Windows 7 upgrade

[Will.]

Just bought windows 7 student offer. Its arrived in the post with just the disc and product code key.

Now if im upgrading from xp, do i need to save all my files somewhere else before i upgrade or will everything stay on my laptop?

 

[Gavin.]

i would back everything up anyway just in case, its always handy to have a backup if anything goes pear shaped

 

[Brazo]

If its a laptop you will need all the driver software too mate, go onto the manufactuers website and download all their win 7 drivers for your laptop otherwise you may be left with limited functionality.

 

[JackoR26]

All the laptop installs ive done for Windows 7 havnt required any drivers

Makes life so much easier

 

[Will.]

Ok cool. Easiest way of backing all data up without an external hard drive?

As for drivers, the laptop was brand new 4 months ago and i had the option for windows 7, i just chose xp. Surely it should have compatible drivers already.

 

[Will.]

OK back up my whole c drive or just my documents?

 

[JackoR26]

Without an external HDD i would backup what you really want onto DVD

Export favourites from Mozilla / Internet explorer then backup your My Docs and any other directories you keep files in

 

[Will.]

So not needing program files. Just my saved data, music, videos etc.

 

[bmit]

Make sure you remember your outlook pst if you have them

 

[KDF]

Upgrade should be fine. If i remember rightly you will be prompted to backup your stuff before the upgrade and it will let you know incompatible programs.

Either way, backup files, write down programs you use and make sure you still have the disk/serial for bought versions, and at the very least make sure you have a windows 7 wifi/network driver.

 

[nth]

out of interest, whats the spec of the laptop you're upgrading from?

 

[Will.]

3gb ram. 2.10 dual core processor. Laptop is completly capable. I was allowed a free upgrade to windows 7 when realesed but i didnt take it because i wasnt sure about it when it was 1st realesed.

Havent got anywhere yet as i have nowhere to back files up. Off to parents tomorrow to use their external HDD.

 

[nth]

I see.

 

[172lover]

do you have an ipod???
you could back up the stuff on that.
thats what i do nyway 80gb ipod

 

[Will.]

Only a 16gb iphone lol

 

[172lover]

mmm no good.
on the other i also have a 16gb iphone

 

[realnumber 1]

Just so you know, you WILL have to back up your data and reinstall all programs once done as XP-7 requires a full clean install.
Just thought I'd mention this as it seems a little unclear in this thread to me.

 

[Will.]

Yh i know. I looked on the net and xp-7 requires full wipe of hard drive.

 

[Darren S]

Upgrade should be fine. If i remember rightly you will be prompted to backup your stuff before the upgrade and it will let you know incompatible programs.

Either way, backup files, write down programs you use and make sure you still have the disk/serial for bought versions, and at the very least make sure you have a windows 7 wifi/network driver.

Great advice - if you manage to get hold of no other driver, make sure its a network one. Still get caught out with that at times, then you're relying on another PC to get the driver, USB stick transfer, etc.

I've personally found Win7 to be excellent at providing enough default hardware support that you can pretty much be up and running from a clean install. It can't find the NIC drivers for my 4-year-old mobo straight off the DVD, but that simply goes back to that point above.

D.

 

[Will.]

Quickly before i do this. Backed everything up, what about nortan anto virus. I got it about 3 months ago. How do i copy this over? Or will i have to use another "use" of the cd?

 

[conneh]

Scrap NAV all together, it's useless. Just install Malwarebytes when you have finished.

 

[Will.]

Well it all went ok. All my drivers were automatically installed. All my data was imported into the correct folders (my music, pictures etc). Such an easier OS to use. Recomend to any one that is thinking about doing it and all those who havent. DO IT

 

[wozzaa]

With regard to anti viral programs. Use Microsofts own, called Microsoft Security Essentials. It is free and very good. Also very small footprint in memory won't even notice it running. Exactly how a good anti virus program should be.

Could be used with Malwarebytes for extra security.

Both will outperform Norton though in both system response and detection etc. Norton is basically s**t, wouldn't put it on anyones system. Buggy, resource heavy rubbish.