Windows 7

[vdmeer2]

I understand that you can pre-purchase Windows 7. I also understand that the oct 22 version will require a fresh install.
Does that mean that, if I have a full Acronis backup that I can "do something automatically", or will it need putting the hours in?

If so, is there a way around that as I do not really want to reinstall all my apps etc e.g. buying the US version?

Thanks,

Theo

[loki]

What OS are you running right now? If it's XP, you have to do a clean install. With Vista you can do an upgrade and preserve your programs.

When upgrading Windows it is best to do a clean install. It is also a very good idea to go through the programs you need to run and make sure they are compatible before you do the install. For those programs that aren't, check the developer's site to see if there is a patch or update. One of the probelms when Vista came out was people discovering after upgrading that many of their programs were not compatible.

[vdmeer2]

I run Vista Home Premium and also understood from several postings here that you could just upgrade to Win7.
However, Microsoft's website says that in the EU we will need a clean install as IE8 is not included.
So, what do you think is the situation?

Theo

[angels355]

I run Vista Home Premium and also understood from several postings here that you could just upgrade to Win7.
However, Microsoft's website says that in the EU we will need a clean install as IE8 is not included.
So, what do you think is the situation?

Theo

It's my understanding that they did not make upgrade versions of W7 (edit: ) for Europe, only full package versions minus IE 8. You may have to reinstall from scratch.

I have always reinstalled from scratch, I have a tendency to lose a lot of sleep. This week I'm trying to do a triple boot install on three separate hard drives, W7, LinuxMint, and either windows 2000 or XP. Completed two of the three, was up until 4 and 5:00 AM. zzzzzzzz.....

[loki]

I would go with what Microsoft's site says. Due to the EU rulings, Microsoft has a slightly different version for Europe.

Elsewhere, yes, it is possible to upgrade from Vista to 7. However, it is often better to do a clean install instead to eliminate any potential compatibility issues with programs you have installed.

[vdmeer2]

What about buying and using the US version? I really do not have time to reinstall everything (apart from having lost quite a few registration details).

[Paxx]

Fresh installs for everything is the way to go for optimum stability and performance. I cannot emphasize that point enough. Every minute of time spent doing this will save you hours of future grief. A pain in the butt I know.

As for your lost registrations, email the companies that sold you the stuff. Most of them will bend over backwards to help if you can provide the slightest details. I have found it beneficial to use a free online email service (Gmail for myself, others are available) for software purchases/registration. That way you are able to retrieve details you need for re-install if you change ISP providers. It is also a good idea to burn to disk your purchases along with a text file with all the registration info included. Do this regardless of your other back-up procedures. More options provide more safety.

[vdmeer2]

Good advice. I will start doing that!

Theo