upgrading from vista to win 7 question

[Debbie Graham]

Would I still be able to do the upgrade even though I was never able to get
SP 1 or SP 2 installed on my laptop?

Debbie

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Would I still be able to do the upgrade even though I was never able to get
SP 1 or SP 2 installed on my laptop?

Maybe, but...

Here's my view. I recommend doing an upgrade rather than a clean
installation because it usually saves you a lot of work (and worst
case, if it causes you trouble, you can always redo it as a clean
installation). But the one situation where I recommend *against*
upgrading is when you are experiencing problems. The fact that you are
unable to install Service Packs is indicative that something is wrong
with your Vista installation, and upgrading to Windows 7 *may* cause
you more problems.

 

[Debbie Graham]

I was afraid of that. Guess I'm stuck with vista. Don't really want to do a
clean install

Debbie

 

[Debbie Graham]

No I don't want a clean install for 2 reasons, I can't afford the full
version and second, I don't want to lose all my programs

Debbie

 

[John E. Carty]

No I don't want a clean install for 2 reasons, I can't afford the full
version and second, I don't want to lose all my programs

Debbie

The upgrade version can do a clean install

 

[Debbie Graham]

But I will still lose all my programs, right?

Debbie

 

[John E. Carty]

But I will still lose all my programs, right?

Programs can be reinstalled and all user created data should be included in
your backups

 

[Canuck57]

Programs can be reinstalled and all user created data should be included
in your backups

For the average user, a non-technical user, there is absolutely no value
in upgrading at all. Wast of time. Win 7 is Vista regurgitated so it
is pointless to kiss off a whole weekend putzing with the thing to do Win 7.

If you bought a machine with Vista, run Vista.

Technical people, different story. Run Win 7 to find out it is the same
POS.

I wish they still maintained XP Media w. 64 bit...

 

[Canuck57]

But I will still lose all my programs, right?

You will not loose them if you have hard copies of them on CD or DVD.
But you will have to reinstall tehm all if you pick a clean install.
And there is a chance even with an upgrade install you will need to
either upgrade the application or reinstall it.

Best to keep running Vista that came with the thing. Save the weekend
and party instead.

 

[Debbie Graham]

That's what I don't understand. First I don't have any backups cause I
don't have a dvd burner on the laptop just a cd burner and it would take a
crap load of cds to backup my c and d drive. Second if I had a backup of my
drives, it has vista on it so how could a i run a backup for my user data
for win 7with vista data on it?
Debbie

 

[Artreid]

Wow,

Following this thread is like being interviewed by a CSI group. I'm almost
to afraid add my 2 cents here.

However, Just a thought...
I have heard of and have been thinking of trying an online backup called
Karbonite. There is $55.00 annual fee and your data/programs/complete system
gets backed up automatically. There most probably are other similar free
sites for those of us who for whatever reason, can't/don't/forget to
Backup...

 

[John E. Carty]

That's what I don't understand. First I don't have any backups cause I
don't have a dvd burner on the laptop just a cd burner and it would take a
crap load of cds to backup my c and d drive. Second if I had a backup of
my drives, it has vista on it so how could a i run a backup for my user
data for win 7with vista data on it?
Debbie

You just backup the data, not the OS

 

[Bruce Chambers]

That's what I don't understand. First I don't have any backups...

That's never a good thing. Or do you have no important data worth
preserving?

.... cause I
don't have a dvd burner on the laptop just a cd burner and it would take a
crap load of cds to backup my c and d drive.

But USB Thunb Drives or USB External hard drives are very cheap.

Second if I had a backup of my
drives, it has vista on it so how could a i run a backup for my user data
for win 7with vista data on it?

Because normally one only back ups up one's irreplaceable data files,
not the OS or programs that can easily be re-installed from the original
media.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Seems a moot point if all you have is a optical drive that will only
read CD's.
Strange that you could buy a laptop with Vista installed when it only
has a CD reader/burner when Vista comes on a DVD.

Well, so does Win7, so I guess the OP can actually have neither.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Debbie Graham]

No it reads CD's and DVD's but only writes CD's

Debbie

 

[Debbie Graham]

The optical drive reads cd and dvd just only writes cd.

Debbie

 

[Debbie Graham]

Okay John would you be so kind to tell me how to just backup the data, which
files, etc. Or guide me to a link? I would appreciate it.

Debbie

 

[Debbie Graham]

My laptop is really just my backup if my pc goes down. I do however, have
programs on there that should be backed up but my optical drive only reads
cd/dvd and burns only cd's. I have USB drives and an external drive. My
problem is I didn't know you can just backup your user data and what exactly
those files are. I have always backed up whole drives. As I asked john
above, how can I do that? What files do I need to backup? Is there a link
to explain it or can you? Thanks

Debbie

 

[Jasper]

My laptop is really just my backup if my pc goes down. I do however, have
programs on there that should be backed up but my optical drive only reads
cd/dvd and burns only cd's. I have USB drives and an external drive. My
problem is I didn't know you can just backup your user data and what
exactly those files are. I have always backed up whole drives. As I
asked john above, how can I do that? What files do I need to backup? Is
there a link to explain it or can you? Thanks

Debbie

Can you do a full backup to your external drive? If so then do that and then
try to do the upgrade to Win7. If the upgrade fails then just restore it. If
it works you are good to go.

 

[Kevin John SmallBone]

What kind of logic is that?
Do a clean install.
Search this Newsgroup for my profuse revelation of how to use WIn7 Upgrade
disk for a Clean Install.

Just don't convince yourself computers are complicated, otherwise it's
like saying "I am stuck in dirty clothes. Laundromat is too confusing, so
many machines...."

Best that you stay away from Laundromat. Takes quarters. You need quarters
for Vodka.