CD which would be used if you ever need to reimage your HD from the stored image file.

From your ongoing description, I believe you'll be fine with Windows 7. Just make sure to bring any issues to the appropriate forum here and you'll get the help you need to sort it out.

You'll want to be sure you have the latest BIOS version update, boot the Win7 DVD to get the cleanest possible install using Custom>Drive Tools to delete all partiitions, create New one(s) as you wish, then format before install. The installer will see XP during bootup to allow use of Upgrade version key.

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via Windows Updates. Then get any missing drivers/apps from the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer/device. Get your system image after it is set up as you like using WHS's tutorial.