Upgrading to Windows 7: Is Your PC Ready?
Microsoft Offers an Easy Way to Make Sure Your Computer Can Run Windows 7
Enter Windows 7. Reviews have been very positive, and it appears Windows 7 will be a refreshing change for Vista users. If you are running Windows Vista now, your computer will probably be able to run Windows 7 with out problems. If not, follow these steps to see if your PC, laptop or netbook will be able to run Windows 7.
Plug in Your Devices
Plug in and turn on any external drives, printers, cameras, scanners or other USB devices that you normally use with your computer.
Install Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Download and install the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft website. The download is 6.3MB and will take about 4 minutes on a 256K DSL/Cable connection.
Install .NET Framework
If you don't have .NET Framework 2.0 installed on a Windows XP system, you will be prompted to download and install it. After .NET Framework is installed, restart the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor installation.
Run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
After the installation is complete, launch the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and follow the directions. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will scan your hardware, programs and devices to see if your system can run Windows 7.
See if Your Computer Can Run Windows 7
After a few minutes, Upgrade Advisor will tell you if your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run Windows 7, and if there are any compatibility issues with your programs or devices. If there are issues, Upgrade Advisor will tell you what you can do to fix the problems. For example, it may let you know that you need updated drivers for your video card or printer, and where to get them.
Learn How to Upgrade to Windows 7
If your computer is compatible with Windows 7, Upgrade Advisor will give you specific Windows 7 upgrade options for your computer. For example, Microsoft is offering free Windows 7 upgrades through January 31, 2010 for some newer Toshiba PCs and laptops that come with Vista, and for some recent purchases of a Windows Vista retail package.
Upgrade Your Hardware if Necessary
If your PC does not meet the minimum system requirements, and you really want to try Windows 7, consider upgrading your memory, video card, processor or hard drive as necessary, or purchase a new or used computer or laptop that can run Windows 7.
System Requirements for Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:
Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 with .NET 2.0 Framework or higher.
Basic System Requirements for Windows 7: 1GHZ CPU (processor), 1GB RAM, 16GB free hard drive space, DirectX 9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
Note: Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is currently only available in U.S. English.
Sources:
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/upgrade-advisor.aspx
How to Get Windows 7, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/get
Published by Kim Linton
Kim Linton began her writing career in 2001 as a contributor for Ministrymaker Magazine. Kim's work has since been published on a variety of websites including Woman's Day and Intel, and featured on several... View profile
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38 Comments
Post a CommentExcellent info!
Good to know! Thanks, Kim.
I really despise all of these upgrades. I'm going to print this one out so I'll be ready. Thanks, Kim. :-)
Oh, my, do I HAVE to? Will Microsoft notify we XP users when it's time to upgrade? Or will they just do it automatically?
Thanks for writing this up Kim! Very helpful. I'm glad to know that Win7 will work on some "older" PC's.
Kim, Great article! I am not much on computers right now!! Mine crashed last night. I hope Windows 7 offers some improvements. Thanks for the information!
@Johnny - You should try Linux. Go to http://www.ubuntu.com/ and download a free copy of Ubuntu Live. After you burn it to CD, you can run it temporarily from your optical drive without installing it on your hard drive. It's a great way to try Linux without messing with your Windows installation.
Good points Christopher. Microsoft is saying the minimum amount of required RAM is 1GB with a 1Ghz processor, but you know how that goes. Some systems with 512MB may be able to run it depending on other factors. As for virtualization, I guess time will tell.
Whan you get right down to it, I like Windows 95 better than any that I have used. I hated 98, and wasn't crazy about XP, and really don't like Vista. I have thought about going with Apple. Several people tell me that they are much easier to use, but I was taught on Windows and don't pickup new things to fast so have stayed with what I know so far. Thanks for the information. I might try it. Johnny Yuma
7 is essentially going to be what Mac OS X was for Apple users. Expect to see riots in the streets and bloodshed, lol. I'll be impressed when they finally go 64 bit only.