Solved Windows 7 Update Advisor not there

[Aurondium]

Not a technical wizz so excuse my being a tad dim.

I have Vista (SP1) Home Premium 32bit and am thinking of updating to one of the Windows 7 64bit options.

I am currently reading the Clean install with a upgrade Windows 7 Tutorial that I shall probably print out when ready, but when I tried to download and use the Windows 7 upgrade advisor link it seems to take me straight to Windows 8.

I want to upgrade to 7 - is there still an Advisor link for this or did I not go far enough?

 

[NoelDP]

Going from 32-bit to 64-bit ALWAYS requires a clean install.

MS is no longer providing links to the Win7 upgrade advisor - basically because they reckon that everyone should be using the Win8 version

If your machine is currently running Vista, then there is a very small chance that it will have problems running Windows 7. The only problem is likely to be drivers for 64-bit Win7.

Having said that, I note that the Dell site doesn't offer Win7 drivers for that model - which could mean one of two things....
either
1) Win7 is not supported
or
2) the drivers are already included in the basic Win7 install.

You should check with Dell to see which it is.

Anything else is going to be irrelevant, since your disk will be wiped during the install - so I hope you have good backups, just in case!

 

[Aurondium]

Thank you for your helpful response, Noel.

 

[NoelDP]

You're welcome - good luck with it!

 

[Aurondium]

Just checked. Apparently only Vista was allowed for on my particular system. Appears I can upgrade to Vista 64 bit if I wish, but not to Windows 7.

Thank you so much for forewarning me.

 

[NoelDP]

Phew! - better to find out now, than after wiping the drive!

I will admit to being a little surprised though - often, although an upgrade is not officially supported, it will work happily enough unless you start going into esoterics like overclocking.

 

[Aurondium]

It's me again, Noel.

I've since used the F8 function and restored the machine to factory condition, then got everything back up and running, downloaded and installed both Service Packs and all 136 updates. My e-mail is working and so is my internet and security and things are a lot faster so I must have learned something from the exercise.

I've downloaded Windows 7 upgrade advisor and as far as I can see from the report I have no compatability issues.

Only thing is that Dell told me I couldn't upgrade to Windows 7 because the system on my model was specifically designed for Vista and only Vista.

Is this marketing doubletalk to get me to buy a new machine? Maybe a play on the words 'upgrade' and 'install'?

Maybe I can't upgrade but what is preventing me using the clean install or Custom install route? There's nothing I want to save that I haven't already saved to an external device.

I'm no expert but what is to prevent me buying Windows 7 Home Premium and using one of your Tutorials to install the 32bit version? A clean install perhaps. Can I try one and then the other (custom) if the first doesn't work?

I see from other threads that it may be adviseable to download driver exe's onto a flash drive.

I still have my original Dell discs I presume I can fall back on if I screw everything up.

Thanks for your patience..

The only program issues raised by the Upgrade Advisor were regarding Adobe and Roxio which don't appear major. And Intel (R) Matrix Storage Console version 6.2.0.2002 - told me to get a free update to a compatible version. Same for Open AL whatever that is but the update is for sale.

Should I do these before trying the installation?

Thanks for being so patient with me.

 

[NoelDP]

Only thing is that Dell told me I couldn't upgrade to Windows 7 because the system on my model was specifically designed for Vista and only Vista.

Is this marketing doubletalk to get me to buy a new machine? Maybe a play on the words 'upgrade' and 'install'?

Maybe I can't upgrade but what is preventing me using the clean install or Custom install route? There's nothing I want to save that I haven't already saved to an external device.

I'm no expert but what is to prevent me buying Windows 7 Home Premium and using one of your Tutorials to install the 32bit version? A clean install perhaps. Can I try one and then the other (custom) if the first doesn't work?

I see from other threads that it may be adviseable to download driver exe's onto a flash drive.

I still have my original Dell discs I presume I can fall back on if I screw everything up.

It does sound to me like marketing-speak for 'buy a new machine'

I'm not sure how much RAM you have? if it's (potentially) 4GB or more, then it's worth the hassle of the clean install of upgrading to the 64-bit version - if you don't plan on increasing RAM to 4GB ore more, then stick with 32-bit as the RAM requirements are lower....

If you've run the Upgrade Advisor and it's shown no problems apart from Roxio (mostly rubbish anyhow - and replaceable for free from elsewhere) and Adobe (again, the Flash is replaceable/upgradeable, and Reader can be replaced/improved by Foxit for free)

The major obstacle to an upgrade is actually finding a legitimate license/pack for it! The majority I've seen on sale lately have been at best questionable, and at worst obvious counterfeits.


If you want to go for it, I suggest that you post a link to whatever site you propose purchasing the license from, so we can check it, before parting with your hard-earned pennies

 

[Aurondium]

Thank you, Noel. My installed Ram at present is 2GB (2 of the four available slots are filled with IGB each) although the capacity is shown as 4GB. I have ordered another pair of compatible 1GB Ram cards from Crucial to bring me up to my present allowed maximum of 4GB.

If I elected to go for the 64bit upgrade, would I then be able to replace the memory with higher cards in due course if I wished or is that dependant upon other factors like the existing motherboard or processor, which I can't change. If there's risk involved there I may be as well to stick with the 32bit. Your advice is most helpful.

You've lost me on the licence issue- I was just going to go into Amazon and buy Windows 7 Home Premium - am I missing something?

Thankyou for your continued assistance.

 

[NoelDP]

The max possible RAM is determined by your motherboard - you'd need to check with the manufacturer as to whether it can take 2GB (or 4 or 8GB) sticks.

As far as purchasing from Amazon - I wish!
If you check, I think you'll find that Win 7 licenses are no longer available directly from Amazon - they are all from MarketPlace traders using Amazon as a shopfront. As such they should be treated with much the same suspicion as eBay traders.
eBay Windows licenses have a notoriously high risk of being counterfeit - research a few years ago showed over 50% as being fake, and of that 50% a large number carried malware in the materials.

.... having said all that, I see that Amazon does indeed have Home Premium System Builder licenses available - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-W...960252&sr=1-2&keywords=windows+7+home+premium

and even perhaps some Retail ones.

Note that if you opt for the 32-bit version now, you can install the 64-bit version later if you want to - at the cost of a reformat and reinstall - using the same Product Key/License.
With 4GB RAM installed, it's a toss-up whether 32-bit is better or not - I doubt that you'd really notice the difference, but suspect that some of the things you may want to do would be happier in a 32-bit machine.

 

[Aurondium]

Thank you, Noel.

Have ordered the full Windows 7 (through Amazon and Ballicom per the link) and will get back to you before I finally sit down and start the exercise, just to check I'm using the right tutorial for whichever route I choose to go. At the moment it looks like the 32bit.

Kindest.

 

[NoelDP]

I do suggest that you post new MGADiag report as soon at it's installed so we can check and make sure that it's OK, while you're still in the complaints window - just in case!

 

[Aurondium]

Below is the version I've ordered and been advised by the seller to check that it's the correct one (because Amazon sometimes displays the product wrongly, apparently) - even though it's already been despatched.

1 x Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium - Complete package - 1 PC - DVD - 32/64-bit - English - Rest of World (GFC-00025)

Is it?

I assume it is but I've no idea what the code means.

 

[NoelDP]

That should be OK.

 

[Aurondium]

Many thanks- marking thread as 'solved' for time being

 

[NoelDP]

Don't forget the MGADiag report when it's installed!

 

[Aurondium]

Okay. I think I'm ready to give it a shot tomorrow.

I'm going to print off your Clean install for Windows 7 tutorial [ETA- I think I mean Custom install because I am presently on Vista 32bit - yes?]and follow that to install the 64 bit version. If that goes well, then I'll push my Ram up to 8Gb (4 x 2) and up my Graphics card to a later nVidia model. But- step by step.

At present my machine is running much better just with the ram being increased to 4 but I think I want to change to Windows Seven because I would like to try Flight Simulator X and possibly build my own machine for that. From reading elsewhere I gather Windows Seven is the preferable platform for FSX.

I suspect building from scratch is probably better than dabbling and tinkering with this Dell - I have a feeling that tinkering with the units in a factory built machine is just going to create headaches.

Here's to tomorrow- I'll keep you informed if and when I get back on the net!

The motherboard should be able to cope if it was able to allow upgrades to the full Vista versions. It's a KU345 Conroe E6600 2.40G 4MB 1066FSB B2 (which is double dutch to me) .

 

[NoelDP]

Good luck with it!

 

[Aurondium]

Hi Noel.

As you can see, I have survived and my machine is now on Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with 4Gb of Ram and a Windows Performance Index of 5.6 (That is the gaming graphics mark -all the rest are 5.9)

As a matter of interest my prior WPI was 5.3 (relating to the first item on the list - CPU) with the other ratings (going down the list) 5.5, 5.9. 5.8, 5.9

It took ages for me to puzzle out why, when I initially loaded the installation disc, I was getting messages that told me what I was trying to do was was incompatible - I was apparently missing a CD/DVD driver etc. Don't ask me how but I finally strode into the BIOS and discovered a line that said open from CD so I clicked it and Bingo!

Now, after a few exciting days of updates and head scratching I think I'm okay apart from final tweaking of Internet stuff. Windows 7 did a great job tracking stuff down and pointing me in the right direction.

I'm in Mozilla Firefox for browsing, and Windowsd Easy Transfer has transferred all my bookmarks.

E-mail is not yet checked but I'm in Googlemail so I doubt that will be much hastle.

I wouldn't have dreamed of tackling something like this a few weeks ago but you, and the helpful Tutorials have carried me through. Thanks a million, Noel.

Next step is to fix that Graphics dip and probably replace my nVidia GeForce 7900 GS graphics card but I guess I have to go to the graphics section here to do that. Must remember to upgrade my computer system details here, too.

The report below means nothing to me, but if you think all is okay, I presume I then activate Windows Seven by clicking on the appropriate spot in the System page.

Fingers crossed - and you and Brink and co have made an old man rather pleased with himself and able to tell his two surprised sons. "Yeah! The old man did it! How about that then?"

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-82F69-P4YWB-T4DHB
Windows Product Key Hash: +nAjdJiJKQmqhB4s15XdxMVnL4Q=
Windows Product ID: 00359-114-6056722-85485
Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {EB265567-95A3-499B-8B1D-9D21F7120690}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Basic 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005_70AFE6BE-656-80070057_E2AD56EA-815-80070057

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{EB265567-95A3-499B-8B1D-9D21F7120690}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-T4DHB</PKey><PID>00359-114-6056722-85485</PID><PIDType>5</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4007230625-1326694227-926804088</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.                </Manufacturer><Model>Dell DXP061                  </Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.                </Manufacturer><Version>2.3.0 </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="3"/><Date>20070115000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>F7023207018400FA</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL  </OEMID><OEMTableID>B8K    </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{91120000-0013-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Basic 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>18C54943C59B5AE</Val><Hash>3hfDVDuQ6Hm5LZyOlludZYidSjg=</Hash><Pid>89445-OEM-6472711-99155</Pid><PidType>4</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel
Activation ID: 2e7d060d-4714-40f2-9896-1e4f15b612ad
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00170-114-605672-00-2057-7601.0000-3082013
Installation ID: 000343565220867801807541110645566436519232240270815231
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: T4DHB
License Status: Initial grace period
Time remaining: 40380 minute(s) (28 day(s))
Remaining Windows rearm count: 3
Trusted time: 06/11/2013 17:20:58

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 11:6:2013 12:42
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: LAAAAAEAAAABAAEAAQACAAAAAQABAAEA6GHWnOx2stIomsqOREYZa4JvKoU=

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x0
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
  APIC            DELL          B8K    
  FACP            DELL          B8K    
  HPET            DELL          B8K    
  BOOT            DELL          B8K    
  MCFG            DELL          B8K    
  SSDT            DELL        st_ex
  DUMY            DELL          B8K    
  SLIC            DELL          B8K

 

[NoelDP]

The report looks kosher, at least

Windows has got a lot easier to install over the years as more companies complied with the basic rules and windows got better at updates. It's no longer the major saga that it used to be.
Glad you managed to get through it without too much pain!

Activate it, and good luck with your new system!