Upgrading to Windows 7?

Available October 22

UPDATE: FREE digital book, Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine

Only 7 more days before Windows 7 will be released and if you’re thinking of upgrading, I put together this quick guide to make it a little easier. I will be posting the best Windows 7 deals as well so be watching for them here.

First, is your PC ready or even capable of running Windows 7? If you’re running Windows Vista you have nothing to worry about, if not then you might want to run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that’s found here.

UPDATE: Also check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see if your software and hardware are compatible.

Windows 7 system requirements: Click here for the minimum system requirements.
Whatever the minimum requirements are it’s best to double them or better to get the best performance out of any OS or software.

So your PC is ready for Windows 7, what version to get? You can compare the different version here but for the average user I recommend the Windows 7 Home Premium.

Upgrade or Full version? It’s an easier install with the full version but if you have the disc for the version of Windows you will be upgrading from then the Upgrade version is all you need. Also, it’s best to do a clean install and not install over your old OS, that way you start with a clean slate.

32-Bit or 64-Bit? This depends on your computer and the programs you use. 64-Bit performs better and faster but does your system support it? Can the everyday programs and peripherals you use work with it? The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that’s found here will let you know, it’s just not strait forward. If you see any mention of 64-Bit than it should be able to run the 64-Bit Windows 7 OS with no problem. If you have a 32-Bit OS now, it’s almost best to stick with 32-Bit unless you think you will benefit more from the 64-Bit.

Another way to check to see if your system supports 32-Bit or 64-Bit is by downloading a small program called SIW found here. Download it, run it, once it opens up and shows your system info on the left pane expand the Hardware section and click on the CPU Info. In the right pane look at the line Number of CPU(s). At the end of that line you should see "32 bits" or "64 bits" and there you go.

Click to enlarge

Now time to do the prep work before installing Windows 7 and properly installing Windows 7: TweakHound has a great start-to-finish, step-by-step guide to properly installing Windows 7. Head on over to TweakHound for the complete guide or here for the Microsoft TechNet Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration guide.

After Windows 7 is installed: 77 Windows 7 Tips - Windows 7 may be Microsoft’s most anticipated product ever. It builds on Windows Vista’s positives, and eliminates many of that OS’s negatives. It adds new functionality, too—all in a package that is less resource-hungry than its predecessor.

And whether or not you're upgrading from Vista or skipping it altogether and moving up from Windows XP, you'll need to know how to make the most of it in your environment. Here are 77 tips and tricks to get you there.

Will update with more info soon, so check back often!!!

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The Best Deals for Windows 7