Being fortunate to have an MSDN subscription provided by the MVP Program as part of the award, this week I upgraded my 32 bit machines to Windows 7.
Here I was with a brand new operating system in my hands waiting to go. This geek couldn’t wait another day.
Desktop computer running Vista: Upgrade.
First I ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (Beta), nothing remiss was found, just a couple of drivers to update, and 4 old incompatible programs I no longer use.
The tool is a beta and it is useful but it’s wise to do some homework, search around and see what, if any, problems others may have had that were not picked up by running the adviser.
Dell doesn’t make it easy to find the latest drivers, the one I was looking for wasn’t even presented for my model but I tracked it down after finding the direct link on a tech blog.
Everything in order, I backed up the computer using Acronis and started the upgrade from Vista to Windows 7.
After Windows checked the system I was notified that iTunes should be removed and reinstalled after set up. I was pleased to be reminded to unauthorize the computer beforehand, (which one does via the “Store” menu in iTunes), as I usually forget to do that.
I canceled the install, tidied up a bit and restarted. Everything went flawlessly and after I was rebooted back into my new operating system Windows quickly presented me with an update for my sound driver.
Laptop running XP: Clean install.
My ‘old’ Inspiron 9300 XP Pro laptop has an Intel chip that had caused problems for some users trying to perform a Vista upgrade. I’d resigned myself to the machine remaining an XP OS until either it was no longer supported or the laptop failed.
But… after running Windows 7 on my PC I wanted it on that laptop. Why not go for it, nothing to lose having backed up the system onto an external drive.
As there is no upgrade path from XP to Windows 7, I prepared for a clean install.
TechNet: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths Supported and unsupported upgrade paths for editions of the Windows® 7 operating system.
Again the compatibility tool found a few programs to remove and drivers to update, one to be downloaded and kept until after Windows 7 was installed, so I saved that on a USB.
I figured that if Windows 7 installed without a hitch I still wouldn’t have the option to run Aero, available in the Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7, because of the age of the video card a Nvidia Go 6800. As I was familiar with the ‘flat’ presentation of XP on the laptop it wouldn’t be a big deal, at least I’d have the latest operating system.
Well that laptop is now running Windows 7, and ….after a Windows optional update, yes you could have knocked me over with a feather, Aero!
Springboard Series: The resource for Windows desktop IT professionals
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I have a Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop also. I am thinking of upgrading my laptop to Windows 7.
Is that possible without changing any of the hardware on the laptop? Also how easy is it to upgrade? What features of Windows 7 will not be functional with my laptop?
Thanks for your help. I am unfamiliar with OS upgrades.
Hello Tony,
Although you also have a Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop the specs may be different than mine.
Upgrade Advisor
There is no upgrade path from XP to Windows 7, (you would need to prepare for a clean install), however the tool scans your PC for potential issues with your hardware and devices and makes recommendations.
Good luck!
You can get aero running by installing the nvidiadriver (with a modded .inf file) from this site: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com
I seem to have problems with the soundcard though. Apart from that it seems ok. Speed is acceptable.