Posted by MonicaFL on 11/30/09 9:15pm
Msg #312548

Windows 7

I know this was discussed I think last week or the week before but I still don't understand why one should completely uninstall Vista before installing windows 7. I have an Hp and when I spoke with the HP rep today, they said I didn't need to do that but to use the HP upgrade manager disk first then install 7. Anyone please. thank you.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/30/09 9:39pm
Msg #312553

The reason for that is that if you don't have a disc for Vista, you'll have to pay for a new Vista disc if you don't like Windows 7.
My laptop came with Vista installed and the promise of a free Windows 7 disc. I absolutely hated 7.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/30/09 10:24pm
Msg #312566

Think of it as taking a shower before

putting on new clothes to go on a date.

You have used Vista for a while. It probably has a few bits and pieces of malware on it that you don't notice right now, a lot of programs you may not use. When you upgrade rather than a clean install, you not only migrate all your current programs, you migrate all your current issues. The invalid registry keys, browser bots, ect. When you format the disk, you clean off all the junk and the results are better in the long run. Yes, I know, it's more work.

When people asked me to help them migrate to Vista, I insisted to do it my way. First thing I asked them is why. Why do you want do upgrade, just wait until you need a new computer. If they wanted to continue, then we ran the Vista upgrade tool to see if the computer can run vista and we did a clean install, and they had no problems. The ones that blew me off and did it the HP rep way had issues. Many people do the upgrade and it works fine. But some don't, especially if they have been using that operating system for a while. That is just my experience. I am not a geek, just someone who had used computers at home since the Comadore 64. It's a learning curve.

Why do you want to upgrade? If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. If you really want to upgrade, then at least go to the Microsoft website and run the Windows 7 upgrade advisor and it will tell you if you have any drivers (such as the printer or other accessories) that' aren't 7 compatable. Then you can go to their website to check for compatible drivers, if they have any. If you don't, they you have just avoided a big problem.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 11/30/09 10:40pm
Msg #312567

Glenn, I know you were responding to MonicaFL's

question but I want you to know how helpful your post was to me. Thanks for breaking it down to my level. I mean it.

Reply by MonicaFL on 12/1/09 12:12pm
Msg #312614

Re: Think of it as taking a shower before

Thank you very very much. Makes a lot of sense to me. I really really really appreciate you taking the time to get me on the right track. Think I will just stay with Vista. Monica

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 12/1/09 12:48pm
Msg #312624

Re: Think of it as taking a shower before

You're welcome. I think that is the best choice if it is working ok for you unless you are like me and like to tinker, because when you install a new operating system on an old computer (old being the last operating system, or a year or two), it does take tinkering. When you are ready for a new computer, then the operating system on it will be tweaked to work well with that computer.

Just keep your anti-virus, anti-spyware programs running and up to date as well as all the Windows updates current and you can concentrate on work instead of trying to find printer drivers for Windows 7 so you can print those edocs for a job you have in two hours.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 12/1/09 6:29pm
Msg #312671

I totally agree with you Glenn.

I don't have patience for tinkering. The display was distorted and I now longer had Microsoft Works!
My husband recently changed over to Linux. He is happy as the proverbial you know what! I can just imagine if I did that, had to print docs in a hurry and there was a snafu.
I would be really stressed!