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 Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and...

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Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration

Published: October 22, 2009

Updated: October 22, 2009

Applies To: Windows 7

This document provides steps to upgrade or migrate files and settings to Windows® 7. For more information about Windows 7 installation, see this Microsoft Web site.

noteNote
If you are upgrading from a pre-release installation of Windows 7 such as the Beta or RC versions, you will need to use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate files and settings to a new installation of Windows 7 or restore your Windows Vista® backup before upgrading. For more information, see this Microsoft Web site.

You can install Windows 7 as an upgrade to an existing installation of Windows Vista® with Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 using the Upgrade option during installation. To maintain settings when installing Windows 7 on a computer running Windows® XP, you must migrate files and settings using a tool such as Windows 7 Easy Transfer and then reinstall your software programs. (Windows Easy Transfer (Migwiz.exe) is installed with Windows 7 and is available on the Windows 7 DVD in the Support\Migwiz directory.) Additionally, if you are installing Windows 7 on a new computer, you can transfer settings and files from any other computer running Windows Vista or Windows XP.

noteNote
Before installing any operating system, check that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for the version of the operating system you want to install. You should also back up your data files, or save them to a safe location, before upgrading.

Select one of the following scenarios to upgrade or migrate files and settings to Windows 7:

  • Upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. This scenario provides steps to upgrade a computer that is currently running Windows Vista to Windows 7. You can also use these steps to upgrade to a more recent build of Windows 7.

  • Migrate files and settings to a new computer. This scenario provides steps to migrate files and settings from a computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 to a new computer running Windows 7.

  • Upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. This scenario provides steps to upgrade a computer that is running Windows XP to Windows 7 by migrating files and settings to the new operating system.

Upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7

You can upgrade from Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 to Windows 7 using the Windows 7 DVD. Upgrading is supported from Windows Vista to the same edition of Windows 7.

noteNote
To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must right-click Setup.exe to run the procedure as administrator. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure.

You can also upgrade from a pre-release build of Windows 7 to a more recent version of the operating systems.

Use the Windows 7 DVD to upgrade

  1. Start Windows 7 Setup by inserting the Windows 7 DVD while running Windows, and then clicking Install Now. If the autorun program does not open the Install Windows screen, browse to the root folder of the DVD and double click setup.exe.

  2. Click Go online to get the latest updates (recommended) to retrieve any important updates for Windows 7. This step is optional. If you choose not to check for updates during Setup, click Do not get the latest updates.

  3. Read and accept the Microsoft® Software License Terms. Click I accept the License Terms (required to use Windows), and then click Next. If you click I decline (cancel installation), Windows 7 Setup will exit.

  4. Click Upgrade (recommended) to perform an upgrade to your existing Windows installation.

    A compatibility check runs. If issues are found, you will be shown a report. If you continue, some drivers may not work after the upgrade. Some incompatibilities may prevent the upgrade, and you will not be given the option to continue.

    If no incompatibilities are found, Windows 7 Setup will proceed without further interaction.

Migrate Files and Settings to a New Computer

Windows Easy Transfer is a software wizard for transferring files and settings from one computer running Windows to another. You can transfer data from one user's profile, or from multiple user accounts. The Windows Easy Transfer application helps you choose what to move to your new computer, enables you to set which transfer method to use, and then performs the transfer. When the transfer is done, Windows Easy Transfer Reports displays what was transferred and provides a list of programs you might want to install on your new computer, as well as links to other programs you might want to download.

With Windows Easy Transfer, files and settings can be transferred using a network, a USB flash drive (UFD), or the Easy Transfer cable. However, you cannot use a regular universal serial bus (USB) cable to transfer files and settings using Windows Easy Transfer. You can purchase an Easy Transfer cable on the Web, from your computer manufacturer, or at an electronics store.

noteNote
You cannot use Windows Easy Transfer to move program files. Windows Easy Transfer can move only data and program settings. You must then install your software programs on the new computer.

Windows Easy Transfer also does not transfer any system files such as fonts and drivers. To do this, you must install custom fonts and updated drivers again in Windows 7.

To automate migration during large deployments of the Windows 7 operating system, you should instead use the Microsoft Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) 4.0. For more information about the User State Migration Tool, see the User State Migration Tool 4.0 (usmt.chm) Help documentation installed with the Windows AIK, or see this Microsoft Web site.

Prepare for the migration on the destination computer

To start Windows Easy Transfer on the destination computer, follow these steps:

  1. Close all active programs.

  2. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Windows Easy Transfer.

    The Windows Easy Transfer window opens.

  3. Click Next.

  4. Select the method you want to use to transfer files and settings from your old computer.

  5. Click This is my new computer.

  6. Click I need to install it now.

  7. Select the destination media on which you want to store the Windows Easy Transfer wizard files. You can store the wizard files to an external hard drive or network drive, or you can store them on a USB flash drive.

    A Browse to Folder window opens.

  8. Type a path and a folder name in which you want to store the Windows Easy Transfer wizard files, and then click Next.

You must now start your old computer to install Windows Easy Transfer.

Migrate Files and Settings from the Source Computer to the Destination Computer

Choose one of the following three methods to migrate files and settings:

Method 1: Transfer files and settings using a USB cable

  1. Connect the two computers with a USB cable, such as the Windows Easy Transfer cable, and install the drivers for that cable.

  2. Start Windows Easy Transfer on the computer from which you want to migrate settings and files by browsing to the removable media or network drive containing the wizard files, and then double clicking migsetup.exe. The program may also start automatically when you insert the removable media.

Method 2: Transfer files and settings using a network

  1. Start Windows Easy Transfer on the computer from which you want to migrate settings and files by browsing to the removable media or network drive containing the wizard files, and then double clicking migestup.exe. The program may also start automatically when you insert the removable media.

  2. Click Next.

  3. Click A network.

    noteNote
    Both computers must support the transfer method you choose. For example, both computers must be connected to the same network.

  4. Click This is my old computer.

  5. Follow the steps to enter the Windows Easy Transfer key on your new computer to allow the network connection.

  6. On your new computer, after entering the Windows Easy Transfer key, click Next.

    A connection is established and Windows Easy Transfer checks for updates and compatibility.

    Click Transfer to transfer all files and settings. You can also determine which files should be migrated by selecting only the user profiles you want to transfer, or by clicking Customize.

  7. Click Close after Windows Easy Transfer has completed the migration of files and settings to the destination computer.

Method 3: Transfer files and settings using removable media or a network share

Copy files from the source computer
  1. Start Windows Easy Transfer on the computer from which you want to migrate settings and files by browsing to the removable media or network drive containing the wizard files, and then double clicking migsetup.exe.

  2. Click Next.

  3. Click An external hard disk or USB flash drive.

    noteNote
    Both computers must support the transfer method you choose. For example, both computers must support the same type of removable media.

  4. Click This is my old computer. Windows Easy Transfer scans the computer.

  5. Click Next. You can also determine which files should be migrated by selecting only the user profiles you want to transfer, or by clicking Customize.

  6. Enter a password to protect your Easy Transfer file, or leave the box blank, and then click Save.

  7. Browse to the location on the network or the removable media where you want to save your Easy Transfer file, and then click Save.

  8. Click Next. Windows Easy Transfer displays the file name and location of the Easy Transfer file you just created.

Copy files to the destination computer
  1. Connect the removable media to the new computer.

  2. Start Windows Easy Transfer, and then click Next.

  3. Click An external hard disk or USB flash drive.

  4. Click This is my new computer.

  5. Click Yes, open the file.

  6. Browse to the location where the Easy Transfer file was saved. Click the file name, and then click Open.

  7. Click Transfer to transfer all files and settings. You can also determine which files should be migrated by selecting only the user profiles you want to transfer, or by clicking Customize.

  8. Click Close after Windows Easy Transfer has completed moving your files.

Upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7

The Upgrade option is not available in Windows 7 Setup when installing Windows 7 on a computer running Windows XP. However, you can use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate files and settings from Windows XP to Windows 7 on the same computer. To do this, you must first copy files to a removable media, such as an external hard drive or UFD, or to a network share. Next, you will install Windows 7 and then migrate your files back from the removable media onto your computer. When you are finished, you must install your software programs again, but your files and settings will have been copied from Windows XP.

Copy files using Windows Easy Transfer

  1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD while running Windows XP. If the Windows 7 installation window opens automatically, close it.

  2. Open Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Start menu, and then clicking Explore.

  3. Browse to the DVD drive on your computer and click migsetup.exe in the Support\Migwiz directory.

    The Windows Easy Transfer window opens.

  4. Click Next.

  5. Select An external hard disk or USB flash drive.

  6. Click This is my old computer. Windows Easy Transfer scans the computer.

  7. Click Next. You can also determine which files should be migrated by selecting only the user profiles you want to transfer, or by clicking Customize.

  8. Enter a password to protect your Easy Transfer file, or leave the box blank, and then click Save.

  9. Browse to the external location on the network or to the removable media where you want to save your Easy Transfer file, and then click Save.

  10. Click Next. Windows Easy Transfer displays the file name and location of the Easy Transfer file you just created.

Use the Windows 7 DVD to upgrade

  1. Start Windows 7 Setup by browsing to the root folder of the DVD in Windows Explorer, and then double clicking setup.exe.

  2. Click Go online to get the latest updates (recommended) to retrieve any important updates for Windows 7. This step is optional. If you choose not to check for updates during Setup, click Do not get the latest updates.

  3. Read and accept the Microsoft Software License Terms. Click I accept the License Terms (required to use Windows), and then click Next. If you click I decline (cancel installation), Windows 7 Setup will exit.

  4. Click Custom to perform an upgrade to your existing Windows installation.

    noteNote
    When you perform a custom installation of Windows 7, files that were used in the earlier version of Windows are stored in a Windows.old folder.

    The folders that are stored in the Windows.old folder contain some files that you used in the earlier version of Windows. The type of files that are stored depends on your computer. We recommend that you always back up any important files before you install a new operating system.

  5. Select the partition where you would like to install Windows. To move your existing Windows installation into a Windows.old folder and replace the operating system with Windows 7, select the partition where your current Windows installation is located.

  6. Click Next and then click OK.

    Windows 7 Setup will proceed without further interaction.

Copy files to the destination computer

  1. If you saved your files and settings in an Easy Transfer file on a removable media such as a UFD rather than on a network share, insert the removable media into the computer.

  2. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Windows Easy Transfer.

    The Windows Easy Transfer window opens.

  3. Click Next.

  4. Click An external hard disk or USB flash drive.

  5. Click This is my new computer.

  6. Click Yes, open the file.

  7. Browse to the location where the Easy Transfer file was saved. Click the file name, and then click Open.

  8. Click Transfer to transfer all files and settings. You can also determine which files should be migrated by selecting only the user profiles you want to transfer, or by clicking Customize.

  9. Click Close after Windows Easy Transfer has completed moving your files.

Delete Windows.old directory

To reclaim the disk space, you can delete the Windows.old directory using the Disk Cleanup system tool by following these steps:

  1. Open Disk Cleanup. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

  2. If prompted, select the drive where you just installed Windows 7, and then click OK.

  3. Click Clean up system files.

    Previous installations of Windows are scanned.

  4. If prompted, select the drive where you just installed Windows 7, and then click OK.

  5. Select Previous Windows installation(s) and any other categories of files you want to delete.

  6. Click OK and then click Delete Files.

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I knew this was going to happen! Fix this Microsoft!!!!      BullDogMan ... Thomas Lee   |   Edit   |   Show History

Ok, So whens someone from Microsoft going to post a solution for this, I REALLLLLLY dont want to have to blow out all my files and settings.I dont have the time to relocate them to a removable media. I didnt have to relocate or lose them when I upgraded from Windows Vista Business edition to Windows 7 Beta, why should I have to do it to upgrade within the same OS? I was actually preparing to upgrade my newly downloaded DVD and was telling my friend, that I would be shocked if the OS upgraded the way it did from Vista to 7, you know, flawlessly?, (I didnt have any problems with it at least, dont know about other people) and wouldnt ya know it, BAM! I get the dreaded "Cannot Perform this upgrade" I knew it had to be too good to be true, I just knew it! HELP US MICROSOFT!!!!

[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/. 
You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
REisntal apps?      Foxy smarts ... DallasDavid   |   Edit   |   Show History

When upgrading from XP using Windows Transfer do I have to reinstall all my apps in Win 7 or will the Windows Xfer do that for me?

[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
Tags What's this?: apps (x) are (x) but (x) doesn't (x) drive (x) it. (x) it's (x) know (x) like (x) new (x) of (x) on (x) shiny (x) still (x) the (x) this: (x) version (x) windows (x) your (x) Add a tag
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Old windows 7 to new Windows 7 failed      eastsider52 ... rubmanzano   |   Edit   |   Show History
OK, I'm trying to upgrade from windows 7 to the windows 7 RC release. It failed, after the license agreement. Message:

You can’t upgrade this prerelease version of Windows 7. Go online to see how to install Windows 7 and keep your files and settings. 

[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
help?      MahyarG ... Arroganzza   |   Edit   |   Show History

i try to install this windows 7 but it says that i cant because my vista is in danish.
does anyone know how to change the langue if íts possible? or do i have to format my pc complete? 

[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
whats going on      afeeafa ... Thomas Lee   |   Edit   |   Show History

It worked fine for me but can you install the new beta from the old beta? I installed windows 7 from vista in the first place now I just want my computer to run until march not August

[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
Help me Microsoft!! :(      LPSzaBBy ... PipaSam   |   Edit   |   Show History
So...


My problem is the same as some others. I know there is no win7 yet in Hungarian, but what is the thing to do, how to upgrade? I'm currently using winVista Ultimate. The system check showd no problems, but some devices (to get upgrade from the companies' sites). So how can I upgrade if I have language problems?

Hoping for a quick answer ;)

Keep the good work of yours :)


[tfl - 07 05 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/. You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange : http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server : http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows : http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server : http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server : http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public : http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
Its not Recommended, but you can do it. Win Beta to RC      ElMajdal ... john9999999   |   Edit   |   Show History
Flag as ContentBug
How do I recover the info from my old computer      jongler ... smart1958   |   Edit   |   Show History

I've went through the steps (Windows easy transfer etc.)... -it took the machine ~an hour.
none of my info is back.

A folder named "Windows.old" was created in C (main drive) that contains all of my files, but not distributed to the computer (for example, none of the programs are installed... no Office etc.)

[tfl - 15 06 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
32 to 64 bit      Californianative ... johnyboy20050   |   Edit   |   Show History

Can upgrade from XP32 bit to 64bit Win7? I read the transfer apps. and settings section, and don't have a problem with that.

[tfl - 15 06 09] Hi - and thanks for your post.You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/.  You are much more likely get a quick response using the forums than through the Community Content. For specific help about:
Exchange       :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.exchange%2C&
SQL Server     :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.sqlserver%2C&
Windows        :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows%2C&
Windows Server :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public.windows.server%2C&
Virtual Server :  http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.virtualserver/topics?lnk
Full Public    :  http://groups.google.com/groups/dir?sel=usenet%3Dmicrosoft.public%2C&
@Californianative      IrasDeeJay ... Thomas Lee   |   Edit   |   Show History
No, you can't. These are completely different systems. I mean 32bit architecture and 64bit. You have to perform clean instalation.

Cant upgrade because i'm a noob!!!      UK-Penguins ... Zethell   |   Edit   |   Show History
So thank you again MS for releasing an OS that is worse than the previous one. You say you want to make things easier, yet they are more harder. You listen to peoples views, yet you ignore them. You give what the consumer wants, but we do not want this.....


GO BACK TO WINDOWS XP!!!!
Upgrading from XP to 7 is a mission for the A-Team. When upgrading from pre-XP to XP you just put the CD/DVD in and click next, enter a s/n and press next. With 7 you have to backup all your current data and system files into a folder using a tool on the 7 DVD and then install 7 next to XP, then manually delete XP with out loosing your current data. I dont want to do that the average fruit nut will not know how to do that even if it is written down. So lets see if 7 can run from boot.... Yes it does.... Takes longer to load than when in XP but it works.... Continue the Upgrade from XP to 7.... YES !!!!! ..... no.... Same stupid message stating to backup and install next to XP.

What about the few people who have a brain and have Windows on a seperate HDD to everything else. I got a 20Gb that runs my XP and 2 500GB's for program files and junk. Now XP currently takes over 10Gb of space, leaving me with 10Gb. 7 take 16Gb to install so I am 6Gb out. Why cant 7 just delete XP and install? Why are you making our lives harder than before? Are you going back in time and loosing concentration with every new colour you add to Windows? OOOOOOoooooooooooo Shiny...

Where is the option to "save" your old windows to a different location other to the one that it is installed in?

Where is the option on the Front End of the installion process telling you that you cant upgrade from XP? Would have saved me 5-10min in clicking next, ticking box's and installing installing components!

WHY does the upgrade button even exist if you cant do it?

Where are the instructions in installing 7 from a freshly formatted HDD?

How can you have this as an RC? Did you pay the people in Standards to help you release this pile of ..... on time?

I hope you fail your 1st submission and your 7th submission.

!Rant is over!

update from vista to windows 7      kikirikitrip ... Thomas Lee   |   Edit   |   Show History

if i update from vista to 7 my video and pic it will deleted or it will keep it

Thanks Microsoft!!!! :)      RyRy23   |   Edit   |   Show History
I have install Windows 7 and so far it works good thanks for all the help.
Flag as ContentBug
Can I upgrade from Vista ULTIMATE to Windows 7 Home Premium?      Upgrade92   |   Edit   |   Show History
Can I upgrade from Vista ULTIMATE to Windows 7 Home Premium?

I don't mind doing a clean install of Vista if I have to.
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It is Important      Abdoljalil ... spencer kogut   |   Edit   |   Show History

I have a vista home premium.Can i upgrade this to Windows 7 without pay money ???
Thank You.

Have Vista Home, can I upgrade to Win7 Professional ?      B-C-S ... CELIOMENDESDOVALE   |   Edit   |   Show History
This page says you can only upgrade Vista to Win7 for the same edition. The main MS page says you can upgrade from any edition. which is correct ?
bluescreened!      crazyk   |   Edit   |   Show History
I've installed the new win7 over my XP. but after installation, a blue screen message just appear and the com will just restart itself and again the blue screen will appear and the cycle goes on. i do not even know what error is that, but from first line of the error message, its says something like 'to prevent further damage, the computer is shutting down...' does this mean that there are really damages going on or? i'm not sure whether is it a software or hardware incompatibility.

anyone pls help! thanks!
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Upgrade from XP      AlfonsV ... A nekwork   |   Edit   |   Show History

I have a second 500G hard drive...can I use it to back up my files?

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Install Problem      knbg93   |   Edit   |   Show History

I have Windows Vista and want to upgrade my Windows 7 which is on other partition but it says that my hard drive is not certified. I didn't have that problem before. I can't upgrade but i can make a custom install. Will that bug my dual boot and can i custom install windows 7 through Windows or i must install it by booting and will that bug my dual boot? Please help!

32bit v. 64bit Upgrade to W7      FloorDeLee   |   Edit   |   Show History
What happens when upgrading to 64bit W7 from 32bit Vista? Is a clean install required? And, how does one know the difference between 32 & 64 bit versions of W7? I have not seen a distinction.
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No XP to Windows 7???      68vistacruiser   |   Edit   |   Show History
It was my understanding that Win7 was supposed to answer the problems people faced with Vista. So you would think all the people who had to go back to XP would be able to jump right to Win7. Very disappointing.
Also, please note that I have tried the Technet forums and found the people there to be of very little help. Mostly I've found them rude and self-centered. I went there once to find out how to replace a Windows XP64 disk, and wasted my time with people who had no clue on how to do it. I finally found out how to do it on my own. I suggest anyone looking for help, to go somewhere else.
Microsoft is really crazy!      krowork   |   Edit   |   Show History
Unfortunately we have to do for work but where I am now going open source because the costs and follies Microsoft will no longer count.

The latest.
I am considering the possible renewal of the software company currently based on a stable XP, try to understand it if the rent or buy licenses bypassing Vista for about 40 locations.

I'm trying to try the home version of windows 7 (32Bit) from un'XP professional (32Bit) on a mounted HD for testing. There is no to!
Even on Vista laptop is a crucifix, is a continuous update and request for resources and incompatible with the system based on XP! Ubuntu is much more flexible ALSO nelgli updates at home and now use only one more!

I address the team to Microsoft you have to give you a set because you can no longer work!
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Networking with Windows 7 and Vista computers?      dannyjoe   |   Edit   |   Show History
If I upgrade from Windows Vista x84 bit Home Premium to Windows 7, will I be able to network with my other computers that still run Windows Vista?
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I can't believe how dumb this is!!      jimrooney   |   Edit   |   Show History
So I run the utility they tell me to for saving my programs. Then I click on setup and the installation starts. After about 1 minute I get an error message that my ACPI is not compatible with Windows 7 and I'll either have to upgrade my bios or use a different computer. Did they maybe think to check that with the upgrade advisor? I'm going to cancel my order with Costco.
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This is really just dumb!      jimrooney   |   Edit   |   Show History
So I followed the step by step to upgrade from xp to 7 (saved my programs of which there weren't many) and then ran the setup as instructed. About 1 minute later, the setup stopped and gave me an error message that my ACPI was not compatible with Windows 7 and I would either have to upgrade my bios or use a different computer. Why didn't the Upgrade Advisor tell me this? I've spent over 20 hours trying to get this to work. I am going to cancel my orders of Windows 7 at Costco and stick to XP.

jimrooney
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XP to Windows 7 = FAIL      Firefox2009   |   Edit   |   Show History
Requiring that a user reinstall all applications is completely unacceptable. For me, reinstalling all my applications, including Visual Studio would be very time consuming. As an IT professional I will not recommend that users upgrade from XP if they/I have to go through this.

I agree with the Ubuntu guys. Ubuntu provides a much better facility for upgrading and allows you to carry your existing applications forward in each new version. It also doesn't cost any money to be a member of the open source community's version of technet ;-)

Can't beat free.

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How to upgrade Windows 7 Beta / RC to the Final RTM      Roland Smeets ... dinkha   |   Edit   |   Show History

Microsoft recommends Windows 7 beta or RC users to perform a clean or fresh installation of Windows 7 RTM, and uses Windows Easy Transfer to save and transfer user accounts, Windows settings, program settings, personal customizations and files from current installation to newly installed Windows 7 RTM system.The mechanism built into Windows 7 RTM to block and prevent upgrade from all pre-release versions of Windows 7 earlier than build 7233 for client edition, including Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 and Windows 7 RC Build 7100. For Windows Server 2008 R2, users can directly in-place upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 RC.

However, the hack similar to upgrade from Windows 7 Beta to RC can be used to hack the Windows 7 RTM installation DVD ISO to circumvent and bypass the blockage, in order not to be forced to exit gracefully from the upgrade.

  1. Copy or download the Windows 7 RTM ISOto the computer that wants to perform the upgrade.
  2. Mount the ISO image onto a virtual DVD drive and copy the whole content of the image to folder which can be located anywhere (on any partition or drive on the machine running the pre-release build, or external hard disk or USB/FireWire flash drive connected to the computer).

    Alternatively, it’s possible to directly extract the content of the ISO to a desired folder using file extraction tool such as WinRAR.

  3. Browse to the sources directory.
  4. Open the file cversion.ini in a text editor such as Notepad.
  5. Modify the MinClient build number to a value lower than the down-level build. For example, change 7233 to 7000.

    Original content of cversion.ini:
    [HostBuild]
    MinClient=7233.0
    MinServer=7100.0

    Change it to:
    [HostBuild]
    MinClient=7000.0
    MinServer=7100.0

  6. Save the file in original place and original name.
  7. Double click on setup.exe from modified installation files to start Windows 7 installation, and choose Upgrade to in-place upgrade to latest RTM gold build of Windows 7. The version check will be skipped and bypassed.
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Downgrade back to Vista after Upgrade      raprap30   |   Edit   |   Show History
Hi,
When Win7 is released. I will use the "UPGRADE" button to upgrade my vista. However, if I change my mind aft the upgrade and would like to revert to vista, is there a way to do it with System Restore?
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Love Windows 7      stokedwith7   |   Edit   |   Show History
I love 7 7600. Along with VMWare running XP for the legacy based PLC's at work. Seamless install, and very light on resources. A huge improvement on Vista.
But damn, how much of a pain is the f@#ken upgrade procedures! I agree with the previous posters!
Easy Transfer Wizard doesn't transfer the list of pending/series recordings for Media Center      Derek Piasecki   |   Edit   |   Show History
I chose the route of using the Easy Transfer Wizard to save my settings and other data to upgrade from the RC to RTM and found out afterwards that it doesn't transfer the list of pending and series recordings for Windows Media Center. Now I have to back up my RTM image, restore my RC disk image just to write down the shows I have setup under the RC, then restore my RTM image and re-enter all my shows! What a pain. Not only that, none of the help or FAQs mention that the Easy Transfer Wizard doesn't transfer the scheduled recordings list.
The Whole XP/Vista/Win7 brouha...      CruzyGuy   |   Edit   |   Show History
I don't know how old these posts are and I'm rather surprised that they aren't dated, but that's another topic. Listen, I don't claim to be speaking for any businesses and their computer networks that suffered with Vista. I'm speaking for the regular home user, of which there are more than one would fathom. With the price of computers these days, and I thank you Microsoft for that, just buy a new computer. Upgrading has never worked as well as just buying a new computer with the new OS. If you think I'm nuts, trust me, I'm a man of very meager means and that is exactly how I have handled moving from Win98SE to Win2K to XP to Vista, which I love. If and when I feel the need for Win7, I will buy a new computer.
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What a bunch of Whiners!!!      MartinMoesby ... WHINER   |   Edit   |   Show History
OMG - I am appauled by alle the complaints about the upgrade procedures from a beta release to a final release of WIndows 7.....

You have got to be kidding???! What morons installs a Beta relase on their production system???? The license aggrement to the pre-releases clearly states, that you SHOULD NOT INSTALL the OS in a Production System - so the Error is yours and yours alone....

I am really appauled by all the nagging and whining about the upgrade procedures - if you are so disgusted with the system then use an Open Source OS, and let the rest of us follow the guidelines with out having to read through a bunch of whiners rambling on about how miserable the whole thing is - if you had just followed the initial guidelines, you wouldn't have the problems you have now.....

Whiners Use Linux!!!

Losers use Windows!!!!
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No upgrade option from XP?!?!?      aaronw2   |   Edit   |   Show History
I am very disappointed that there is no easy way to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. From all the reports I have read, my fairly new netbook which comes with XP Home runs rather poorly with Vista but Windows 7 is a lot better. It is going to be a major pain in the *** to have to reinstall all of my software onto it since I don't even remember where I got it all.

As a long-time Linux user I have been easily been able to upgrade, even skipping several versions without too many problems and it generally works. Even better, 3rd party software also continues to work without requiring me to reinstall anything. I have gone through many upgrade cycles and even done things like replacing the system hard drive and switching file systems (that are not upgrade in place) without requiring me to re-install everything by just transferring files between drives.
No comments....      Gisabun   |   Edit   |   Show History
.... On why do people b?tch/moan/complain about betas an RC. They are betas and RCs - NOT THE FINAL VERSION! Expect to have issues.

And if you use it on a "production" computer, you shouldn't even be in computers.

Who cares about Linux. we're talking Windows here. If you say Linux can do this and that for years. Fine. Stick with Linux! Good riddance and good luck. Meanwhile, since Win XP RTM came out, how many times have you upgraded Linux versions?

Boo hooo. Can't upgrade from XP to Win 7. With very special circumstances, I would of never want to upgrade. Fresh install only. Why? Remove all incompatible software. remove your AV and any disk utilities as they may not be compatible. How much time wasted already? Plus you get left with any issues your old OS had. And trust me, every system has some issues.

Anything like movies or pictures or audio files should be burned [or dumped elsewhere] as USMT/FSTW can't compress these files and it will try.

jimrooney: did you contact the mobo manufacturer? check for a new BIOS? check the BIOS? check various newsgroups and tech sites? how old is your system?

aaronw2: If you can't remember where you got your applications from, I guess they are illegal. right? Stop complaining about your incompitence.
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You don't have time for an upgrade      PanchoVilla ... Stanley Roark   |