Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations
updated Jan. 20, 2010
To Upgrade, run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to make sure your PC can run Windows 7 and then review the information below prior to buying or installing Windows 7 on your PC.
Use this chart to determine whether you should do an "easy" Upgrade or "custom (clean) installation" Upgrade.
| UPGRADE TO: | |||
Home Premium |
Professional |
Ultimate |
|
| UPGRADE FROM: | |||
| Windows XP, all editions |  |
|
|
| Windows Vista Home Basic |  |
|
|
| Windows Vista Home Premium | |
|
|
| Windows Vista Business | |
|
|
| Windows Vista Ultimate | |
|
|
| = Custom Install Upgrade
= Easy Upgrade (see below for an explanation) |
|||
To upgrade an earlier operating system than Windows XP (for example, Windows 95 or Windows 2000) you will need to purchase a Full license of Windows 7 and perform a Custom installation.
Easy Upgrade means you can install Windows 7 by simply inserting the
Windows 7 upgrade software into your PC's DVD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. While you're not required to backup and
reinstall your files, or reinstall your programs, it's a very good idea to back up your files and settings before you start any software
upgrade
Custom Install Upgrade completely erases the
contents of your PC's hard drive. Your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. That means that to install Windows
7, you'll need to:
- Backup all the files and settings you want to keep
- Install Windows 7
- Reinstall all your files
- Reinstall all the programs you want to use.
These four steps take time, some technical skill and Windows Easy Transfer can help. However, If you're not comfortable with this process, please consider having the Custom Install Upgrade done by pcOxygen (Burkesville, KY) -- your local PC Service Provider.