Windows Vista Upgrade to Windows 7?

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Windows Vista Upgrade to Windows 7?

Hi,

I currently have Windows Vista 64bit installed using Boot Camp in a 32GB partition. I would like to install Windows 7 - is it simply a case of downloading from MS and installing, or are there any precautions I should be aware of? I've had a quick search around for answers to this question, however everything seems to be aimed at installing Windows 7 from the outset, rather than upgrading from an existing Vista installation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

iMac (March 09 Model), Mac OS X (10.5.6), 24" 3.06Ghz

Posted on May 1, 2009 9:45 AM

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Answer 1

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

May 1, 2009 10:13 AM in response to invixtus

Your best place for information is Microsoft home page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx

Windows 7 Features
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd320282.aspx

http://www.geeksmack.net/microsoft/334-inside-windows-7-introduction.html

The requirements for upgrade is Vista SP1 (SP2 is due out in days also) but your best bet and quality build is from a clean install.

Windows 7 won't be officially out - and I doubt you will find Apple support unless it comes bundled with 7 - when it ships in late October.

News and articles including how to
http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/

A lot of people don't want to lose all their settings and do an upgrade in place. A clean install is always preferable.
http://windows7news.com/2009/04/27/upgrading-from-windows-7-rc-to-final/

I would definitely treat it as a solid beta, but beta, and make backups of Vista and of your files etc. before venturning forward.
http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/13/a-few-more-changes-from-beta-to-rc.a spx

http://windows7news.com/

RC does not have full support and drivers from a number of vendors, and require new versions as well.

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Answer 2

May 6, 2009 8:16 AM in response to invixtus

I don't believe that you can do an upgrade from Vista using Windows 7 RC. I would recommend erasing the Windows partition using disk utility and then doing a clean Windows 7 RC install.

johnnykuz

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Answer 3

MacLeon

Level 1

55 points

May 6, 2009 8:47 AM in response to invixtus

I did upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 RC, everything is fine except that Boot Camp is not working.
Other than that Windows 7 works and looks really nice.

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Answer 4

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

May 6, 2009 9:04 AM in response to johnnykuz

You don't have to believe anything, but you could try looking at the official upgrade path and what is supported. Upgrading from pre-RC builds of 7 is possible but "frowned" on is all. Upgrades from Vista SP1+ is supported. Otherwise a clean install is needed.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/installation-instructions.aspx

*Can I upgrade directly from Windows Vista to the RC?*

Yes. If you're running Windows Vista, you can install Window 7 RC without having to back up and reinstall your programs and data. But to be on the safe side, please do back up your data before you start.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/faq.aspx

http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/04/07/delivering-a-quality-upgrade-experie nce.aspx
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/05/05/exclusive-windows-7-rc-download-goes-li ve
http://www.geeksmack.net/microsoft/344-first-look-at-official-windows-7-badge.ht ml

Other forums
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itproinstall/threads
http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-installation-upgrade/

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