Posted on 06/12/2012 4:59:04 PM PDT by zerosix
Laptop came installed with Windows Vista. Claimed to be able to upgrade to Windows 7 but never able to do it.
Don't extol the values of your Mac, it really doesn't matter, I can't get one now but desperately need to upgrade this thing to Windows 7 and ditch Vista.
Please, some kind soul (computer whiz kid) help!
Would that be an upgrade that is performed from the Windows Update website? Can you go to that website and check for updates to see if Win 7 is offered?
Did you try the Microsoft Upgrade website?
Are you trying to upgrade via disk or download?
Is this a newly purchased computer? If so, perhaps try the mfg support site for a possible upgrade.
I do not believe that you can install Windows 7 directly over Vista.
To install Windows 7 on a Vista machine requires that you format the hard drive and start over with windows 7 and then only if the machine has enough resources to satisfy the requirements of Windows 7.
I do not believe that you can install Windows 7 directly over Vista.
To install Windows 7 on a Vista machine requires that you format the hard drive and start over with windows 7 and then only if the machine has enough resources to satisfy the requirements of Windows 7.
My son who resinstalls the OS on his PC for fun says you should format. You can upgrade over Vista but its not recommended.
Yes-you can upgrade from Vista, but not from XP.
Go to the Start button (bottom left). When the menu comes up, Right click on Computer, and choose Properties.
At the top middle it will show you what version you are running, as well as providing a link to update.
Click that link, choose your upgrade, and pay Mr. Gates with your credit card.
Download your desired version of Windows 7, and it will install and upgrade everything automatically.
Takes about 2 hours.
I upgraded a new computer from Vista to Win7 with a single dvd disk from the manufacturer. It was painless. Just booted from the disk and it upgraded the OS and all of the drivers automatically. When it finished it had a fully working version of Win 7 Pro 64 bit.
OK!
I’m sure that I read somewhere that you couldn’t do that but perhaps some manufacturer has found a way to do it.
“I’m sure that I read somewhere that you couldn’t do that but perhaps some manufacturer has found a way to do it.”
Actually, you are both right. You can do it, but a fresh install from disk is the best possible method.
Curious. Why were you not able to do the upgrade?
According to Windows/Gates, my computer is "upgradable" but for whatever reason, I'm either not doing all of the steps or just don't "get it."
Thanks to all for your suggestions, I'm going to work on this now while I'm being inspired to do so.
Purchase a full version of Win7... back up all data files on your current Vista based Hard Drive ... Next Wipe Out the Hard Drive - erase partition, repartition - then boot with Win7 DVD/CD - create partition - format - install Win7 from scratch.. then reinstall Applications - and restore the data... yes it is drastic - but a lot easier that putting up with the crap Microsoft puts out as an ‘upgrade’. It is likely to run a lot better too.
Ever wonder about “shortcuts” that require two hands and a mouse in invoke..... let alone three hours of diligent searching to find a readable set of instructions....
I also had my doubts, but it worked like a charm. This was a virgin computer from Sony and the disk was written specifically for my system.
I would first check for an OEM upgrade before attempting to do a generic upgrade. I got mine for free.
Now, I'm being told that the Upgrade to Windows 7 is "no longer available!"
Shesh!
I can see how that would work and I’m glad it did so well for you but I still wouldn’t want to try to migrate a well used Vista machine directly to Windows 7. Just asking for trouble IMHO.
As bad as Vista is it’s better than Win 7.
I have windows 7 on 3 different computers and have had no problems with it on any of them. Vista was ok but too slow.
I'm stuck with Vista on this laptop for about 4 years that I own it. Perhaps one day I will upgrade; or maybe the laptop dies first. Win7 is considerably faster than Vista. But you will lose the classic start menu.
1. I would never do this until I have moved every bit of personal data that I wanted to keep. That includes things like address books and favorites (bookmarks). Once it’s gone it’s gone.
2. I wouldn’t upgrade - I would do a fresh install. Don’t carry over old problems to your new OS.
3. If you don’t have another computer around so you can chase after drivers I would ensure that whatever model of computer you have is compatible with Win 7 and that I had all the drivers I would need before I launched into the project.
Study up before you commit!
Thanks for the opinion.
http://www.sevenforums.com/
..or just search/google "windows seven forums"
The main page has a thread titled, "Installation & Setup"
You'll have to create a login and password if you want to post for assistance. I've had good experiences when using this forum.
Holy Crap!!!
This thread actually made it to 24 replies without someone doing just that. I would not have thought it possible.
You can upgrade Vista to 7 in-place, if you have the upgrade edition purchased. It’s only the non-upgrade edition that requires a clean install, format, etc.
If they sold him the computer with the credit for the upgrade, then he can most certainly upgrade in place. If he doesn’t have the CD, then he’ll have to go to the MS website, find the Download Center, and use his Windows Product Key (from the W7 Upgrade Card) to download it. Then, he should be able to just run it and upgrade it from the file on the hard drive.
I upgraded over Vista using the upgrade designed for windows vista. The process took an hour or more. Worked just fine. System has worked fine for 18 months now.
If it’s the MS Website saying it’s not available, then I would try sending some furious emails to the customer service of MS and the computer manufacturer. You paid for a product, and they now refuse to deliver. Put the onus on them to find a way to deliver that product to you. Make a few veiled threats that you will publish your story on a techblog and call a lawyer, and I will bet they get you W7, somehow, free of charge.
For #3, it shouldn’t be an issue, since he bought the computer from the manufacturer with the upgrade credit as part of the package. They don’t sell those packages unless the hardware and drivers are compatible with the upgrade, it would be a tech support nightmare otherwise.
I assumed a devotee of Mac would begin by telling me to trash my worthless, inferior junk, buy a Mac and solve my problems. Surprised - you betcha!
I'm the type, when a company informs me of something such as MS did, to apologize for asking.
I need to rethink my approach with MS and demand to be given what I paid for and was promised!
What you said. I upgraded a Dell laptop from Vista to Win7 with no problems — the only difference was, I bought the software. Totally seamless.
Definitely rethink that approach, when it comes to Microsoft. They are, as a company, arrogant, and not naturally responsive to customers’ needs. You’ve got to be a bit belligerent and possibly threatening, and then your issue may get kicked up to the supervisors who may realize that tossing you a bone costs them nothing compared to bad public relations and legal hassles.
What I mean is, the computer manufacturers do not sell the package including the computer with one OS and an included upgrade to the newer OS, without knowing the upgrade is compatible with the computer. I’m not talking about MS selling upgrade packages stand-alone.
According to the Microsoft website, you can upgrade from Vista to Win 7, but the options are somewhat limited (from the Win 7 upgrade website FAQ):
“If you’re running this edition of Windows Vista you can upgrade to this edition of Windows 7”
Windows Vista Home Basic-> Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows Vista Home Premium-> Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows Vista Business-> Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows Vista Ultimate-> Windows 7 Ultimate
Talk to them - Sony, Dell, HP, whatever. If the offer is still open, they'll send you a disk with the OS in an "upgrade" version, meaning it requires a sign on the disk that a licensed Microsoft OS was once installed there. Upgrade licenses are generally cheaper than "full" installs, a thing you will need to know if your vendor does not honor the offer, because you can purchase an upgrade OS separately from another vendor.
You will not have to reformat your hard drive. What you will find when you run the install is that the old OS is saved in a Windows.OLD folder on the C: drive, which takes up space but is your lifeline back if the upgrade goes sour. If it doesn't, and it usually doesn't, then running the Disk Cleanup tool later will allow you to remove the old files safely.
An alternative plan is to purchase a "full" version of the OS, usually a bit more expensive, format the hard drive during the installation, and proceed from there as if you have a brand-new box. The upside is that this is "cleaner", meaning that you don't have stuff like the Windows.OLD folder hanging around. The downside is that it costs more.
So, here's what I would do:
1. Contact the hardware vendor and try to get upgrade media from them.
2. If you do, just install it over the top of the old OS.
3. If you can't, get an "upgrade" license from a vendor such as New Egg or TigerDirect, or whoever, and install that.
4. If you want a complete clean install, purchase a "full" license, BACK YOUR CURRENT DATA UP - there's a utility called Windows Easy Transfer that will allow you to save your data to a thumb drive or another location and bring it back into your new OS.
Understand that there are some downsides to that "clean" install - it doesn't bring over your installed applications, which will need to be re-installed if you have the original distribution media. If not, you lose them or have to buy them again. I find it infuriating that vendors these days don't generally include installation media for bundled apps. Once upon a time they used to.
The downside to the "upgrade" pathway is that if a disaster happens - a hard drive replacement, maybe - that media will be expecting a sign that a previous OS installation was done, and it won't be there. There are options when this happens, but the best thing to do is to back up your system regularly with the backup app included with Win7. Do an image level backup. Create a "rescue" disk. Then if your HD is toast and you get a new one, the rescue disk will bring the disk image back from your backup. PLEASE back up!
Best to you.
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