Moving to Microsoft Windows 7 From Vista
Once Microsoft Windows 7 arrives into the hands of the general public, many users and customers will make the switch to the latest operating system. The following provides an inside view for a successful and productive upgrade from Vista to Windows 7.
As always, the smartest move is to create a backup / mirror / clone of your hard drive, to insure a fully working copy in case information is lost in the change. Backups should be performed on a regular basis as a matter of course.
Once the backup of your hard drive and data has finished, the next step is the insertion and boot of the Windows 7 DVD. Since this is a step from Vista to Windows 7 and not XP to 7, an upgrade is possible, rather than a complete destructive wipe and install. The install / upgrade will take time, as much as an hour or so, depending on the speed and strength of your hardware system, including the type of CPU chip, hard drive access speed, amount of installed memory, etc. Of course, there will also be the acceptance or decline of end user license agreements (EULA's), multiple reboots to place code into memory and other registers, and the reading from the CD/DVD drive which takes time.
If the user is in possession of a fairly updated hardware system, meeting the optimal requirements for Windows 7, the end result should be a bootable system ready for utilization. Some applications will need to be re-installed or reactivated, depending on their age, drivers, last date of revision, etc. Keeping the serial numbers and original install discs in the same place makes the task very simple to duplicate in a short period of time without complications.
Some of the Sidebar gadgets will probably require reinstallation, a re-download or an update. Expect some applications to give the user a hiccup or two, again depending on the date of last revision and age. Especially if the applications in question were left over from Windows XP, or had hacks and other user third party installed changes that weren't necessarily endorsed by Microsoft and guaranteed to execute without flaws.
Other users may choose to start with a fresh machine before installing Windows 7. This is also a good move, to clear out the orphan files, unused downloads and miscellaneous junk that accumulates over time. With a good backup set and Windows Easy Transfer, the installation of Windows 7 is just as simple and pain free. Install the latest version of Easy Transfer to your Vista system, choose the files and settings you want to transfer and modify your selections to your taste. Windows Easy Transfer will not include or bring applications to the new operating system. IMPORTANT NOTE: install all of your applications to the new machine before transferring your customized settings and files.
Your chosen method of upgrade is dependent on the age and condition of your current system. If it is a hardware system that has seen better days, and is holding on to its last dying gasp, a newer machine would be the better decision for a Windows 7 install, plus the employment of Windows Easy Transfer or another method to move your files, folders and settings. Even though it may pain you to put your aging system out to pasture, the loss of your data and an unsuccessful installation, not to mention the aggravation and headaches associated with the time invested isn't worth the effort. If your schedule is too hectic to figure out how to perform the task on your own, there are very easy e-learning courses to assist you along the way. The training courses will help you learn quickly and effectively teach the proper methods of making the install transition. Online Windows 7 training teaches the new functionality of Windows 7, with the freedom and convenience of learning on your own time. Learning does not have to inhibit or restrict the other priorities in your live.
If your system is one of power, constructed recently (the last 12 months or sooner) with the latest components and drivers, an upgrade straight to the machine will work. Windows 7 contains a higher degree of security, ease of use over Vista, many improvements to the user interface, power management, user access control, device control, application handling and memory swapping and a host of other features. All in all, a smooth upgrade and a much improved operating system is the Windows 7 advantage.
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