All about the transition to Windows 7

[Maq.H]

Many of you are still asking questions about the installation of Windows 7. Which edition to choose?, Is it possible to update Windows XP to Windows 7, can we move from a 32-bit to 64 bit? Here you will find all the answers to your questions.

Whereas for several months, Windows 7 has finally arrived in our PC in the form of three major editions: Home Premium Edition, the Professional Edition and Ultimate Edition. If the family version will suit everyone, Professional and Ultimate editions include advanced features missing from the family version which may interest you: Virtualization with Windows XP, protection of a hard disk with BitLocker, etc..

The hardware requirements to run Windows 7 remain substantially identical to those of Windows Vista. Good news: the compatibility issues encountered with Windows Vista are not topical here. Most devices work when you install Windows 7. Same with software compatibility, Windows 7 accepting most software designed for Windows Vista. And for sure you'll have no problem with the transition to Windows 7, you can use the Windows Upgrade Advisor 7 provided by Microsoft to scan your computer with XP or Vista.

Finally, when it comes time to install Windows 7, you'll be faced with the choice of installation type: Upgrade or Full Install. Each installation type has its advantages and disadvantages, is or is not compatible with your current system and the edition you want to install, ... In short, many combinations are possible!

Here is all the information to help you find your way.

Check the compatibility of Hardware and software:

The minimum that we recommend you to correctly use Windows 7:

• Processor: 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB of RAM
• Graphics Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
• Hard drive: 20 GB free space
• DVD player (note that it is possible to install Windows 7 from a USB key)

With Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool provided by Microsoft, you can scan your computer with XP or Vista and check that there is no problem with a switch to Windows 7.

• Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor by clicking on the link for free download and save the file on your hard drive Windows7UpgradeAdvisor.msi.
  
• Once the download is complete, click the Run button.
  
• Confirm the execution of the setup.
  
• In the wizard that appears, click the Next button.
  
• Check the box I accept the license terms and click Next.
  
• Click the Install button.
  
• Once the file copy is complete, click Close.
  
• Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is then executed. If this is not the case, double click its icon on the desktop.
  
• Click the Start button to begin the analysis check of your computer. This may take several minutes.
  
• The results of the analysis are then displayed. For each problem, information on how to correct them are displayed. In our example, we do not have enough disk space available.
  
• Click the Save button to save the postponement report as a webpage on your computer.
  
• Then click the Close button.

[Maq.H]

Which edition to choose?

Windows 7 is available in the form of three major editions: Home Premium Edition, Professional Edition and Ultimate Edition. You will find below a table summarizing the main features of each of these editions.

[Maq.H]

Updating or Fresh Install ?

Below is a table from Microsoft (click to enlarge) that shows how each edition of Windows XP or Vista can be upgraded to the equivalent edition of Windows 7 or else:

All editions in the left column represent those for which it is possible to buy a license update. So even if you completely install Windows 7 (since Windows XP), you can purchase a license upgrade.

In most cases, you can perform an update "In-Place Upgrade" (that is to say, keep your documents and settings) from an equivalent version of Vista: Vista Home Premium 32-bit to a Windows 7 Premium 32-bit example.

If you want to pass a 32-bit 64-bit systems, the complete installation "Custom Install" is mandatory. The full installation is also required if you use Windows XP. In those cases where the update is not possible, you can:

1. Format your hard drive and install the new system. Warning, remember to back your settings and documents before !
   
2. Install Windows 7 on the same drive as Vista or XP (not delete). The old Windows folder is then renamed to. OLD. Your software is always present on the hard drive (but they can not work because they are not properly installed). Your documents are stored. Again, backup your important files before the installation is more than recommended .
   
3. Install Windows 7 on a different hard drive than your existing Windows. A boot menu will allow you to choose between Windows 7 and your old system if you turn on your computer (called a dualboot).