Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows 7

[Petrosky]

Wondering whether to opt for this new system and a little unsure, being not too technical, about how to go about it i.e. how to create back-up, transfer files and everything from old system. Should I go for a 32 bit or 64 bit system.... my present one is 64 bit. Also concerned that Windows Mail and Photo Gallery appear to have been dropped as I do a lot of eMailing. Reasons for the change .... continual errors on Vista "this, that the other has stopped working" and a sinking Performance Reliability graph. Most times it works grand then, after a few weeks, it sinks into all these error messages with an Event Guide listing hundreds of warnings ...boot errors, standby errors etc. etc. with not an iota of advice as to what to do to rectify matters. All advice taken on board.

[MANEMAN]

Hi there,

Firstly, Windows 7 is a very good operating system. Secondly, if you have an external hard drive, back up your data (Photo, music, documents etc.) to this. They are quite cheap now and well worth the money spent. Failing this you can make backups to DVD/CD. or if large enough even flash drives.

If you are using 64-bit at the moment there is a strong possibility that some of the software that you have purchased is also 64-bit. Therefore it would be advisable to go for a Windows 7 64-bit installation, thus reducing the likelihood of having to duplicate purchase of software.

Here are some links offering you advice on migrating/integrating Windows Mail into Windows 7, and explaining the reasons for change between the two operating systems, and the exclusion of "Photogallery"

**Here** **Here** **Here**

That which was once bundled with Windows (And thought by many to be bloat.) has now been replaced with "Windows Live online services." I am sure you would soon find a way to accomodate your previous computing habits though.

If you are to take on this project (Changing Operating Systems) and as you say a non-technical person, it may be as well to find someone to share the job with you. Even a friend or family member who is also non-tech can be helpful. Two heads sometimes better than one. ;)

Although Vista is not as stable as Windows 7 and a "Resource Hog", some of the symptoms you describe could well be seen as man-made perhaps ?

Once set up try to find out all about "Disk Imaging." *Acronis* is an excellent tool and can save many hours of heartache. Windows 7 contains its own disk imaging package but lacks compression, therefore using much disk space.

When changing operating systems, do not forget to have a full set of drivers ready beforehand for the new system.

[Petrosky]

Hi there,

Firstly, Windows 7 is a very good operating system. Secondly, if you have an external hard drive, back up your data (Photo, music, documents etc.) to this. They are quite cheap now and well worth the money spent. Failing this you can make backups to DVD/CD. or if large enough even flash drives.

If you are using 64-bit at the moment there is a strong possibility that some of the software that you have purchased is also 64-bit. Therefore it would be advisable to go for a Windows 7 64-bit installation, thus reducing the likelihood of having to duplicate purchase of software.

Here are some links offering you advice on migrating/integrating Windows Mail into Windows 7, and explaining the reasons for change between the two operating systems, and the exclusion of "Photogallery"

**Here** **Here** **Here**

That which was once bundled with Windows (And thought by many to be bloat.) has now been replaced with "Windows Live online services." I am sure you would soon find a way to accomodate your previous computing habits though.

If you are to take on this project (Changing Operating Systems) and as you say a non-technical person, it may be as well to find someone to share the job with you. Even a friend or family member who is also non-tech can be helpful. Two heads sometimes better than one. ;)

Although Vista is not as stable as Windows 7 and a "Resource Hog", some of the symptoms you describe could well be seen as man-made perhaps ?

Once set up try to find out all about "Disk Imaging." *Acronis* is an excellent tool and can save many hours of heartache. Windows 7 contains its own disk imaging package but lacks compression, therefore using much disk space.

When changing operating systems, do not forget to have a full set of drivers ready beforehand for the new system.

Many thanks,Maneman, for your intense and detailed summation. I think I can see a clear pathway ahead but, as you suggest, I think I shall need the "two heads" you suggest. :)