Finally done it!!.. Win Vista to Win 7

Simian · 21 Mar 2011 at 08:03

Finally Got sooooooooo peed off with my Laptop (see Sig), not loading drivers, having a Spaz and most boot ups sitting with one process at 50-100% (the IDT sound system!!)... the straw that did it, was when on random boot-ups I get no sound except for mp3s (but only in Winamp or VLC... all others won't play anything!)...

So after reading various forums, including the HP forums, it appears Vista64bit is one of the main culprets, not playing nice with the other kids! (I know IDT are to blame for the same... but Software is easier to replace on a laptop!)...

So I popped over to the OcUK shop and bought myself a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM to stick on... i've wanted to do this for some time anyway, but never found a 'financially binding' reason!!..

I've only ever used very early Alpha's and Beta's of Win7, and was very impressed!, What has changed??.. how much easier is it to use than Vista (for my Technophobe Wife!)??..

Are there any tips and tricks for the system that you guys would recommend for me!!..

Cheers
Sim

mrk · 21 Mar 2011 at 09:39

Hah, I thought you'd installed it and are loving it hence the thread

So you've got it on your desk and you're twiddling your thumbs wondering?

It's very similar to Vista, some visual enhancements here and there. Much better UAC implementation. Better firewall control etc.

Vista64 isn't an issue on the whole either, if Vista ran fine then this will run fine. 7 has improved memory manager and an improved desktop window composition service for better GPU/multiprocessor support as well and the little things all add up to a slightly better experience. It also has more drivers built in and is more compatible out the box with more hardware you'll find.

I think your Vista install was a bit crapped out tbh but you're up to date now so can just enjoy it

SiriusB · 21 Mar 2011 at 09:52

Simian said:
Are there any tips and tricks for the system that you guys would recommend for me!!..

Full list of Windows 7 features here

Some very handy features in particular are:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features Libraries (view and manipulate the contents of multiple folders under one "virtual" folder)
Jump Lists (quick access to common program functions/documents)
Peek (also take a look at Shake and Snap)
HomeGroup (only useful if you have multiple Win7 machines, though)

Simian · 21 Mar 2011 at 10:43

Its not on my Desk just yet!... Got the "Shipped" email about an hour ago from OcUK so it should be here tomorrow(ish)... Really lookin forward to it!...

Just gotta make sure ALL my data is backed up, and I have all the install discs for my software (Office 2007, Photoshop CS5, AutoCAD etc...) to hand!!

Simian · 27 Mar 2011 at 15:27

GOT IT INSTALLED!!!!...

Only took about 25 minutes! :confused:

(for Windows alone!!)... and it picked up almost 90% of my hardware!!.. Vista (when i installed it years back) took me almost and hour and a half and it couldn't find half the hardware!! :rolleyes:

only found a few problems so far!... mainly My printer (HP PSC2355 all-in-one).. the Scanner bit installed fine as did the Card reader, but the Printer driver!!!.. Nope! :mad:

, had a look on HP's website and loads of other forums, aparently theres a known fault (but HP don't see it!) since 2009!!!.. so went out and bought a new printer (Epson SX425W) a nice Wi-Fi printer (which was a bit of a bugger to install, but I've got it going now!!

)

Well Happy!..

Windows is faster, Boots up in a fraction of the time, all the drivers work (Sound, Graphics, Fingerprint reader etc... )...

Should have done it a year ago when Vista dumpped on me and I re-built back then!!

*One Happy Bunny*