If to install Windows 7 from Windows XP, you have to proceed to a real reinstallation from scratch, for those who own Windows Vista on their computer the work is simpler because it is an update or "upgrade". READ NOW: How to download Windows 7 for free
Depending on the computer and the current edition of Windows Vista, you can use the update option contained in Windows 7.
As I see it, updating is much more convenient than doing a reinstallation from scratch because, in this way, you keep Windows Vista files, settings and programs in their place. Purists will be able to say that it is better to do it again from scratch so as to have an efficient and fast PC supper but, personally, I don't agree and I think it's just a waste of time.
There are 2 ways to update Windows Vista to Windows 7 and we see them both:
1) Installing the update
2) Custom installation
Before seeing the two options and before doing anything, I can only force everyone to make a backup of the hard disk to save all the important files, documents, photos, music and everything that you intend to keep like that, if something goes wrong, there is no risk of losing anything important.
To facilitate this operation you can also avoid a professional backup program and you can use the Windows Easy Transfer tool for Vista that is inside Vista or, if not found, that can be downloaded from the Microsoft site. Definitely recommended to have an external hard drive to save all settings and files.
Another preliminary step is to understand which version of Windows 7 you can install . On the figure above and taking a look at the page on the versions of Windows 7, it is understood that the Vista update is only possible starting with the equivalent of the Seven version, that is, from Vista Home you can switch to Windows 7 Home, from Vista Professional to Seven Professional while all versions can switch from Windows 7 Ultimate which is the best.
Regarding the choice of installing the 32-bit or 64-bit version, it depends on the processor of the computer and can be easily understood using a program that checks the system hardware or by going to the system properties.
The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit bigger is that 64-bit operating systems are capable of handling large amounts of memory, even 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM while 32-bit systems are limited to 4 GB.
As for hardware and software requirements, there should be no problems because if Vista runs, Windows 7 also runs.
As bad as it goes, on Windows 7 there is the Xp Mode that allows you to run all the old programs.
The only problem may be, for me, with the drivers of old modems that may not work on Windows 7; in this case either you buy a new modem or you must first check if updated drivers exist on the manufacturer's website.
However it is recommended to use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool to be sure that everything is going well and to receive advice on where to find any patches or updates.
Now finally we go to perform the update procedure to switch to Windows 7 from Vista .
When you upgrade to Windows 7, you can keep your files, settings and programs from Windows Vista .
1) Turn on the PC (then don't say I'm not complete ...)
2) If you purchased or only downloaded Windows 7 online, start Vista and then open the installation file as if you were installing a normal program.
If instead you have a Windows 7 installation disc then you insert the disc into the cd rom, always from Vista.
The installer should start automatically; if it doesn't, click the Start button, Computer, DVD disc then double-click the setup.exe file.
3) On the Install Windows page, click Install Now.
4) When asked whether to download important updates immediately, it is recommended to say yes and get the latest updates to ensure the correct installation, and to protect your computer from problems.
In this case it is clear that the computer will have to be connected to the Internet.
5) Accept, without reading, the license terms.
6a ) Choose the type of installation by clicking on the " Update " button.
7) By continuing to follow the instructions and the wizard, you can complete the installation of Windows 7 without difficulty.
At step 6 there was also the possibility to choose the custom installation so let's see what happens in this case.
6b ) Choosing a custom installation of Windows 7.
7) Choose the partition containing Windows Vista (this is often the computer drive with the letter C), and then click Next (be careful not to select the USB external hard drive).
8) In the dialog where Windows.old appears, click OK.
9) Continue to follow the instructions to complete the installation of Windows 7, including those of naming your computer and creating an initial user account.
You can use the same names that were previously used in Windows Vista, or choose new ones.
At this point Windows 7 is installed, and the only problem is the Windows 7 license that must be bought original, perhaps on Amazon.
