Posted by Linda Juenger on 8/25/09 8:24pm
Msg #301656

Techie question

I just bought a new laptop and am in the process of installing and transferring stuff. I had xp on my old laptop and now have Vista. I have a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out in Oct (I think). If I install say Quickbooks on my new laptop with Vista, am I going to have to uninstall it if I upgrade to 7. In otherwords, am I installing all this stuff and going to have to wipe it clean to upgrade?? Thanks

Reply by jba/fl on 8/25/09 8:33pm
Msg #301657

I haven't a clue - I just stopped to see what you might need help with that I wouldn't know a thing about, and I guess I'll just say "Hi!" and let you know I really feel for you right now.

Now, I know that doesn't make a bit of difference in solving your delimma, but you do have a friend - who is laughing because she doesn't have the problem - rofl in fact.

Oh, Linda, please forgive me!

Reply by Linda Juenger on 8/25/09 8:48pm
Msg #301659

Julie, You are too funny. Thanks for the laugh. Just remember what goes around comes around. I'll giggle right back at ya when the techie stuff goes way over your head too.

And Vince, KS is only 1 state away from IL. You may just have to come here and help this ole girl out. I understood about 1 sentence what you wrote, maybe 2. A simple yes or no would have been sufficient. lol

Reply by Vince/KS on 8/25/09 8:42pm
Msg #301658

There is usually a compatibility list published by Microsoft in advance of the introduction of a new operating system (OS). Frequently, you can download a copy of a program from the Microsoft website that examines your system and advises you of any issues that may develop before you decide to upgrade. In the list or in the report (if you used software to help), you will find the programs that will or will not work. Sometimes it will contain information regarding certain “issues” on programs with any known “workarounds.” If the new OS is an upgrade, you are normally converting the existing OS and the programs on your current platform. If it is a regular (non-upgrade) version, you install it first and then add your software that will work with it. Hope that helps.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/25/09 9:01pm
Msg #301662

You might send a P/M to PAW. He's the resident tech expect.

Reply by Jim/AL on 8/25/09 11:52pm
Msg #301694

Usually you will not have any problems with other programs you are adding now when you switch to Windows 7.

When you do the upgrade your PC should tell you if any programs will not run properly with W7. MS tries to make sure that most all programs that are used by everyday users are compatible with newer versions of windows.

Usually if something does not run correctly after an upgrade you can find a fix online pretty easily.

Do not sweat it...load it down with what you need...especially what you need to make $$$$.

Have a great EOM!

Reply by PAW on 8/26/09 7:42am
Msg #301705

Since Windows 7 has the same basic kernel as Vista (and XP), upgrading to Win7 may have little or no effect on programs and software that are designed and run on Vista and/or XP. However, it must be noted that Win7 is a 64-bit OS (Operating System), so the update from a 32-bit to a 64-bit OS may have some hidden issues down the road. Only time will tell.

A good website to read: http://tinyurl.com/a9hq8e (Ars Technica website)

Upgrading from XP to Windows 7

Pros: According to tech site Ars Technica, XP users can purchase a cheaper "upgrade" version of Windows 7, despite XP's version gap. (Normally only users who purchased the latest OS get the cheaper upgrade option.)

Cons: Windows XP users will have no direct upgrade path. That means that in order to upgrade to Windows 7, you'll have to do a fresh installation of Windows 7 and manually migrate your files and apps to Win7—so you'll want to make sure to back up XP before upgrading or just dual boot XP and Windows 7.


Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7

Pros: Unlike XP, Vista users do get a direct upgrade path to Windows 7, so your files and apps should migrate to Win7 without any problems. (You should always backup before upgrading to be safe, and just to hedge your bets, you may also still want to dual boot Vista and Windows 7 rather than installing Windows 7 over Vista.) Vista users will also get the cheaper upgrade price.

Cons: It probably won't affect most users, but the Vista-to-Windows-7 upgrade paths are actually limited by version in the following ways:
--- Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium
--- Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional
--- Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate

If you don't follow one of those three upgrade paths, you'll have to perform a fresh install.

Be sure to check the Ars post for a more detailed rundown of the differences, including a discussion of the fate of your Windows Vista Ultimate Extras.

(Above information provided by LifeHacker Shop)

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/26/09 9:20am
Msg #301714

Windows 7 is Not Just 64 Bit...

...according to this article both 32 & 64 bit versions of the new OS will be offered. Which should you go with? Good question.

http://www.techspot.com/guides/177-windows-install-32bit-64bit/

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/26/09 9:24am
Msg #301716

Here's Another Article...

...which discusses the 32 vs 64 bit question.

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/46018.aspx

Reply by PAW on 8/26/09 9:33am
Msg #301719

32-bit support, yes. True 32-bit OS, no.

From what I've heard through the MSDN is that Win7 is a true 64-bit OS, but will fully support 32-bit processors and application, the same way NT was a 32-bit OS, but supported 16-bit processors and applications with a process called "thunking".

Reply by jba/fl on 8/26/09 9:52am
Msg #301721

Re: 32-bit support, yes. True 32-bit OS, no.

Ahhhh; their way of eventually getting new software into everyone's hands in the near future, keeping the entire industry alive through user spending, spending, spending.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/26/09 9:56am
Msg #301723

According to This Article...

...the 64 bit version of Windows 7 will support 32 bit processors & applications, but from everything I've been able to read there will still be a true 32 bit version of Windows 7 offered.

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/46018.aspx

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 8/26/09 4:44pm
Msg #301792

64 bit vs 32bit

I have laptop bought in 12/08 with vista 64 bit. I did not realize at the time what that meant. If I could do it over, I would not want a 64 bit machine, because NOT everything will run with it like I want. For example, I use E-Fax, and I like my faxes in the .efx format (not PDF) as .efx allows you to edit or sign a fax, etc. and then converted it to PDF. E-Fax does not have the drivers to work with Vista 64 bit, so you can only open faxes if they come to you as a PDF. It also does not work with Winforms (real estate software). I can access winforms, but not use all the features, again, because it doesn't suport the 64bit software. With Vista being phased out, and Windows 7 coming along, I expect is will be more of the same. Not everything will work as you want if you have the 64bit operating system because not everyone is up and running with or willing to provide drivers for the 64 bit systems.