Thinking of upgrading to windows 7...with complications

[ColorCodePurple]

Well i got a BSOD in vista the 5th time now,I am thinking of upgrading to windows 7 with a few complications.

 

1.I am going to first try windows 7 out namely I am going to first jack sparrow it and then if I find it worth ill buy it.

 

2.I have an HP laptop which is I think under warranty,if I upgrade to windows 7 will the warranty get void? also I lost the original 3 backup disks that you get but there is a recovery partition in my D drive,so how do I backup my system incase I dont like windows 7 or to install the original windows 7.

 

3.This is the biggest complication I am going to do this without my parents permission,namely because they dont like me fiddling with the computer for their data (and for a good reason) I need a method with which I find my lappy exactly the same with my all files and games installed.

 

I know lots of complicatications,but cant help it sorry

 

Thanks in advance

[Choron ka raja]

Well i got a BSOD in vista the 5th time now,I am thinking of upgrading to windows 7 with a few complications.

 

1.I am going to first try windows 7 out namely I am going to first jack sparrow it and then if I find it worth ill buy it.

 

2.I have an HP laptop which is I think under warranty,if I upgrade to windows 7 will the warranty get void? also I lost the original 3 backup disks that you get but there is a recovery partition in my D drive,so how do I backup my system incase I dont like windows 7 or to install the original windows 7.

 

3.This is the biggest complication I am going to do this without my parents permission,namely because they dont like me fiddling with the computer for their data (and for a good reason) I need a method with which I find my lappy exactly the same with my all files and games installed.

 

I know lots of complicatications,but cant help it sorry

 

Thanks in advance

 

for the bold: warranty is not dependent on OS. So, no problem there. As for the backup disk, don't use them. Rather install any pirated version of Windows Vista (in case you need to back up to original OS) and use the key mentioned on the sticker at the back of the laptop, for activation. You can download the drivers online. That way you can get rid of the bloatware installed by those backup disks. Also, this is a better option performance wise.

 

for the underline: Insert Windows 7 disk. Use autorun from your current OS. Select Upgrade, and finish up the whole process. Final result will be the exact same system as it was before upgrade. \

 

Alternatively, you can save all the settings, using "files and settings transfer wizard", copy that to the separate drive. Format the current windows installation, do a fresh windows 7 installation and use that wizard again to get back the settings. This method is good, if you want just the system settings back, the programs installed won't work after this. Its a recommended option though, as you can be sure that the system will not be having the same issues as your current OS installation.

[ColorCodePurple]

for the bold: warranty is not dependent on OS. So, no problem there. As for the backup disk, don't use them. Rather install any pirated version of Windows Vista (in case you need to back up to original OS) and use the key mentioned on the sticker at the back of the laptop, for activation. You can download the drivers online. That way you can get rid of the bloatware installed by those backup disks. Also, this is a better option performance wise.

 

for the underline: Insert Windows 7 disk. Use autorun from your current OS. Select Upgrade, and finish up the whole process. Final result will be the exact same system as it was before upgrade. \

 

Alternatively, you can save all the settings, using "files and settings transfer wizard", copy that to the separate drive. Format the current windows installation, do a fresh windows 7 installation and use that wizard again to get back the settings. This method is good, if you want just the system settings back, the programs installed won't work after this. Its a recommended option though, as you can be sure that the system will not be having the same issues as your current OS installation.

 

Actually my comp has gone very slow and unreliable.I was thinking of atleast re-installing vista if not installing win 7,but if I do reinstall vista how do I backup my games,data etc?Also if I go for the 'direct upgrade' option would my system still be slow like vista? I suspect that my laptop has been infected with multiple infections,if I do upgrade to win 7 would the infections stilll be there?

 

I suppose I would need an external HDD to use the files transfer wizard or would ordinary DVD's do?

[LaughingMan777]

do a fresh install. Will solve ur problem of slow system and BSOD.

Windows 7 will create a folder called Windows.old which will also contain the program files folder.

dont expect most programs to run correctly though.

smaller ones run fine if u just shift the folder from windows.old one to ur current prog files folder.

 

Also, perf is much better in Windows 7.

Just make sure ur laptop is supported (finding drivers is a P.I.T.a*s)

[Choron ka raja]

Actually my comp has gone very slow and unreliable.I was thinking of atleast re-installing vista if not installing win 7,but if I do reinstall vista how do I backup my games,data etc?Also if I go for the 'direct upgrade' option would my system still be slow like vista? I suspect that my laptop has been infected with multiple infections,if I do upgrade to win 7 would the infections stilll be there?

 

I suppose I would need an external HDD to use the files transfer wizard or would ordinary DVD's do?

 

fresh installation is a better option then. malwares and viruses will remain as it is even after upgrade. So, full format of the Windows partition and a fresh install is best option for you. You will not get anything on that drive back after the full format, even the recovery software won't work. So, make sure to backup everything and be double sure about it.

 

 

For backup, you really need to tell me if you have just one partition on your harddisk, or more than one? If its just one, then you need to get an external hdd to backup everything. If you have more than one partition, then, just copy the Documents folder to other partition. That folder contains all the save games.

 

Also, after install, first thing, install an anti-virus and scan your whole system, even before accessing any other partition, if possible. I will recommend "Microsoft Security Essentials".

 

 

 

On a secondary note: Files transfer wizard doesn't work with DVDs, but USB drives, Networked drives, and external HDDs work fine.

[ColorCodePurple]

fresh installation is a better option then. malwares and viruses will remain as it is even after upgrade. So, full format of the Windows partition and a fresh install is best option for you. You will not get anything on that drive back after the full format, even the recovery software won't work. So, make sure to backup everything and be double sure about it.

For backup, you really need to tell me if you have just one partition on your harddisk, or more than one? If its just one, then you need to get an external hdd to backup everything. If you have more than one partition, then, just copy the Documents folder to other partition. That folder contains all the save games.

 

Also, after install, first thing, install an anti-virus and scan your whole system, even before accessing any other partition, if possible. I will recommend "Microsoft Security Essentials".

On a secondary note: Files transfer wizard doesn't work with DVDs, but USB drives, Networked drives, and external HDDs work fine.

I think I have just one partition,see when I go in my D drive I see a folder named recovery and when I click on it I get this message from HP saying that it is my recovery partition and 'deletion or altering these files could prevent recovery later'

I should probably get a professional to format my computer.....

[Bird Bird Bird]

That means you have 2 partitions on your lappy.. 1 for regular booting and use, the other as a recovery partition, which can be used by pressing F11 during the POST (I think HP uses F11 ..) .. So under normal circumstances, your active booting partition would be C: and the other should be D:

Did you get the Recovery discs with the lappy.. If yes, try making another set with the Recovery Disc option in the start menu. If no, and you made them yourself, you are outta luck.. Can only make them once.

Onto Win 7 installation now :

1) Backup all the data you need from C: to any external HDD of your choice.

2) Either get the Win 7 DVD or use a Win 7 bootable USB drive. Make sure your BIOS is setup to boot from external devices. You can either manually change it to boot from DVD/USB first, or you can press F9 at POST and select the option from the menu.

3) Boot with your DVD/USB. Install the OS on C: .. I would suggest to format the partition and do a fresh install. If you don't format and still do a fresh install, your old folders would be saved in another folder called 'Windos.Old". But the programs won't work. Can't comment on Upgrade as never performed it.

4) Drivers are easy to find. Just google your Laptop manufacturer's name alongwith the model no., and you will find many forums offering links. Alternatively, try your luck at the HP support site. They might have released drivers for Win 7 for your model also. In case you don't find any Win 7 drivers, another alternative would be to try using Win Vista drivers as the kernel is the same, and many Vista drivers are compatible with Win 7. Also if you install a Win Vista driver, and an official driver is made available via WU, you will be notified immediately.

5) Reinstall all the programs you want.. Also restore all the files needed.

[Choron ka raja]

I think I have just one partition,see when I go in my D drive I see a folder named recovery and when I click on it I get this message from HP saying that it is my recovery partition and 'deletion or altering these files could prevent recovery later'

I should probably get a professional to format my computer.....

 

 

That means basically you have just one partition cuz the other one will be inaccessible anyways. And about getting a professional, if you are in bangalore, come to my place with 500bucks in hand, and I will do it for you.

 

 

That means you have 2 partitions on your lappy.. 1 for regular booting and use, the other as a recovery partition, which can be used by pressing F11 during the POST (I think HP uses F11 ..) If yes, try making another set with the Recovery Disc option in the start menu. If no, and you made them yourself, you are outta luck.. Can only make them once.

 

4) Drivers are easy to find. Just google your Laptop manufacturer's name alongwith the model no., and you will find many forums offering links. Alternatively, try your luck at the HP support site. They might have released drivers for Win 7 for your model also. In case you don't find any Win 7 drivers, another alternative would be to try using Win Vista drivers as the kernel is the same, and many Vista drivers are compatible with Win 7. Also if you install a Win Vista driver, and an official driver is made available via WU, you will be notified immediately.

 

 

No, you can't make more than one recovery discs in HP laptops. And best option will be to delete that stupid partition. Also, for major HP laptops, all the required drivers are default installed by Windows 7. In case you forgot, HP is one of the partners with MS for Windows program, so, MS have to release driver support for HP's laptops in their OS. And for all the brands of HP, drivers are available on HP site itself, in case you ever need that.

 

 

 

@Warlock

Just backup your data, no need to worry about anything that was pre-installed on your machine. And as I said, you can always come find me, and I can do that re-installation. Can offer you a discount on that.

[Bird Bird Bird]

No, you can't make more than one recovery discs in HP laptops. And best option will be to delete that stupid partition. Also, for major HP laptops, all the required drivers are default installed by Windows 7. In case you forgot, HP is one of the partners with MS for Windows program, so, MS have to release driver support for HP's laptops in their OS. And for all the brands of HP, drivers are available on HP site itself, in case you ever need that.

@Warlock

Just backup your data, no need to worry about anything that was pre-installed on your machine. And as I said, you can always come find me, and I can do that re-installation. Can offer you a discount on that.

Ermm.. I was saying that only.. ..

And No, not all HP laptops have drivers for ALL Win OSes.. You *might* get the Win 7 drivers if you search around properly (more problematic for an old lappy), or you can use Vista drivers also at many places.

[LaughingMan777]

Drivers are NOT easy to find.

That said, I wont say u wont get them. Just that you wont know which ones work until u read some forums n posts. All in all about a days worth of googling depending on how common ur laptop is.

[ColorCodePurple]

I have an Hp DV4,bought a year back (almost exactly a year-7.4.2009 my birthday )

 

That means basically you have just one partition cuz the other one will be inaccessible anyways. And about getting a professional, if you are in bangalore, come to my place with 500bucks in hand, and I will do it for you.

No, you can't make more than one recovery discs in HP laptops. And best option will be to delete that stupid partition. Also, for major HP laptops, all the required drivers are default installed by Windows 7. In case you forgot, HP is one of the partners with MS for Windows program, so, MS have to release driver support for HP's laptops in their OS. And for all the brands of HP, drivers are available on HP site itself, in case you ever need that.

@Warlock

Just backup your data, no need to worry about anything that was pre-installed on your machine. And as I said, you can always come find me, and I can do that re-installation. Can offer you a discount on that.

 

I live in delhi , btw whats the benefit of an original windows 7 versus the jack sparrowed one?

[Choron ka raja]

I have an Hp DV4,bought a year back (almost exactly a year-7.4.2009 my birthday )

I live in delhi , btw whats the benefit of an original windows 7 versus the jack sparrowed one?

 

 

sad, i would have earned 500bucks for an hour's task.

[Bird Bird Bird]

I have an Hp DV4,bought a year back (almost exactly a year-7.4.2009 my birthday )

I live in delhi , btw whats the benefit of an original windows 7 versus the jack sparrowed one?

 

Ermm.. Nothing .. Apart from the monies you give to MS and the satisfaction that you have a legit software. Plus if your *ahem* Win 7 is from questionable sources, May God bless you with an iron firewall..

sad, i would have earned 500bucks for an hour's task.

[ColorCodePurple]

Alright guys I managed to procure an unlegit copy of win7 ultimate. I am thinking of trying it out before doing a clean install. (First I am going to directly upgrade it using the tutorial here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-...indows-7-a.html ) My questions are.

 

-Will my Hp recovery partition be deleted or tampered with by the installation?

-For safetys sake is it possible for me to burn the partition in a disk?

-I have found The HP drivers for windows 7 here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwar...t=3877181#N1145

 

Its the official hp site this should suffice I think?

 

-Would I even need to install these drivers since I am doing an upgrade?

 

Thanks for guiding me till now guys

[KWC]

I don't think you should be discussing pirated OS's in here!

[tata 407]

win 7 and vista is bad, i originally had win vista on my dell vostro then upgraded to win 7 didnt like it much so got win xp and un-doubtfully xp is the best windows ever made!

[ColorCodePurple]

I don't think you should be discussing pirated OS's in here!

 

Read carefully dude I am not discussing anything about pirated OS here dude.I am just asking how to uograde my genuine windows Vista to windows 7.

 

(basically I am not asking the actual procedure of the complexitites of activating an the OS,though I must admit I am clueless how to )

[Bird Bird Bird]

Read carefully dude I am not discussing anything about pirated OS here dude.I am just asking how to uograde my genuine windows Vista to windows 7.

 

(basically I am not asking the actual procedure of the complexitites of activating an the OS,though I must admit I am clueless how to )

Make sure you install the Win 7 Upgrade ONLY on the existing Win Vista partition ( most likely C: ).. And 99% chance is there that your One-touch Restore (F11 or similar key during boot time) WON'T WORK.. So be sure of that.. Really think you don't need it as 7 is much better than Vista. ..

You might need some drivers after the upgrade.. Though Win 7 has awesome support for most of the drivers out of the box, still run your PC for sometime and see which all drivers are missing, and download appropriately..

Also check PM.

[ColorCodePurple]

Make sure you install the Win 7 Upgrade ONLY on the existing Win Vista partition ( most likely C: ).. And 99% chance is there that your One-touch Restore (F11 or similar key during boot time) WON'T WORK.. So be sure of that.. Really think you don't need it as 7 is much better than Vista. ..

You might need some drivers after the upgrade.. Though Win 7 has awesome support for most of the drivers out of the box, still run your PC for sometime and see which all drivers are missing, and download appropriately..

Also check PM.

 

Thanks mate you rock . I just ran the win7 upgrade advisor and I was surprised when I found that I could run 64 bit win 7 as well,because My lappy came with the default 32 bit windows vista as far as I know 64 bit is much faster than 32 bit yes? I have 3GB of RAM,would a 64bit win ultimate be better or 32bit?

[Choron ka raja]

Thanks mate you rock . I just ran the win7 upgrade advisor and I was surprised when I found that I could run 64 bit win 7 as well,because My lappy came with the default 32 bit windows vista as far as I know 64 bit is much faster than 32 bit yes? I have 3GB of RAM,would a 64bit win ultimate be better or 32bit?

 

 

Wouldn't make much of a difference. Anyways support for 64bit is too bad from HP. I installed it once, finding working drivers itself was a pain. But in case of 32bit, only 2.7gb ram will be usable.