I am sitting here with upgrade disk in hand, wondering if I should go ahead with it. I have run the upgrade adviser, and there are a few things I need to take care of prior to the upgrade. I am running 64-bit Windows Vista, and will upgrade to 64-bit Windows 7.
Any thoughts, pitfalls to avoid, wise steps to take, etc., before I start? Frankly, I find the whole process somewhat daunting.
I installed Windows 7 a few days ago over a Vista 64 bit system with no unresolved issues. In my case I got a free upgrade because I had an HP machine bought in August. Hp sent an additional DVD with drivers they knew I would need. I could probably have gotten them from the Internet though.
The upgrade (rather than clean install) process was almost entirely automated. It appeared to copy my existing programs somewhere safe and then put them back. CS4 was restored exactly as I had left it -- even the most recently used items. Of course you should back up your data just in case...
Give yourself time, however. Depending on how much it has to copy it will take awhile. In my case 3 1/2 hours. Also it won't let you install until you resolve any issues it finds as potentially incompatible. I have an old Polaroid slide scanner that is supported by Vuescan. It flagged the scanner driver as an issue, so I had to uninstall Vuescan. After the upgrade I just put Vuescan back and it works just fine.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Posted by Tom Guffey on November 2, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Phil,
So............how did it go? I too am sitting here with disk in hand............
I decided I would wait a bit and see how the system shakes out for others. I suspect in a week or two, when I am sure of what I am doing, I'll get started on it.
Posted by Jim Harris on November 2, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I have read about problems with the install and other conflicts with other programs, this apparently is not as smooth of a transition as Microsoft would lead you to believe I too bought a new computer about 2 months ago and Im waiting for the W7 disc to arrive
Posted by Jerry Greer on November 3, 2009 at 12:00 AM
For the most part it is pretty darn smooth from what I've read. As been noted, it will not let you install until conflicts are fixed. From all that have been running 7 through the beta until now this is the real deal! Finally, Microsoft has offered up an OS that is clean, fast and reliable. The only reason that I haven't upgraded is that I must do a full clean install. I elected to have my mobile workstation loaded with XP Pro instead of Vista. I have to gather up all of my drivers and software before I commit to the major upgrade. I've been thinking that I may just have a new one built with 7/64 bit preinstalled.
XP is going strong in my computer at 32 bits. As long as it is running well, it stays. It starts quickly, runs fast and closes quickly.
When it decides to keel over, I'll go for the Windows 7 with Intel i7 and all of the frills. In that way, I'll only upload one time and handle incompatible problems as they come up.
Posted by Scott Nelson on November 3, 2009 at 1:57 AM
Hi Phil, I did a upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit over Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit. I had only 1 software issue; Kaspersky Internet Security (version 2010 is now Win 7 compatible). After the Kaspersky uninstall, I've had no issues at all, not a single one. The update takes some time to complete. I've noticed that after a week or so, it boots faster, and uses less resources than Vista did. I think I like Win 7 more than any OS to date.
Having done many, many OS installs, my first recommendation would be to back up all of your valuable docs, pics, music, and so on, onto another drive that you can disconnect from your system (just to be super safe) I tend to be hyper sensitive about keeping data safe and secure.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on November 3, 2009 at 4:56 AM
I've got a similar situation - an old Dell 4550 desktop (Pentium 4 at 2 Ghz) running XP SP3 that serves as our main work station. I've already had to replace a video card that had a fan on it (the fan started making a racket) and now one of the main cooling fans is getting noisy. Also, how long before the hard drive or some other component gives up? And of course with only 1 gig of memory, CS4 runs mighty slow.
So now it looks like it's time to get another desktop. The plan would be to keep the old Dell running until we get everything (successfully) moved over to the new machine. The question I'm pondering now is do I stick with XP or make the leap to W7 on the new PC?
Posted by Mark Caton on November 3, 2009 at 6:35 AM
I have a back up PC which I am in the process of upgrading to Win7 64-bit Home Premium. I have run the Release candidate version on it prior to this, and was reasonably confident that the full install would work.
Running a 2-core AMD Opteron processor with 4GB memory, it's running at roughly eqv speeds to my main machine, a 4-core intel Q6600 with 8GB memory running WinXP Pro 64-bit, although not yet fully loaded (PS etc.).
The install (clean) I have found to be the fastest of any of Microsoft's thus far - it found all my devices and had drivers for them without me having to dig out discs (e.g. nforce 4 device drivers) and manual installing.
One thing that helped the install was having a dedicated partition for operating system - all my image files are on seperate discs to start with.
XP Pro, whilst fast, was not fully supported either by MS, or other suppliers, so I was having to work round certain needs - e.g. my HP printer was limited in use, with frequent dropouts. Win7 is claimed to fix a number of USB issues, and I'm looking forward to that, together with the new drivers that HP brought out specific to Win 7.
Thanks for the pointer on scanner use - I have Vuescan too, and will work round that.
Posted by Larry Fischer on November 3, 2009 at 7:29 AM
For what it is worth my son said to wait several months, possibly until the first service pack is issued. Remember, "beta" testing is just that and although that phase is complete, what is the rush. Several months is not a lifetime.
I invoke the old idioum: "Don't be the first nor the last to accept a new idea".
I too have a free upgrade because I upgraded several months ago with a new computer and 64-bit Vista. I'm going to wait a while.
the fisch
Posted by Jerry Greer on November 3, 2009 at 7:49 AM
Jim,
If you are building a new system I'd for sure build it with 7. Everything that I've read has appointed this new OS as a pretty good equal to the Mac OS. There are users out there that have been running the beta since released with not one issue. This is unheard of with prior Windows betas. Are you doing another Dell? If you do be sure to go to Dell.com and enter the "Small Business" sells section. The offered systems and service options are much different from the consumer line. These guys will walk you through the best scenario for your new build and you'll have the option for the great Pro Service they offer. It's worth every dime! I'm definitely going to build a Windows 7 "64 bit" mobile workstation in the spring. I want the Core 2 Extreme processors to drop in price a bit before I do though, it's a $1050 upgrade in a mobile unit at the moment.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on November 3, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Jerry, thanks - I'm looking at the Vostro 430 with dual hard drives and 4 gigs of memory.
Posted by Curtis Knight on November 3, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I've been testing software professionally, for about 15 years, and in that time I've learned to avoid "upgrading" Windows. Thier track record is very poor in this area.
Any time I want to move to a new version of Windows, I back up my critical data, archive my email, and "flat the box." Meaning I boot to the install disk and tell the installer to wipe out the existing boot/system partition and install Windows from scratch.
It's a lot of tedious, time-consuming work. You have to reinstall and thus reconfigure all your software, but you will avoid a lot of problems down the road. Maybe they've fixed those issues by now, but knowing how complex an operating system is, I seriously doubt it.
As for the quality of the new OS, I haven't played with it much yet, but my collegues who absolutely detest Vista, are quite impressed with win7, and so far I've noticed that it's a much snappier system, but I haven't had time to really get to know it. So far my biggest complaint is that I can't configure it for the Windows "Classic" look and feel. I guess nothing lasts forever.
I tried Vista for about 9 months and hated it so much I finally went back to XP. So I'm going to be a little more carefull about moving to Win 7.
This thread seems to be getting lots of views, yet only two of us have reported that we have actually done the upgrade. I'm concerned that Curtis's advice that you do a clean install may influence some of you to do a clean install when you really should just take the easier upgrade option.
I have 20 years of experience as a Windows and MacOS programmer for large enterprises and my advice is that if your computer is so new that it qualifies for a free copy of Windows 7, it is unlikely to have become so junked up that you need to start from scratch.
If your computer is older I'm not sure why you would spend $120 for an upgrade given the current relatively low cost of new hardware. Why not wait and just get a new computer with 7 on it as the need arises. That's what I intend to do with a Dell notebook that is running Vista.
Apparently 6 million users participated in testing the beta and release candidate, so this version of Windows is much better tested at release than in the past. I'm still waiting for someone to ask specific questions. What are you worried about?
Upgrading operating systems is a lot like milking cows. In theory, there is a procedure that is fairly easy, but in practice you have to be prepared for a cow stepping on your foot, in the milk bucket, or a slap in the face with a manure filled tail.
That is, if you are asking me personally, or was that a rhetorical "you"?
Rhetorical. But I agree just like with repainting, preparation is key. That's why you (rhetorical again) have to back up your data preferably to an external drive. I also deactivated my Photoshop just to make sure I didn't loose an install.
First speed bump. Norton Ghost 12.0 is not compatible with W7. Ghost 15 is, but is not out yet. Downloaded another bu program and am running a full bu with it.
Posted by Bill Dark on November 5, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I thought I would jump in here with a comment/concern I have about CS3 and Windows 7. One of the hard drives crashed on my 4 year old Dell Sunday evening, which has prompted me to purchase a new CPU. I've read in various places about some compatibility/installation issues with Windows 7 and CS3 and 4, and would be interested in knowing if anyone has tried upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate, then installing the Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC downloads. Seems like running in XP mode would solve a lot of issues, Adobe doesn't seem to be of much help.
Oh yeah, I didn't have an opportunity to deactivate CS3 running on the crashed CPU, and the other license is currently active on my laptop. Will Adobe allow me to reinstall on the new desktop?
Bill, can't help with W7 and CS3. I'm using W7 and CS4 without any issues. As you may know, if your W7 is 64 bit CS4 will install a 64 bit version (and a 32 bit) which speeds up some processes and manages memory better.
As for Adobe allowing you to reinstall -- yes, but you may need to call them. I had this happen a year or so ago. Their tech guy went into their database and rolled back my number of installs to 1.
Well, I done did it. No problems so far, but the install took 4 hours. The only problem I faced was the Dell "upgrade assistant" DVD, which wouldn't run no way no how. But I got rid of the stuff MS said was incompatible (one program). And I downloaded their email program(s), Which I have yet to look at.
Well done Phil. I knew you could do it. I'm using Windows Live Mail too. It picked up all my settings from the Vista mail program.
Posted by Jerry Greer on November 6, 2009 at 11:57 PM
Hey Jim, you should look into a Dell Precision Workstation. They will give you the most power including GPU. Price wise they can be a little higher but in the end they are a little more graphics oriented.
David, I'm really wanting to jump to W7 but I built my mobile workstation with XP Pro instead of Vista and I'll have to do a clean install. I'm probably going to wait on that new "bad ass" Dell mobile workstation I see in my future! My system now just blazes along so why fix a good thing now? I do look forward to using W7 though!
Discussion
22 repliesAny thoughts, pitfalls to avoid, wise steps to take, etc., before I start? Frankly, I find the whole process somewhat daunting.
The upgrade (rather than clean install) process was almost entirely automated. It appeared to copy my existing programs somewhere safe and then put them back. CS4 was restored exactly as I had left it -- even the most recently used items. Of course you should back up your data just in case...
Give yourself time, however. Depending on how much it has to copy it will take awhile. In my case 3 1/2 hours. Also it won't let you install until you resolve any issues it finds as potentially incompatible. I have an old Polaroid slide scanner that is supported by Vuescan. It flagged the scanner driver as an issue, so I had to uninstall Vuescan. After the upgrade I just put Vuescan back and it works just fine.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
So............how did it go? I too am sitting here with disk in hand............
When it decides to keel over, I'll go for the Windows 7 with Intel i7 and all of the frills. In that way, I'll only upload one time and handle incompatible problems as they come up.
Having done many, many OS installs, my first recommendation would be to back up all of your valuable docs, pics, music, and so on, onto another drive that you can disconnect from your system (just to be super safe) I tend to be hyper sensitive about keeping data safe and secure.
So now it looks like it's time to get another desktop. The plan would be to keep the old Dell running until we get everything (successfully) moved over to the new machine. The question I'm pondering now is do I stick with XP or make the leap to W7 on the new PC?
Running a 2-core AMD Opteron processor with 4GB memory, it's running at roughly eqv speeds to my main machine, a 4-core intel Q6600 with 8GB memory running WinXP Pro 64-bit, although not yet fully loaded (PS etc.).
The install (clean) I have found to be the fastest of any of Microsoft's thus far - it found all my devices and had drivers for them without me having to dig out discs (e.g. nforce 4 device drivers) and manual installing.
One thing that helped the install was having a dedicated partition for operating system - all my image files are on seperate discs to start with.
XP Pro, whilst fast, was not fully supported either by MS, or other suppliers, so I was having to work round certain needs - e.g. my HP printer was limited in use, with frequent dropouts. Win7 is claimed to fix a number of USB issues, and I'm looking forward to that, together with the new drivers that HP brought out specific to Win 7.
Thanks for the pointer on scanner use - I have Vuescan too, and will work round that.
I invoke the old idioum: "Don't be the first nor the last to accept a new idea".
I too have a free upgrade because I upgraded several months ago with a new computer and 64-bit Vista. I'm going to wait a while.
the fisch
If you are building a new system I'd for sure build it with 7. Everything that I've read has appointed this new OS as a pretty good equal to the Mac OS. There are users out there that have been running the beta since released with not one issue. This is unheard of with prior Windows betas. Are you doing another Dell? If you do be sure to go to Dell.com and enter the "Small Business" sells section. The offered systems and service options are much different from the consumer line. These guys will walk you through the best scenario for your new build and you'll have the option for the great Pro Service they offer. It's worth every dime! I'm definitely going to build a Windows 7 "64 bit" mobile workstation in the spring. I want the Core 2 Extreme processors to drop in price a bit before I do though, it's a $1050 upgrade in a mobile unit at the moment.
Any time I want to move to a new version of Windows, I back up my critical data, archive my email, and "flat the box." Meaning I boot to the install disk and tell the installer to wipe out the existing boot/system partition and install Windows from scratch.
It's a lot of tedious, time-consuming work. You have to reinstall and thus reconfigure all your software, but you will avoid a lot of problems down the road. Maybe they've fixed those issues by now, but knowing how complex an operating system is, I seriously doubt it.
As for the quality of the new OS, I haven't played with it much yet, but my collegues who absolutely detest Vista, are quite impressed with win7, and so far I've noticed that it's a much snappier system, but I haven't had time to really get to know it. So far my biggest complaint is that I can't configure it for the Windows "Classic" look and feel. I guess nothing lasts forever.
I tried Vista for about 9 months and hated it so much I finally went back to XP. So I'm going to be a little more carefull about moving to Win 7.
Just my $.02
-CK
I have 20 years of experience as a Windows and MacOS programmer for large enterprises and my advice is that if your computer is so new that it qualifies for a free copy of Windows 7, it is unlikely to have become so junked up that you need to start from scratch.
If your computer is older I'm not sure why you would spend $120 for an upgrade given the current relatively low cost of new hardware. Why not wait and just get a new computer with 7 on it as the need arises. That's what I intend to do with a Dell notebook that is running Vista.
Apparently 6 million users participated in testing the beta and release candidate, so this version of Windows is much better tested at release than in the past. I'm still waiting for someone to ask specific questions. What are you worried about?
That is, if you are asking me personally, or was that a rhetorical "you"?
Oh yeah, I didn't have an opportunity to deactivate CS3 running on the crashed CPU, and the other license is currently active on my laptop. Will Adobe allow me to reinstall on the new desktop?
As for Adobe allowing you to reinstall -- yes, but you may need to call them. I had this happen a year or so ago. Their tech guy went into their database and rolled back my number of installs to 1.
David, I'm really wanting to jump to W7 but I built my mobile workstation with XP Pro instead of Vista and I'll have to do a clean install. I'm probably going to wait on that new "bad ass" Dell mobile workstation I see in my future! My system now just blazes along so why fix a good thing now? I do look forward to using W7 though!