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Need help with preparing XP for Windows 7

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Post #1

Hi, I have a Compaq Notebook with a 32 bit operating system, it is running XP with Service pack 3. I used the Windows update advisor to see if Windows 7 would run on my system. It states some programs may need upgrades and some new drivers. Can someone please help as the scan is below:

 

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Report
Computer Name: 
Operating System: Windows XP Professional 
CPU: Intel(R) Atom(TM) CPU N270 @ 1.60GHz 
Memory: 1.0 GB 

System Details 
Custom installation required You'll need to perform a custom installation of 32-bit Windows 7 and then reinstall your programs. Make sure to back up your files before you begin. 
Go online to get important information about installing Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP 
Outlook Express This program is no longer included in Windows 7. You can get similar programs for Windows 7 from other software manufacturers. 
Go to the Microsoft website to learn more 
More info from Hewlett-Packard Hewlett-Packard has a website that might give you more information about getting Windows 7 running on your PC. 
Visit the Hewlett-Packard website 
Windows Aero support Your graphics adapter supports the Windows Aero user interface.
Go online to learn more about Windows Aero 
CPU speed: 1.6 GHz Your CPU meets the 1 GHz minimum requirement. 
1.0 GB of RAM Your PC meets the 1 GB minimum requirement. 
99.6 GB free space available on C: Your hard disk meets the minimum requirement of 16 GB free space for 32-bit Windows 7. 

Devices Status Details 
Atheros AR8132 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller
Atheros Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 
Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN
Broadcom Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon MG3200 series Printer
Canon Check Windows Update Check Windows Update after installing Windows 7 to make sure you have the latest driver for this device, otherwise it may not work. 
HP Webcam-50
Alcor Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
IDT Check Windows Update Check Windows Update after installing Windows 7 to make sure you have the latest driver for this device, otherwise it may not work. 
KODAK ESP 3200 Series AiO
Eastman Kodak Company Check Windows Update Check Windows Update after installing Windows 7 to make sure you have the latest driver for this device, otherwise it may not work. 
Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Intel Corporation Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 
Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Intel Corporation Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 
USB Mass Storage Device
Compatible USB storage device Compatible This device is compatible with Windows 7. 

Programs Status Details 
Advanced Registry Optimizer
version 5.3
Sammsoft Update available We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get an update to a compatible version 
HP BatteryCheck 2.10 A2
version 2.10 A2
Hewlett-Packard Company Free update available We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get a free update to a compatible version 
HP QuickSync
version 5.1.234.4788
Hewlett-Packard Free update available We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get a free update to a compatible version 
QuickBooks Pro 2006 Paid update available We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get a paid update to a compatible version 
Windows Live Sign-in Assistant
version 5.000.818.5
Microsoft Corporation Free update available We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get a free update to a compatible version 
Windows Live Essentials
version 14.0.8117.0416
Microsoft Corporation This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo. A free update to a newer version is also available. 
Get the free update
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
version 8.0.61001
Microsoft Corporation This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161
version 9.0.30729.6161
Microsoft Corporation This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Roxio BackOnTrack
version 1.3.0
Roxio This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007
version 12.0.6612.1000
Microsoft Corporation This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo. A paid update to a newer version is also available. 
Get the paid update
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Microsoft Works
version 9.7.0621
Microsoft Corporation This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo. A paid update to a newer version is also available. 
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo 
Adobe Reader 9.5.5 MUI
version 9.5.5
Adobe Systems Incorporated Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Adobe Shockwave Player 11.5
version 11.5.2.602
Adobe Systems, Inc. Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Java 7 Update 51
version 7.0.510
Oracle Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
version 2.2.30729
Microsoft Corporation Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
OpenOffice.org 3.4
version 3.4.9590
OpenOffice.org Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Windows Internet Explorer 8
version 20090308.140743
Microsoft Corporation Free update available This program is compatible with Windows 7. A free update is also available.
Get the free update 
Active@ ISO Burner
version 2.5.1
LSoft Technologies Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon Easy-WebPrint EX
version 1.3.5.0
Canon Inc. Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon IJ Network Scanner Selector EX
‎Canon Inc.‬ Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon IJ Network Tool
version 3.1.0
Canon Inc. Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon IJ Scan Utility
‪Canon Inc.‬ Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Canon My Printer
version 3.0.0
Canon Inc. Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Emsisoft Anti-Malware
version 8.1
Emsisoft GmbH Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
ERUNT 1.1j
Lars Hederer Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
GoogleToolbarNotifier
version 4.1.509.1944
Google Inc. Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2
version 3.2.30729
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
version 3.5
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile
version 4.0
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Extended
version 4.0
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft Live Search Toolbar
version 3.0.560.0
Microsoft Live Search Toolbar Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer 2007 (English)
version 12.0.6612.1000
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft Silverlight
version 5.1.30214.0
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]
version 3.1.0000
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Mobipocket Reader 6.2
version 6.2.608
Mobipocket.com Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
RealPlayer
version 16.0.3
RealNetworks Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Turbo Lister 2
version 2.00.0000
eBay Inc. Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
version 2.0.5000.0
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Windows Live Sync
version 14.0.8117.416
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Windows Live Upload Tool
version 14.0.8014.1029
Microsoft Corporation Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 
Windows Media Player 11 Compatible This program is compatible with Windows 7. 

Windows XP Mode is an optional feature available in Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate that has extra system requirements. 
Visit the Windows XP Mode website for more information 
Requirement Details 
Virtualization technology not supported Your PC does not support hardware assisted virtualization technology. 
1.0 GB of RAM Your PC memory doesn't meet the 2 GB requirement for running Windows XP Mode on 32-bit Windows 7. When running XP Mode, you might experience poor performance. 
Extra 15 GB of free space Your PC meets the minimum requirement of 15 GB extra space for installing and running Windows XP Mode.

Post #2

Hi autographshark and welcome to the WTT forums

 

The report from Microsoft's Upgrade Adviser software, confirms that it is possible for your computer to run win 7 (32 bit)….

 

However the performance with only 1gb of RAM and a weak-ish CPU  will be a seriously limiting factor in enjoying satisfactory performance on Win 7.

 

If it is possible to upgrade your RAM to a minimum of 2Gb or preferably a little more it would likely help things to work more responsively….. however there's nothing you can do about the CPU, so its worth thinking long and hard if you want to perform the Operating System upgrade to Win 7 or whether it would be wiser to invest the "upgrade money" in a new computer that is likely to be quicker, more resilient, and guaranteed for at least a year…. 

Post back if you need further information.

Regards

paws

Post #3

I'll upgrade for now. I have a tech friend that can do this for me. Do I need to update any programs currently on the notebook? What do you recommend and upgrade or full install?

Thanks

Post #4

Hi autograph shark,
You will need to do a fresh full install using the installation media that you have purchased.

The install will clear everything off your machine's hard drive, so everything will need to be reinstalled.

Check and double check your back ups BEFORE you start….

Make sure they are kept safe on removable media and include not only your data files but all your downloaded application executable files, product serial keys and most important all the win 7 32 bit drivers for your computer double check and treble check that your network adapter drivers (Ethernet and wireless are included)

 

Collect together all your applications installation cd/dvd's as you will need these to install them on you new Win 7 set up.

 

Don't allow the machine to connect to the Internet until your anti virus has been installed and Firewall set up…..

 

When connecting to the net its vital that the computer is used solely for updating Windows and anti virus  (no emailing or surfing or visiting any sites other than Windows update and your anti virus update service.)

 

you will need to reboot after installing Windows updates……. keep rebooting and visiting Windows Update until you are told no more updates are available.

 

Allow at least half a day to finish the job.

Regards

paws

Post #5 last edited

I agree with paws - 1 GB RAM is simply not enough.

 

For Windows 7 x86 - 2 GB RAM minimum.

 

If you run Windows 7 x86 with 1 GB RAM, you will experience excessive paging, which will really slow the system down.

 

"Excessive Paging" - the system uses virtual memory when physical memory runs out.

 

"Virtual Memory" - the system uses the HDD (page file) for memory, which is 1,000s of times slower than physical RAM.

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