Windows 7 with Intel Pentium D 925

[AddRAM]

So really what I am after is some advice on something I could do to this set up to make it passable, or a budget update.

Hope you can help.

Alex[/QUOTE]

What do you mean by passable, and a budget upgrade would be to buy windows 7 oem.

Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Server at TigerDirect.com

 

[gregrocker]

Did XP come preinstalled on the PC?

If so it qualifies you for Upgrade version Win7.

If you installed Home Premium you can buy an Upgrade key for it which we will help you activate following Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

Very few consumers need the more expensive higher versions which offer just a few extra expensive features but otherwise are the same OS.

Technically there is no trial period and you should not install Win7 if you haven't bought it. But considering you had a bootleg copy and are trying to make it right this is probably your best course.

Look over these tools and methods which work best for getting and keeping a perfect Win7 install and are the same for retail: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

To help conserve resources I'd also follow these steps to Optimize Windows 7
especially editing Visual Effects of animation, fading, sliding, dragging intact, and selection rectangle which are huge RAM hogs.

 

[NoelDP]

FWIW, the Win7 Ultimate installation is counterfeit - it's an Acer OEM_SLP Key on a Gigabyte motherboard with a Gigabyte SLIC table - and the motherboard was manufactured 3 years before Windows 7 was launched.
This can only 'work' if the installation is enabled by a hacker's Activation Exploit.

 

[Dellboy7]

FWIW, the Win7 Ultimate installation is counterfeit - it's an Acer OEM_SLP Key on a Gigabyte motherboard with a Gigabyte SLIC table - and the motherboard was manufactured 3 years before Windows 7 was launched.
This can only 'work' if the installation is enabled by a hacker's Activation Exploit.

OK well that's what I have been waiting for.

Just one more question. Are you absolutely sure.?

I could ask my friend but I prefer not to. I drove through the snow for 30 miles last year to pull him out of a ditch, he didn't ask me if my car was taxed or if I had committed any traffic violations on the way.

I will continue with this version I have now for a week or two and either pay for it or bin it.

I ran the windows experience, and the results are the same for both.


Xp didn't come with the pc but it was a genuine disk xp pro

 

[NoelDP]

To be valid, the machine would have to be manufactured by Acer, with an Acer COA sticker for Windows 7 Ultimate on the case - and the motherboard would have to have a BIOS dated after July 2009.
Your machine fulfils none of those requirements, that I can see.

 

[Dellboy7]

To be valid, the machine would have to be manufactured by Acer, with an Acer COA sticker for Windows 7 Ultimate on the case - and the motherboard would have to have a BIOS dated after July 2009.
Your machine fulfils none of those requirements, that I can see.

OK I got it. I will consign the previous install to the bin.

So having seen my set up is there an inexpensive upgrade I could do to enhance windows 7.

Having got a genuine copy running now.

 

[NoelDP]

As gregrocker says, if you have a valid COA sticker (for XP or Vista) on the case of the machine, then you qualify for an Upgrade to Windows 7 - we'd all be prepared to assist you in getting that installed and activated properly.
If there's no COA sticker, then the machine is unlicensed (unless you have a retail copy of Windows??) and you'd need a Full license for the install.

 

[Dellboy7]

As gregrocker says, if you have a valid COA sticker (for XP or Vista) on the case of the machine, then you qualify for an Upgrade to Windows 7 - we'd all be prepared to assist you in getting that installed and activated properly.
If there's no COA sticker, then the machine is unlicensed (unless you have a retail copy of Windows??) and you'd need a Full license for the install.

So far we have established that I have to bin the software I used when first visiting the forum.

I can buy windows 7 home premium for £ 42.74, which won't break the bank.

The windows xp I have is genuine but upgrading it is probably going to cost as much.

So if someone would offer an opinion as to my set up and do you think 7 will improve it much.?

 

[NoelDP]

.

I can buy windows 7 home premium for £ 42.74, which won't break the bank.

The windows xp I have is genuine but upgrading it is probably going to cost as much.

So if someone would offer an opinion as to my set up and do you think 7 will improve it much.?

Where are you finding W7 Home Premium for that price? - if on eBay or suchlike, ignore it - it's probably counterfeit.

...at least this would be genuine... Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade English (GFC-00026) - dabs.com (if they had any stock!)
Looks like my other regular supplier is also out of stock... Award winning supplier, performance hardware & systems - Scan.co.uk

 

[Dellboy7]

Wouldn't this be legit

Buy Windows 7 Home Premium, Buy Windows 7 Key - Online Gold

 

[NoelDP]

That has roughly the same chance of being legit as a 9-bob note

Windows Licenses CANNOT be sold without accompanying software.
The ONLY places where downloadable licenses are available are from MS, Dell, HP and the MSDNAA/Dreamspark providers.

 

[gregrocker]

Your XP retail copy qualifies you for Win7 Upgrade version which runs around $100 shopping online from a legit retailer here in the states. You'll do best going with a major retailer so there's no chance of getting ripped off.

I see doing a search right now that MS still has a $40 Win8 Upgrade online so that's also a consideration since it's upgradable from XP retail, too. Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade

Your analogy of your friend giving you the bootleg to not asking him if his car is registered when he pulled you out of the ditch is a bit off. The equivalent in this case would be a stolen car since piracy is stealing, not an infraction.

 

[Dellboy7]

So what about windows 8 for £24.99


Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows


Maybe that would be stretching my old hardware too far.?

 

[NoelDP]

Run the Upgrade Assistant and see what it has to say - but the specs for Win8 are pretty much the same as for Win7

 

[gregrocker]

Generally if it will run Win7 well then it will also run Win8.

But to be sure look over these minimum specs: Windows 8 system requirements - Microsoft Windows

If it meets those then run the Upgrade Assistant Windows 8 scanner to see how your hardware will work with Win8. It will even offer you a download so you can compare the price.

 

[Dellboy7]

It will even offer you a download so you can compare the price.

I don't get that bit.?

I ran the assistant and nearly everything is ok, anything that isn't, I can live without.


Is 8 as good or better than 7 .?

 

[gregrocker]

The Upgrade Assistant should offer you a download to buy and install after its scan. I wondered what the price is now since they're on the verge of raising the price 2/1.

 

[Dellboy7]

It's £24.99 till the end of the month.

Is it alright or is it like vista was compared to xp?

 

[gregrocker]

It has an unusual button screen GUI interface for desktops, more like the Ipad GUI meant for touchscreens. Some like it and some don't. For a productive desktop experience like Win7 it can seem jarring to have the wall of buttons slam down instead of the Start Menu.

But if you don't like it you can replace that or toggle it on/off with Windows 7 Start Menu for Windows 8 freeware and even kit out your desktop with identical 8GadgetPack - Gadgets for Windows 8. This winds up with a slightly better-performing version of Win7. The only issue then is if you want to keep the Ipad-like apps or replace them with your own (e.g. Adobe Reader) keeping an eye on Control Panel>Default Programs since the preinstalled crApps are already rooted there.

 

[Dellboy7]

I'm tempted to get 8 because I don't like changing, so if I did get 8 then I should be able to use it for a long time.