Just upgraded to Windows 7

Just a quick note that I just upgraded my laptop from Windows Vista 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit and it made the computer a lot faster.

By going from 32 bit operating system, it allowed me to install additional memory. 32 bit systems only recognize 3GB RAM memory and 64 bit systems do not have a memory (DRAM or SODIMM) memory limit.

My computer was so slow before and now it really screams.
I did a fresh install (called custom on the installation disc) and then upgraded from 2GB memory to 4GB memory.

If you have any questions about the process, just reply below.

I thought I needed a new computer, yet this upgrade has given new life to my HP notebook and cost a lot less than buying a new computer.

I will be writing about it on my blog, yet wanted to share in case you were wondering if to go with windows 7. I say yes!

Thanks Clay...
They say to let the smart ones jump in first and fix the bug. I appreciate that you stormed the Win 7 and have already had success ... and provided a positive report. whew! Good goin'

More Detail would be nice. Example did you buy a Full install or Upgrade version of Win7.What year did you purchase your Laptop? Does being 64bit cause any problem on adding software? For that matter could 64 bit cause a problem for some Motherboards?

Lastly do you use Windows because you like it or by necessity? Example the weekly Webinars held by Lynn only work completely if in Windows(God forbid you want to use a Mac or (gasp) Linux)

I have 2 year old HP Laptop from Costco model DV9653CL.
It is running a Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T7500 @ 2.2GHZ
It came with 2GB RAM (SODIMMS)
It has a Geforce 8600M GS graphics adapter.

I purchased the upgrade version of the Home Premium retail box that comes with 32 and 64 bit install discs form Office max with a coupon they sent me for $10 off. It is also available at Amazon and Costco for a few dollars off.

Windows has a special going on where you can buy a 3 pack for $149 and upgrade 3 computers. Otherwise it is $120 for a single computer.

I went to Microsoft Windows 7 page and checked to see if I could upgrade and it said I could. The upgrade would only be 32 bit and if I wanted to use 64 bit I would have to do a fresh install. This is a very important step to do before upgrading. For example it stated I could upgrade to home premium or ultimate and not professional. It also told me what would not work with the Windows 7 like the HP quick launch buttons.

I have a HP media smart server that backs up all my computers every night even my Macbook.

I did a fresh install (custom) and it did not totally wipe out my hard drive so I went in and formatted my hard drive in the windows upgrade process and reinstalled.

HP is not offering drivers for this model for Windows 7.
I then used Windows update about 6 times to get all the updates it suggested.
I went to Nvidia and had them interrogate my Pc for the driver I needed and then I downloaded the latest driver.
I went to Intel and had them interrogate my system and installed the driver they said I needed. it was for the WiFi link 4965AGN.

I installed my software, market samuri, MS office, Camtasia and Roboform.
Roboform had all my passcards saved on its server, I was delighted.
I then used MS office updates about 4 times to get all the office updates. It runs in 32 bit mode only.

The computer used to take about 10 minutes to restart and now it restarted in 1.5 minutes.

Then I took out the two 1GB memory modules and replaced them with two 2GB SODIMMS so I have 4 GB memory instead of 2GB. This made a huge difference in performance way beyond my expectations.

The only problem was when I imported my outlook .pst file and then set up outlook it downloaded all my original emails so I ended up with duplicate emails. Next time I would set up Outlook and let it download all my emails and then do the import of he old PST file and tell the upgrade to not duplicate emails. As it is I am using a software to eliminate the duplicates. I have 20,000 emails in my intray right now and have already deleted 15,643.

For ease of use, you may want to try the upgrade instead of the custom install because it will keep all you existing files and software in place. If you computer is slow and you have all your software and data available to reinstall, then a fresh install will speed up your computer.

Also if you have a student in your house, Microsoft is offering a $29 upgrade for Windows 7 for many schools and instantly if you have a .edu email address. Students can also go order it for less at a student software company. Check with your local college bookstore for where to get it in your country. Locally Ultimate version is available for students for $99 and professional is available for $39.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I tried using Windows 7 but only the trial version and I liked its speed and interface. Just like michaelhartzell, I would probably wait for a bit before upgrading to Windows 7 so there would be fewer errors (if any). Most of my friends have also been raving about Windows 7 too, so I can't wait to have it on my system.

So far so good on the windows 7 upgrade.
One idea is that 3 people can go together and buy a family pack for $149.
This way it would only cost $50 for each computer upgraded.
I have not read the license, so be sure to read the license before buying it.
Windows 7 is so much faster I am delighted. I will get a blog post up this week going through all the steps I took during the upgrade.

Thank you Clay. Very detailed explanation. You still missed my point about the Motherboard and if 64 bit has any effect on software. I will wait for Win 7 SP1 before I even think about upgrading and even then for most things Ubuntu9.10 wins hands down.