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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: Emjaybee on Saturday 31 October 09 18:57 GMT (UK)

Title: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 31 October 09 18:57 GMT (UK)
Be aware that the free Windows 7 upgrade may be chargeable.
My Sony upgrade will cost me £20 for p&p - however, that is not too bad for a £200 prog.

If you recently bought a new PC check if you have the right to the "free upgrade".

I hope I don't regret it.

Yours in trepidation
Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: geniecolgan on Saturday 31 October 09 19:22 GMT (UK)
I'll be very interested to know how you make out Mike.

I'm going to have to bite the bullet sometime  :-\

Good luck!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 31 October 09 20:03 GMT (UK)
I'll post my experience, but there is a 3 week delay in despatching my order at present so it will be a bit of a wait.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: percy porter on Sunday 01 November 09 07:52 GMT (UK)
Just done the same on my new HP Notebook (used to call them Laptops) cost me US$19.99. better than the minimum NZ$299.00, which it goes for a the moment. 

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Beaumontiful2 on Sunday 01 November 09 13:23 GMT (UK)
I'm going to wait to hear how others manage before upgrading to 7.

Beaumont
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Christine in Portugal on Sunday 01 November 09 14:28 GMT (UK)

 I have also just ordered mine from Sony.

When I pre registered for it I'm sure it said it would cost €12 but on ordering it was €25, shipping and handling charge, programme free  ???

Could take up to 3 weeks.

Christine
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: les_looking on Sunday 01 November 09 17:57 GMT (UK)
I'm going to wait to hear how others manage before upgrading to 7.

Beaumont

My son has done a clean install and works a lot faster for his gaming,
i have upgraded my laptop (from vista) and again has improved speeds,
easy to do as it does various compatibility checks and any programmes that have issues it will tell you first, i only had one and that was power dvd that was installed from day 1 and i never use, i know 3-4 people that have upgraded or done a clean install and no problems at all,

timewise upgrade took longer to do than a clean install (2-3 hours) but again very straight forward, so don't upgrade at a time when you want to get back to doing something quickly, once you have agreed to checks etc,
you can then leave it to do it's thing for a couple of hours.

After install on the upgrade i checked all loaded programmes and all seem to work ok, have 4 computers on a network and they all resumed working as normal.

Websites i had in my favs' all still there and didn't require user/passwords, so didn't delete cookies, no major changes to confuse you to much,
so to recap, (in MY opinion) Windows 7 is deffo faster/slicker, easy to upgrade (my upgrade was done from vista) and all in all was a positve ;)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: falcybe on Sunday 01 November 09 18:44 GMT (UK)
Well, I'm keeping to my Vista for the moment, bought last August (2008) and with enough memory to run quickly, because I love it. However, I shall keep an eye on all you who have gone for 7 and wait for the ideal moment to upgrade. Let us know if the 7 runs the Office 7, with the new ribbons. I'm getting to grips with that and I really cannot see MS going back to the old ways.
cheers, falcybe
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Sunday 01 November 09 22:18 GMT (UK)
Be aware that the free Windows 7 upgrade may be chargeable.
My Sony upgrade will cost me £20 for p&p - however, that is not too bad for a £200 prog.

£200 ?   You're shopping in the wrong shop !    ;D
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jessie711 on Tuesday 10 November 09 17:16 GMT (UK)
I pre ordered my upgrade through Amazon it arrived about Nov. 3rd.

I made sure that my computers software and drivers were all up to date. After the installation which took about 2 hours everything appeared to be working as it should.

My problems started after I installed the first set of windows 7 updates.

After installing and on the 2nd restart I lost my internet connection on checking I found that I was connected to multiple networks and no Internet connection. My only solution was to do a system restore.

I tried to install the updates one at a time to determine which one was causing the problem. No matter which update I installed I ended up with the same problem.

After many hours with both Microsoft and HP technical support it was determined that although my computer was up to date the firmware for my model of computer had not yet been updated for Windows 7.

The solution according to Microsoft was to do a system restore and to block the windows automatic updates for at least a month. By this time HP should have released the necessary updates. This I did.

I then installed Photoshop CS3 on the computer. After restarting the computer I again found myself connected to multiple networks with no Internet access. This time after the system restore I was still connected to multiply networks with no Internet access.

I have now reinstalled Vista Home Premium and the net result is I have lost all of my emails prior to Nov. 3rd and according to MSN there is no way of recovering them as only those emails after Nov 3rd are on their server.

In my humble opinion and for what it’s worth Microsoft released Windows 7 too early. I would recommend anyone considering upgrading to contact their computer manufacturer and check for updated firmware.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Tuesday 10 November 09 17:47 GMT (UK)
My upgrade is specific to my Sony Viao - I had to enter the model and serial number to be redirected to the correct version.I hope I dont have your problems.

Thank you for sharing with us.

I am aware of the price scale but mine is Vista Ultimate and a bit dearer, however as it  is cheaper elsewhere it may not be specific to my laptop..

Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: GenealogyPrinters on Wednesday 11 November 09 13:20 GMT (UK)
I've just bought a new lappie with Windows 7 installed, I think it's great, not dissimilar from XP, after 6 days of constant use I have had no difficulties at all, for once I think MS have got it right.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Friday 13 November 09 11:37 GMT (UK)
I DID IT...MY LAPTOP STILL WORKS ;D ;D ;D

Windows 7 upgrade (remember this is specific to my Vaio and supplied  irect from Sony) went on with no snags. It does take over two hours but the instuctions warned of this. One niggle was my warning screen were not as decribed but that was soon sorted by just pressing cancel.
My instructions also included advice on how to make restore discs and back up files in case of problems, which was a bit disconcerting.
All my programmes and files, e-mails etc were back in place, I have not found anything missing, yet!
The new task bar at the bottom is a usefull addition, and libraries that store all your docs and pics in one place.
My screen looks sharper and brighter but this is probably down to new updated drivers.
The start up is much faster and they claim search works faster too.
The Shut Down button is now on its own and no longer under start up.
Windows can be bumped at the top to maximise, clear etc.

Only one draw back, fingerprint recognition does not work, it is installed and says "This is working" but it does not show as an  option on boot up.

I am posting this the next day after upgrading as I felt somebody might be waiting, no doubt I shall find other little tweaks and twiddles as I progress.

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Friday 13 November 09 16:11 GMT (UK)
The fingerprint log in is now working.
The manufactures help desk (Upek), were most helpful providing detailed instructions as to a special driver for Win 7.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 14 November 09 09:05 GMT (UK)
Photoshop is much faster starting and pictures open faster too. The window docking thingy works allowing two windows to sit side by side and interact. The libraries collect docs and pcis into one place regardless of where the original is stored.



Polite note:
Is anybody actually reading this?

Mike 
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Joyful on Saturday 14 November 09 09:28 GMT (UK)
I am Mike, I haven't upgraded as yet so I find it all interesting ;)

Joy
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: charlotteCH on Saturday 14 November 09 09:38 GMT (UK)
I'm reading it Mike...  ;D
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Christine in Portugal on Saturday 14 November 09 09:40 GMT (UK)
I'm also reading this, still waiting for mine to arrive from Sony and pleased to hear yours is ok.

Christine
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 14 November 09 10:44 GMT (UK)
Thanks for your replies.

As I find new bits I will continue to post (good or bad) no bad bits since updated finger print log on software.

I have been using the dock two windows thingy to add files to my tree, I know we can set up two windows, but bashing  the windows on the edge of the screen is quick and easy. The waggle facility clears the screen of all clutter in no time.

There are several video tutorials on line, the seven second  ones are quite good, amazing what they can cram in to seven seconds.

Mike

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 14 November 09 14:01 GMT (UK)
This what happens when you right click IE, just choose where to go.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: geniecolgan on Saturday 14 November 09 18:49 GMT (UK)
I'm reading it Mike and getting very positives vibes from what you are saying.

Cheers,
genie :)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jamjar on Saturday 14 November 09 21:45 GMT (UK)
Have just discovered that Toshiba have the same upgrade deal. I should have W7 some time next week. Unfortunately, I purchased my wizz bang laptop 10 days too early for the offer.  :'( Having it on the laptop, I use for work, though, will give me time to decide if it's worth updating all my computers. I'll have XP, Vista and W7 for a comparison.

Jamjar
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: newbie on Sunday 15 November 09 12:28 GMT (UK)
I'm also reading the topic Mike, so interested to hear how things are going, I have a Sony Vaio  (Nov 2008) so will have to buy the upgrade but its reasonable at Tescos right now!
pauline
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: oldhippy on Sunday 15 November 09 12:50 GMT (UK)
Before you all run off to buy Windows 7 you want to make sure your computer will be able to handle the upgrade. If your not sure just type in google Windows 7 upgrade there you will find the microsoft site where you can download a small piece of software which will scan your P C. It will tell you if you can run 7 or what you need to upgrade or update. 


One of the problems will be your graphics card. 
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Sunday 15 November 09 13:58 GMT (UK)
I've just found Hi Res video stunning.

The system back up takes 4 DVDs.

The more I use it the better it seems, just used the snipping tool to take copies off the screen.
Often first impressions are misleading, but I've been at this game since 1997 Win 3.1 etc. and Win 7 does what is says on the box for me.

Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Sunday 15 November 09 14:38 GMT (UK)
I`ve been running Win 7 RC for a few months....Its the Mutts Nuts.

Just gotta put Win 7 Pro onto my PC.

As good as XP, more than happy to run it, its better than Vista.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: newbie on Sunday 15 November 09 14:50 GMT (UK)
I've just run the Upgrade adviser and my laptop is fine. just a few things need uninstalling/reinstalling. so I'm still thinking about it.....
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: oldhippy on Sunday 15 November 09 14:53 GMT (UK)
I`ve been running Win 7 RC for a few months....Its the Mutts Nuts.

Just gotta put Win 7 Pro onto my PC.

As good as XP, more than happy to run it, its better than Vista.

Anything is better then Vista. ;D Like no computer at all.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Monday 16 November 09 10:38 GMT (UK)
My installation instructions detailed which drivers etc must be removed before updating. Some manufacturers are stating Win7 drivers under development so it will be worthwhile checking your system details and look on their web site for  updates first. Win7 is said to come with a very large array of drivers, but as stated my finger print scanner had to be installed off the web site after help from their techy guy.

The hi-res wallpaper is getting ooohs and aahs from the OH.

My microphone didnt work, then I realised I need a headset on this laptop, no built in microphone like the old one. I was all too ready to blame Win 7,  so make sure you don't get caught out too.

Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Monday 16 November 09 18:56 GMT (UK)
Some manufacturers are stating Win7 drivers under development so it will be worthwhile checking your system details and look on their web site for  updates first.

........

Mike

Just to add some more to Mike`s post.

If you are struggling for Win7 drivers, try Vista drivers, I had to use a Vista driver for my HP Printer.

Also if you have problems with hardware/software go to the manufacturers website & see if there are any work arounds for issues/problems with certain hardware/software, Microsoft does list some issues & has links to the suggested solutions.

Another thing to watch out for is whether you install Win7 32bit or Win7 64bit, you`ll need the appropriate drivers (32bit or 64bit).
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Tuesday 17 November 09 12:50 GMT (UK)
I've had a copy of Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) laying around on my desk for a couple of weeks now, at the weekend I decided to install it, and I'm sorry to report that it wasn't all plain sailing  :'(

Because I'm running XP, and I can't afford to be without a computer, I installed Windows 7 on an unused disk partition, and I set it up so I could dual-boot into either XP or Windows 7.  The installation went without a hitch (I'd already run the compatability test), and all appeared to be OK until I noticed a small square in the bottom right-hand corner with a yellow warning triangle with an exclamation mark in the middle of it.   Hovering the mouse over this icon, a box came up which said Windows Network No Internet Access  ::)  I could access all the other computers in my home/office network, but not the internet. 

Now, I'm pretty experienced with computers, and I've been on basic networking courses, and looking at the Windows settings there didn't appear to be anything wrong with them at all.  Unfortunately, internet access problems are the worst ones to have, because you can't access the internet to get online help.

Anyway, I fired up trusty old XP, and Googled for Windows 7 internet access problems, and it appears that these are quite common on Windows 7.  I found a forum where a user was having identical problems to me, and the people there gave him a couple of things to try.  Well, the one which worked for him didn't work for me, but the second thing that was suggested (that I'd already tried) now worked for me.  I'll include the technical details of what I did below, in case anyone here has the same problem.  You are really only likely to see it if you access the internet via a router, and not via a modem connected to the USB port or a built-in ADSL modem.

Now for the tech bits

The PC is set up with an IP address of 192.168.1.41, which is obtained by DHCP from a DrayTek 2820 ethernet router (IP bound to MAC address). When I look at the settings in Windows 7, it all looks OK.....

PC address 192.168.1.41
Address Mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway Address 192.168.1.1
DNS Addresses 217.169.20 20, 217.169.20.21 (obtained from the router)

I can pull up the router's web page OK, but I can't resolve any URL's. Windows 7 diagnostics says that there is a problem accessing the DNS.

I've downloaded the latest 64-bit Windows driver for the Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCDI-E gigabit IP controller in the PC.

The fixes

In Windows 7, click on Start

then in the search box at the bottom, type cmd but do not hit enter !

Then hit the CTRL-SHIFT-ENTER keys simultaneously.

A box will come up asking if you want to run this program, reply YES.

This gives a command box with Admin rights.


Then at the prompt, type in netsh int ip reset [Enter]

When the prompt reappears, close the box.

This has worked for most people. It didn't for me. I also had to set my network card to use the OpenDNS settings

208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220


and then it worked. I'd already tried to use manual DNS settings before, and it didn't work.

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Tuesday 17 November 09 13:27 GMT (UK)
Thanks for that Nick.

No doubt another RC member will bless you when the same happens on their PC.

Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Tuesday 17 November 09 19:55 GMT (UK)
Just ran the upgrade advisor to see whether my Acer was by any remote chance compatible with 7. Must have been joking. Has to be a new machine, So at least it will be a clean fresh start.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Friday 20 November 09 19:22 GMT (UK)
The more l use it the better it gets.

This was done using handwriting recognition.

Not a key was pressed!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: JeanH on Saturday 21 November 09 11:36 GMT (UK)
At present I am using Vista on an 11 month old computer.  In the "good old days" when one purchased a new computer, it came with a disc of whichever operationg system was installed on the machine.  Now the systems is in a partitioned part of the hard drive and one has to make a back up disc in case the hard drive goes walkabout.
   Having read the previous posts on Windows 7 I would prefere to do a "clean" installation not an upgrade from Vista.  At least that way if anything goes wrong, I have the disc. 
   I then went looking for prices, shock horror, around £200+.  Has anyone seen a reliable outlet which has a lower price?  Also, how many computers can one install the disc on?  I have the feeling that I might be better waiting a bit longer, perhaps to the middle of the next year before making the change, maybe the price will come down and any bugs will have been ironed out.
Regards JeanH
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Saturday 21 November 09 11:51 GMT (UK)
You can get Win7 for less than £200.

Much depends on what version you want, personally I see little point in Ultimate, I`ve got 2 full Pro copies, got them on the special advanced order thing about £180 for both copies IIRC.

You can only instal one copy on one PC, you cannot instal the same copy on another PC, you`ll require a second licence or full copy. With a full Retail copy, you can install on another PC if your one dies.

Tesco http://direct.tesco.com/q/N.1998893/Nr.99.aspx

You could use an OEM disc they are cheaper, but you cannot use it on another PC should your one die...
http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/System-Builder-Software-%28OEM%29/subcat/Windows-7

Hope this helps.

Steve

There are possible ways to overcome some of the above issues, but not really legally.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Saturday 21 November 09 11:59 GMT (UK)
A little more info, you can get a Microsoft Windows 7 Family Pack - Upgrade for 3 computers

http://www.rootschat.com/links/07jy/

This will alow you to install on 3 PC`s.

A comparision of the versions..
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx

An interesting article I bookmarked...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8317005.stm
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: JeanH on Saturday 21 November 09 14:05 GMT (UK)
Stevieuk
Thank you very much indeed for the reply to my post.   After reading the articles you so kindly linked, I would still go for the "Clean Install" although after the New Year when prices have fallen a bit.  Windows 7 sounds like a good upgrade but what on earth possessed Microsoft to confuse everyone with so many different versions of the system?
Many thanks
JeanH
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 22 November 09 14:39 GMT (UK)
When I do it I shall go for a new computer with the system already installed. Like the idea of hand writing recognition. I shall at least give it a trial on that score!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Wednesday 25 November 09 18:42 GMT (UK)
It is still working well.
The window bumping is very useful. Hand writing recognition is really good and quickly learns new words.
There must be much more than the quicker start up -faster start of Photoshop etc  l keep finding things as I need to do more.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Thursday 26 November 09 08:57 GMT (UK)
Mmmmm..... I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the fast startup.  I remember that XP was very quick to start when I first got it, but as more and more programs have been added which require modules and drivers to be loaded as Windows starts, it got slower and slower.  I fear that Windows 7 may suffer the same fate.

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Thursday 26 November 09 11:14 GMT (UK)
I am running the same apps. as l did an upgrade.
Win 7.was demonstrated running 16 LCD monitors and using 50% of the 4 gb ram.so l presume from that they were trying to show it was less memory hungry.
As was said before the advantage or disadvantages will depend on your set up. l run a Sony AW Laptop built to Upgrade to Win7 so had little trouble

This has developed into a most interesting string since. the original post. Thanks go to all contributors
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jamjar on Thursday 26 November 09 11:18 GMT (UK)
Now have it on one of my laptops. Haven't had time to study it yet, but I just love being able to have two usable windows open side by side.

Can't get Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to run on my PC.  :-\

Jamjar
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 26 November 09 15:13 GMT (UK)
Perhaps with writing like mine though handwriting recognition is not such a good idea!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Thursday 26 November 09 21:01 GMT (UK)
Now have it on one of my laptops. Haven't had time to study it yet, but I just love being able to have two usable windows open side by side.

You can only actually type in one or the other though at any one time or am I missing something?

Having multiple windows open isn`t exactly new, I must be missing something... ???

Can't get Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to run on my PC.  :-\

Jamjar

I cannot understand why Advisor won`t run, unless your security won`t let it?

Is there no advice on Microsoft`s site?
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jamjar on Thursday 26 November 09 22:13 GMT (UK)
You can only actually type in one or the other though at any one time or am I missing something?

Am referring to the 'Snap' facility.

Can't get Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to run on my PC.

I did check the Windows site for advice. The program downloads, I click 'Run' and it disappears. No message from my security progam.

Can anyone get the 'Shake' facility to work?

Jamjar
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Friday 27 November 09 06:27 GMT (UK)
You can only actually type in one or the other though at any one time or am I missing something?

Am referring to the 'Snap' facility.

Ahh, knew I had to be missing something... :)


Can't get Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to run on my PC.

I did check the Windows site for advice. The program downloads, I click 'Run' and it disappears. No message from my security progam.

Strange ???

Can anyone get the 'Shake' facility to work?

Jamjar

Shake works on mine.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Friday 27 November 09 11:34 GMT (UK)
Perhaps with writing like mine though handwriting recognition is not such a good idea!

Try it with some of Gordon Brown's handwriting - if it works for his, it'll work for anyone !  ;D

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Friday 27 November 09 15:47 GMT (UK)
A friend of ours changed his from 32 to 64 bit and I am still waiting for his re-action to the new program.

My husband doesn't like Vista at all, he was thinking of changing his back to XP.  I am not keen because it is so slow,  but Vista does have some nobby little things with regards framing photos etc. and I produce a magazine for a Charity for their volunteers, with a friend of mine who is a volunteer and works there.  So now I am waiting to see his answer and I am very interested in everyones opinions on 7 on Rootschat.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Friday 27 November 09 17:38 GMT (UK)
My writing is worse than Gordons! Shortly before I took early retirement I clerked a major meeting, in connection with the reorganization that caused my retirement. I then went back to my own job, which was very busy, preparing for the reorganization, senior management asked for my notes so that they could write the meeting up. They abandoned the attempt in despair, shortly after I retired.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Wednesday 02 December 09 15:21 GMT (UK)
BSOD HITS WIN 7

Here we go folks, Microsoft has acknowledged that a Black Screen of Death has been hitting PCs with Win 7.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Friday 04 December 09 15:49 GMT (UK)
Saw an article on BSOD yesterday, apparently it can hit XP Vista and W7, so be very careful when downloading updates from microsoft, as they can increase vulnerabilities and let it in. There is a fix apparently.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 04 December 09 16:25 GMT (UK)
BSOD HITS WIN 7

Here we go folks, Microsoft has acknowledged that a Black Screen of Death has been hitting PCs with Win 7.

The security company which first made this claim has withdrawn it and apologised to Microsoft. Further investigation has shown that those computers affected appear to have  been hit by some form of Malware.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8388253.stm
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 10 December 09 20:40 GMT (UK)
Has anyone got any further news on Windows ?

I need to get a new laptop and I'm still trying to decide whether to retreat to Mac or to go with W7  :-\


Gadget
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: RJ_Paton on Thursday 10 December 09 22:36 GMT (UK)
Quote
whether to retreat to Mac

That would be implying that Macs are a backward step  ;)


Windows 7 is pretty good and has survived everything I've thrown at it - many programs which wouldn't work under Vista run perfectly happily under W7. The XP compatibility feature is much better and even got my R300 printer up and running when Vista had ignored it.

The number and quality of drivers supplied with W7 are much more extensive
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Koromo on Thursday 10 December 09 23:46 GMT (UK)


... whether to retreat to Mac ...



Eh?
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Friday 11 December 09 08:54 GMT (UK)
Most people who own Macs also own a PC, to run the software that they can't get for the Mac.   My Windows 7 continues to work just fine - it's not in regular use yet, because I'm still in the process of moving the multitude of programs that I have on XP over to it.

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Friday 11 December 09 08:55 GMT (UK)


... whether to retreat to Mac ...



Eh?

 ;D ;D ;D

Retreat as in safe haven;  away from the madness; etc.


Thanks for the info, Falkyrn  :)


Gadget
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Friday 11 December 09 14:42 GMT (UK)
Quite right Gadget; Have you sought refuge in Mac yet?
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Friday 11 December 09 21:24 GMT (UK)
I did in about 1990, Roger  ;)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Saturday 12 December 09 18:19 GMT (UK)
So far have lacked the guts (funds) to have a go, though I always like playing with technical things, and like the idea of running several operating systems on one machine, have played around with Virtualization on this machine. Also like building model trains, and this too takes time and of course cash.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: wyndham on Saturday 12 December 09 19:57 GMT (UK)
I have been running Windows Home Premium for the last 4 weeks and am very satisfied with it.  Prior to this I was using Vista, but on advice from an IT friend, went for a clean installation rather than the upgrade, as I was experiencing a small problem with my HP printer which could not be resolved by that company.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: percy porter on Wednesday 30 December 09 05:07 GMT (UK)
as we speak my HP laptop is getting upgraded to Windoze 7.  Watch this space.

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 31 December 09 17:32 GMT (UK)
I have a query re Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 professional.

On the Dell lookup list, it shows the Prof version as being able to run XP progs without probs but not the Home Premium. Is this so becasue the laptop that I'm considering seems to be shipped with Home Premium only. OK, I could install the Prof version on top but why should I if I've paid ££££s.

Question - has anyone had any probs with running XP software on Windows 7 Home Premium?


Gadget

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Thursday 31 December 09 18:09 GMT (UK)
I have a query re Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 professional.

On the Dell lookup list, it shows the Prof version as being able to run XP progs without probs but not the Home Premium. Is this so becasue the laptop that I'm considering seems to be shipped with Home Premium only. OK, I could install the Prof version on top but why should I if I've paid ££££s.

Question - has anyone had any probs with running XP software on Windows 7 Home Premium?


Gadget



You might find the answer/help in my post below.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,426967.msg2921637.html#msg2921637

Although you could try Nick29`s suggestion..a couple of posts down from mine.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,426967.msg2922288.html#msg2922288

I haven`t used Win7 Premium only Win7 RC (haven`t got round to installing Pro yet-too much else to do) so cannot answer the last question...but I suspect "some" not all XP programs won`t work...More so drivers & will depend on whether you have 32bit or 64bit Win7.

From what I`ve read the XP compatabilty gadget works well, haven`t tried it myself...

Regards.

Steve
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: RJ_Paton on Thursday 31 December 09 18:51 GMT (UK)
I have a query re Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 professional.

On the Dell lookup list, it shows the Prof version as being able to run XP progs without probs but not the Home Premium. Is this so becasue the laptop that I'm considering seems to be shipped with Home Premium only. OK, I could install the Prof version on top but why should I if I've paid ££££s.

Question - has anyone had any probs with running XP software on Windows 7 Home Premium?


Gadget




Professional and Ultimate have an additional Virtual XP Compatability mode which enables any rogue programs to run within that environment.

I had no problems at all when running the 32 bit version of W7 however when I changed to the 64 bit version the only program which gave me any bother was the 1881 census and BVRI viewer program which steadfastly refuses to run in a 64bit environment. Many older programs obtained from various FH groups have installed and run perfectly using the Administrator and compatibility options.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 31 December 09 18:56 GMT (UK)
Thank you both  :)

I'm still in the 'undecided' camp but my laptop is slowly giving out and I tend to keep this big machine for my 'proper' work  :-X

I might just use this one for programs that don't work  :)


Gadget
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: percy porter on Thursday 31 December 09 21:39 GMT (UK)
I have just completed the upgrade to Windows 7 Professional and so far, apart from problems with my lack of familiarity with it I have no complaints, it is very "Appleish" if there is such a word.  It is running ok all my possibly suspect programs ie. TMG, Adobe Audition and iTunes.

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Koromo on Thursday 31 December 09 22:27 GMT (UK)

.

... it is very "Appleish" if there is such a word.



I'm sure there is!  ;) 
(http://homepage.mac.com/koromo/ApLogo.gif)ish

Happy New Year, Alan.

Cheers
Koromo
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: percy porter on Friday 01 January 10 02:19 GMT (UK)
And your sentiments are returned,  heading of up to the 'big smoke at sparrows f*rt tommorrow. A C & W concert on at ARANGA.

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Friday 01 January 10 08:54 GMT (UK)
Hi again

I've been doing some more investigations and find that I can buy W7 Professional for £30 more than Home Premium (Ultimate is an extra £90) so I'm going to go that route.  I like the idea of Apple-ish  :)

I'll report back when I take delivery.


Gadget
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: percy porter on Friday 01 January 10 09:02 GMT (UK)
it was easy to install and is a fraction of the size of Vista

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Friday 01 January 10 16:23 GMT (UK)
Applish - core!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jessie711 on Friday 01 January 10 18:24 GMT (UK)
True very Applish - Bonjour services by Apple has many conflicts with Windows 7.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 01 January 10 19:58 GMT (UK)
True very Applish - Bonjour services by Apple has many conflicts with Windows 7.

None here
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Jamjar on Thursday 14 January 10 13:09 GMT (UK)
Took a chance and purchased a Dell W7 Ultimate upgrade for my Toshiba laptop, on EBAY. Have just finished the couple of hours upgrading and all is running fine. It only cost me AU$160, so I'm a happy camper.

Now I have my PC and a laptop on W7 Home Premium and a laptop on Ultimate. Haven't had time to notice any differences.

Jamjar
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Saturday 16 January 10 12:08 GMT (UK)
Is anybody using Windows 7  Starter Edition - does it include accessories preinstalled, please?
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Saturday 16 January 10 20:30 GMT (UK)
Is anybody using Windows 7  Starter Edition - does it include accessories preinstalled, please?

Isn`t it the "Cut down" version for Netbooks & Developing contries?

The link below may answer some questions.

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/05/29/let-s-talk-about-windows-7-starter.aspx
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 17 January 10 19:18 GMT (UK)
Personally as one who intends to switch to W7 shortly I wouldn't bother with the starter edition, just stick to XP on a netbook. As for the "developing countries" I seem to sense that American Imperialism is alive and well and living in Redmond!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Wednesday 27 January 10 16:23 GMT (UK)
A friend of ours, Corry has just downloaded "free" Beta 7 Office and says that it is working fine.  Has accepted some of his old xp programs with no bother.  But he has 64 bit on his machine and says that I need to change one of my drivers and something kto change it kto a 64 from 32 before I should upgrade again.

Vista Ultimate.  I nearly forgot, is kkwhat I now have in my computer.  Sensitive keyboard this.  spend most of my time going back and deleting all the k's.

marcie
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 28 January 10 14:34 GMT (UK)
I had the opportunity to download the Office Beta, but declined it as it is a time limited edition.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Sunday 31 January 10 11:30 GMT (UK)
FIRST WIN 7  CRASH

Well more of a skid really. On boot - black screen "Hard drive has errors - then a count down to repair time 9 8 7 6". Says - Press any key to cancel - laptop starts up ignoring error. System restore refused to work "Disc error." All repair options when running say "HDD error. Can only repair when Windows not running."
Reboot again and again - nothing, laptop stops on black screen with writing on. Message remains with 1 second left on count down and does not go on to repair sequence. 

ANSWER

Insert sytem restore disk, boot from that - one error found repaired

All working again.

I just thought this may be worth reporting in case anybody else gets locked out of system restore. Be sure to make a system restore disk.

Mike
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: stevieuk on Sunday 31 January 10 12:48 GMT (UK)

I just thought this may be worth reporting in case anybody else gets locked out of system restore. Be sure to make a system restore disk.

Mike

Any problem with a solution is worthwhile.

& the advice " Be sure to make a system restore disk." should be "MAKE YOU SURE YOU MAKE A SYSTEM RESTORE DISK!!!!!", Yes I know it rude to use Caps as its seen as shouting, but its worth it, if it saves one person from a whole heap of grief.

Mike

Just a couple of bits missing from your post that may help.

What version of Win7 are you using & is it 32/64bit?

Was it a Clean Install or an upgrade & from what?

I know the questions are picky, but every little helps.

Steve
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Sunday 31 January 10 12:54 GMT (UK)
Windows Ultimate 64 bit
Pre-installed on new laptop
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Sunday 31 January 10 13:12 GMT (UK)
My main concern would be that you've had a disk corruption so soon on a new PC.  I'd be very careful - if it happens again, the corruption may be on a file that you haven't got another copy of  :-\

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Sunday 31 January 10 13:23 GMT (UK)
I remember seeing a message among my search for a repair that a programme had not closed properly. I checked task manager that showed it running but not on the taskbar. I had to close down quickly yesterday when we had visitors and I remember seeing a message "these are still runing - force shut down?" which I did. This may be the root of the problem, all progs will be closed in future.

There was only one error and the message said this will take an hour to repair, but the repair was done in seconds. The laptop is runing faster too!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Monday 01 February 10 10:12 GMT (UK)

I just thought this may be worth reporting in case anybody else gets locked out of system restore. Be sure to make a system restore disk.

Mike


OK My new Studio 17  laptop with W7 Prof has arrived - so the first thing I do is charge the battery and make a system restore disk.  Is that so    :D ???  :D


Gadget
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 01 February 10 10:19 GMT (UK)
Certainly not...... you will have to do what I did with mine..... spend an hour downloading and installing all the W7 updates !  :)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Monday 01 February 10 10:27 GMT (UK)
Yes but that goes without saying (after I've connected to the internet!)  - I'm still reading the booklets  8)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Monday 01 February 10 12:05 GMT (UK)
HDD checks out o'k no bad sectors. I think it was my fault not closing properly.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 01 February 10 12:11 GMT (UK)
That's reassuring  :)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Monday 01 February 10 12:16 GMT (UK)
Yes, had me worried for bit. I spent my savings on this laptop at 70yrs I doubt if I shall get another.
Title: Re: Office7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Monday 01 February 10 15:09 GMT (UK)
I had the opportunity to download the Office Beta, but declined it as it is a time limited edition.
Corry says that although it does have a time limit on it, it does not make a difference as you are being used as guinea pigs to tell Microsoft about any bugs, so they will never bother about cutting you off.  Bkut He also says although it upgrades Xp, and Vista it does not like Windows 7, which I find really strange because the way I look at it, it is basically the same programme with updates.

marcie
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Monday 01 February 10 15:12 GMT (UK)
Yes, had me worried for bit. I spent my savings on this laptop at 70yrs I doubt if I shall get another.
Never say Never, as you may win the pools or the lottery and get a super duper satellite computer or laptop.

marcie
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Monday 01 February 10 15:58 GMT (UK)
Don't cut your finger ???

Why not ???

This laptop has fingerprint recognition log on and won't see a plaster.

The answer:

Be like me scan more than one finger, or use the standard password log on.
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Gadget on Monday 01 February 10 16:13 GMT (UK)
Mine's got face recognition so I turned it off  ;D
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 01 February 10 16:28 GMT (UK)
Mine's got face recognition so I turned it off  ;D

So has mine, but it can't recognise me with my glasses !  ::)

Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Monday 01 February 10 17:47 GMT (UK)
If I get a facial recognition I shall attempt to use 1) A photo of GW Bush 2)a photo of a chimpanzee as that's more intelligent. Seriously though, would a photo work?
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Tuesday 02 February 10 16:11 GMT (UK)
My Laptop has voice recognition and will make an attempt to type a letter for you, which is funny because it does not always undertstand what has been said.  As on the phone F's and S's are misheard.

marcie
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Nick29 on Wednesday 03 February 10 08:19 GMT (UK)
I immediately thought of Ronnie Barker when you said that  :)
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Wednesday 03 February 10 13:46 GMT (UK)
At least it's not run by the 1911 census transcribers Marcie, they can't tell a capital L from a capital S in copperplate script!!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: marcie dean on Thursday 04 February 10 18:41 GMT (UK)
I know what you mean Redroger.  On a census I was looking at for oh relatives the writing was so bad that you could not tell whether it was a d or a b.

I know this is going off topic slightly, and I hope no-one minds, but in my oh family he has the name Tickle , they had loads of little Tickles; and the other one is Davis.
Davis ' first name was Job, he and his wife had several children, one which they named Job David Davies, he married and had a son whom he called Job David Davies, he married and had a son whom I could not  work out whether his second name was David or Bob. Came up with Bob a Job.  How cruel can parents be.

marcie
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 04 February 10 18:44 GMT (UK)
Try this one Marcie: About 40 years ago, a person for whom I had personnel responsibilities wife had a baby, called him Terry bec ause his wife thought it appropriate. Surname Towle!
Title: Re: Windows 7 upgrade
Post by: Emjaybee on Thursday 04 February 10 19:14 GMT (UK)
Looks likethis has run its course.

Topic now locked.