I DID IT...MY LAPTOP STILL WORKS
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.