A really dumb Windows 7 question - actually two of them.

On 01/27/10 15:13, Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> On Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:01:34 -0500, Pastor Dave tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

>

>> On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:53 -0600, canadiancowboy

>> spake thusly:

>>

>>

>>> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA

>>> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor

>>> displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when

>>> Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had

>>> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.

>>>

>>> My questions are:

>>> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video

>>> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed

>>> to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current

>>> Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for

>>> thoughts and advice about this.

>>>

>>> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to

>>> support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be

>>> checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,

>>> will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My

>>> understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in

>>> Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,

>>> not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.

>>>

>>> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional

>>> (or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports

>>> 64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean

>>> install of 64-bit at a later date?

>>>

>>> Thank you for your attention,

>>> Canadian Cowboy.

>>

>> I would (and always do) do a clean install of Windows7 Ult x64.

>>

>> Btw, you don't have to wipe your drive first. It will do it

>> for you during the install, if you so choose (watch carefully

>> for the option on the right screen during the install).

>>

>> I would never upgrade to Win7! Always install clean! :)

>

>

>

> My advice is the exact opposite. Although many people will tell you

> that formatting and installing cleanly is the best way to go, I

> disagree. Unlike with previous versions of Windows, an upgrade to

> Windows XP or later replaces almost everything, and usually works very

> well.

>

> My recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since it's much

> easier than a clean installation. You can always change your mind and

> reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

>

> However, don't assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need

> to backup your data, etc. before beginning. Before starting to

> upgrade, it's always prudent to recognize that things like a sudden

> power loss can occur in the middle of it and cause the loss of

> everything. For that reason you should make sure you have backups and

> anything else you need to reinstall if the worst happens.

i.e., verified backups.