Thinking of installing Windows 7

[gregrocker]

Good work. Always best to update BIOS from Windows BTW and it lessens the possibiity of failure.

The solution to a failed BIOS flash, however, is to reflash from disk or DOS. So it is almost never fatal.

 

[jm1]

I didn't know my BIOS was so outdated. The version I had was from 2006. And, the new BIOS is from 2008.

Wish me luck! If all goes well, it should be installed by the end of the week! I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[CarlTR6]

jm1, just a word of caution. As a general rule, you update the bios when that bios update corrects a specific problem you are having or upgrades hardware support for specific hardware that you have. Unlike software updates, you don't necessarily go by the bios date. What I am trying to say is be wary of flashing the bios, especially if you are not having any problems.

 

[jm1]

Thanks for the warning. Here's the revision history:

Revision History
786E2 ROM Family


Models Supported: HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5700 Small Form Factor PC
HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5700 Micro Tower


Version 2.07 - Improves the security of pre-boot authentication (BIOS-based) passwords
by clearing data from volatile memory.


Version 2.05 - Adds support for Intel Pentium Processor 6F6, 6F2, 6FD, and 10661 steppings.
- Adds "Multi-Processor" option to the BIOS F10 Setup Utility so users can
enable and disable this option.
- Adds Computrace support.
- Adds BIOS support for the ReadyBoost Module.
- Fixes "101-Option ROM Checksum" issue that occurs with certain plug-in
NVIDIA Graphics Cards.


Version 2.04 - This BIOS release contains micro code update v1.03. This
consist of the 6F6, 6F2, and 10661 stepping updates.


Version 2.03 - Provide support for Microsoft VISTA operating systems.


Version 1.02 - Initial BIOS Version.

 

[CarlTR6]

Looking at that list, I would say that version 2.05 is an essential bios update. I would not hesitate to flash my bios with this update. Version 2.07 I would skip since I don't use bios passwords. But updating with this one is not like to hurt anything and it includes the 2.05 update.

 

[jm1]

Also, could this have anything to do with the installation of seven?

Provide support for Microsoft VISTA operating systems.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, it is likely many of the changes made will benefit your Win7 installation.

 

[CarlTR6]

That update was to make the bios compatible with Vista. It should be fine for Win 7 also.

 

[jm1]

Thanks! Like I previously mentioned, I should be able to install Windows 7 later this week. I am still waiting for my 160 GB External Hard Drive to arrive.

 

[CarlTR6]

Very good. Please be sure to let us know how the installation goes. And ask questions if you run into problems.

 

[jm1]

I just received the external drive! One quick question before I begin, I ordered a 160 GB Drive and it is appearing as 149 GB with a FAT32 file system. Should I format it with NTFS? Also, if I have to format it using NTFS, should I check Enable Compression?

 

[gregrocker]

I'd use NTFS so it will be able to store Win7 backup image. You can wait to enable compression.

Others may have additional advice.

 

[jm1]

Is it okay if I were to uncheck that box and back up my XP image using macrium?

 

[gregrocker]

Sure.

 

[jm1]

Okay. Good. So, what exactly is the compression box for? When is it necessary?

 

[gregrocker]

When you need more space on the drive, I assume.

I always get another or bigger drive before that time comes however, so someone else should comment on its usefulness.

 

[jm1]

Okay. I'll be taking the image right now! The compression box has nothing to do with the compression of the image that Macrium is going to do, right? Thanks once again! This forum has been a great help!

 

[gregrocker]

No that box is to compress all files to make more room on the HD.

Macrium will give you some compression but it might only be the empty space between files as with Win7 image utility. I believe real compression comes in the paid apps.

 

[jm1]

Okay! I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks once again!!!

 

[jm1]

Wow! That took the image fast! Nearly 35 GB in approximately 19 minutes and 17 seconds. It compressed to about 23.7 GB. Now, I am going to do one more walk through, and I should be good to go!