Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

[Snowcatxx87]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

This is my little story. I think a fresh install is always the way to go IMO.

I had Vista Business 32 on a Core 2 duo, then upgraded to Vista Ultimate 32(really for the media center as my computer is hooked 1080 to a 42" lcd tv)

I then backup all my data and did a clean install. First time running a 64 bit system. There are some quirks, like my USB Wifi G adapter didnt work and you can "download" new software for it to work when you dont have a network to connect to! So some playing around I'm back to a good computer, all organised and neat.

Windows 7 blows the doors of older windows - it's really fast. Can't complain. Perhaps its the 64 bit?

A tip - If you have a small hard drive, buy a new one, then build the OS on that, then copy your files from your OLD hard drive, format your old harddrive, now it's used for data. Ive been doing this since XP.

Xp was on a 160GB. Vista was installed on a 250GB. 7 is now installed on a 500GB. I still have the other 2 drives, and their used as seconday storage.

64 BIT arguments - Time to move to the future lads. 64 bit computing has been out for a while, and reading a lot of articles, sure, XP 64 was iffy as not much support, but with 7, compatability mode, your laughing. I strongly suggest 64 if have the hardware!

[turbomeyers]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

i have some automotive software that would only work on 32 so i had to downgrade to 32 bit os when i forst open my shop . will xp compatability work all xp software ?

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I have a Dell XPS 9000 Quad core with Windows Ultimate 7 coming so see how it all works soon I hope!

[R_Ethug]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

chris the 64bit version will work with 32bit apps no problem

for those who buy ultimate you can download virtual pc 2008 with a Xp virtual machine that works with 7 for running legacy applications seamlessly

too much nerd at work to want to talk nerd here..

[Tuna]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I don't have the hardware to run 64 so I stayed with the 32. A 1tb hdd would be kind of nice but I already have a 500 gb plus a External USB 500gb and a 120gb hdd so a bit hard to justify buying one right now. I'll probably just install it on the 500gb and eventually upgrade the 120gb drive.

I'm hoping to return it tomorrow and do the install. I believe I have a partition on the 500gb already so I'll put it on that.

[Tuna]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

Well copied everything I wanted over to a USB drive and did a clean install. It was quick and painless. Pretty happy so far, the media center config went really good too.

[RobG]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I have been told of issues playing MKV videos in media center, maybe do a goog search and see. I'm sticking to Vista with my media center, it just works. And can you browse files and folders in media center? Or is it all just files dumped into the "Videos" section?

[Tuna]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

Well no issues so far, the guide is nicer, there's a cool gadget for the recorded TV and theres "playready" which gets around the blocked channels like one of the movie channels and speed etc (I had a few channels blocked in Vista with no way to unblock).

Another thing that was nice about the install is my IR remote and keyboard actually worked the first time after the install (and most of the time during) something that I had issues with with both XP and Vista. My Haupauge worked flawlessly after installing the drivers which again I had issues with on the previous versions.

Pretty happy actually, I hear ya though, I was reluctant at first to switch because I had vista working pretty good.

[RobG]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I too made the upgrade, I was trying to get the Hauppage HD PVR working through Vista Media Center and no go. I upgraded to Windows 7 and like Jason Said, it just works. Full HD capabilities just like the shaw PVR but in Media Center, and this one you can playback the recorded shows at double speed for maximum efficiency. The computer changes the channels on the cable box through firewire. It's Component Video and SPDIF out of the Cable box into the Hauppage box, then USB into the computer. Then I can record any show I want and do as I wish with the content.

Motorola DCT-6200
Hauppage HD PVR
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
DVB-Link & FireSTB

[Tuna]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

Nice setup, I should get the details on how the firewire works. I still use the old media center transceiver, it works fine for now though.

But yea, everything has been easier, even setting up my 360 was easier (which wasn't very difficult to begin with). Well worth the money. There's a few other things I haven't even had a chance to try yet.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

wow great setup rob!

i just bought a new popcorn hour c-200 unit should be here tomorrow.. it'll be my full media centre.. 1tb hd and good to go

[Tuna]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I looked at the new popcorn hour and I wouldn't mind one as an extender as 360's are pretty loud. What media center does though is to let you have full pvr capability among other things, and controls your set top box to change the channels. Also I have Starchoice and the guide and info is terrible, the guide that's downloaded is far superior.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

yea.. i don't use PVR.. i just d/l all my missed shows..easy as pie to get in full HD or just 480p quality

i can add a bluray drive to the popcorn if i want but i don't really want to buy movies.. heck i haven't bought a movie in like 8 years or more.. but i can't wait to start watching some full 1080p stuff this week! new sony xbr 240hz and 1080p ahoy!

i squashed my bell down to 35/mo so its REALLY basic LOL.. but i'm fine with it.. i have zero issues ever getting the shows i want to watch.. i'd almost be tempted to cancel it completely

although from talking with people now the thing to do with dish to keep it cheap
buy 6 receivers and split the bill with your family so you only pay 30/mo still.. easy enough hahaha

[dJ]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

I've had to setup a house with 3 of the setups all in the same room, it was nuts. Lots and lots of wires....and tagging of wires lol.

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Upgrading to Windows 7: Questions

i have some automotive software that would only work on 32 so i had to downgrade to 32 bit os when i forst open my shop . will xp compatability work all xp software ?

Turbo,

If you run the Professional 64 or Ultimate 64 you can run XP Mode in Windows Virtual PC. I have Ultimate 64 on my laptop (clean install) and run XP Mode for some apps that I have that won't run on Windows 7 Ulitimate 64. PM me if you have any questions.