I thought I would write this out because I keep seeing the same questions over and over and over. This FAQ is just about win7 installs. I work for geek squad (yes very prestigious) and I will put in what I have officially been told about win 7 from MS.
1. What is a upgrade install vs. custom?
A upgrade install is exactly what it sounds like, it will upgrade your OS to win7. A "custom" install is a clean install, it will wipe your HD and install win7 from scratch.
2. Will all my data be lost?
If you do an upgrade install, MS claims (I say claims because I can easily see this not happening) that all your data will be saved and put into place once win7 is installed. At the same time, it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if some people lost data. The long answer is no, your data shouldn't be lost, but I would highly recommend backing it up first.
3. Can I upgrade from Vista, XP, 2000, 98 etc? What about 32 bit to 64 and vise versa?
You can upgrade from vista or XP only. it. 32 to 64 bit upgrades and vice versa will not work either, you must do a clean install.
No, in order to "upgrade" the win7 install disc must see that there is a windows install currently on the HD. If you had xp lets say, then go in an wipe it before using the win7 install dvd it won't allow you to "upgrade." You must have windows on the HD, a blank one will not work
4. What is the difference between all the versions?
Check this chart here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions
//end of official information.
There has been some questions about what will really happen with a win7 install. Just from reading various threads here I will try to report what I have seen.
1. Doing a custom install with the upgrade dvd and key on a BLANK HD.
It will install, but your key will be rejected at the install. If you don't provide a key, it will install, but when you try to activate at the desktop it will reject your key.
2. Using a vista dvd for verification on a blank HD for a custom install with an upgrade dvd and key.
No word as of yet. I know in other apps (like office) you don't need to install the older version then upgrade it, it will just ask for the old cd and key to make sure its legit. If this will work with win7 I have no idea.
If I forgot anything let me know, I know most of the official facts about win7 so feel free to ask.
1. What is a upgrade install vs. custom?
A upgrade install is exactly what it sounds like, it will upgrade your OS to win7. A "custom" install is a clean install, it will wipe your HD and install win7 from scratch.
2. Will all my data be lost?
If you do an upgrade install, MS claims (I say claims because I can easily see this not happening) that all your data will be saved and put into place once win7 is installed. At the same time, it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if some people lost data. The long answer is no, your data shouldn't be lost, but I would highly recommend backing it up first.
3. Can I upgrade from Vista, XP, 2000, 98 etc? What about 32 bit to 64 and vise versa?
You can upgrade from vista or XP only. it. 32 to 64 bit upgrades and vice versa will not work either, you must do a clean install.
What about "upgrading" from a blank new unused hard drive? Would I put 7 in first, then register XP after the install?
No, in order to "upgrade" the win7 install disc must see that there is a windows install currently on the HD. If you had xp lets say, then go in an wipe it before using the win7 install dvd it won't allow you to "upgrade." You must have windows on the HD, a blank one will not work
4. What is the difference between all the versions?
Check this chart here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions
//end of official information.
There has been some questions about what will really happen with a win7 install. Just from reading various threads here I will try to report what I have seen.
1. Doing a custom install with the upgrade dvd and key on a BLANK HD.
It will install, but your key will be rejected at the install. If you don't provide a key, it will install, but when you try to activate at the desktop it will reject your key.
2. Using a vista dvd for verification on a blank HD for a custom install with an upgrade dvd and key.
No word as of yet. I know in other apps (like office) you don't need to install the older version then upgrade it, it will just ask for the old cd and key to make sure its legit. If this will work with win7 I have no idea.
If I forgot anything let me know, I know most of the official facts about win7 so feel free to ask.
Ok I found out that an "upgrade" from XP is possible. It's not really an upgrade though. If you have an XP install win7 will find it and allow you to do a "custom" install, which will wipe the drive and install win7. This will not backup any data or anything, it will be a complete clean install.
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