Question on Installing Windows 7 on a hard drive with Vista.

[Blackink]

I have a HP computer that came with Windows Vista installed on the hard drive from the factory.

Is it possible to install Windows 7 over the Vista on this same hard drive or is the version of Windows Vista proprietary for that HP computer only?

Thanks.....

 

[corbintechboy]

I have a HP computer that came with Windows Vista installed on the hard drive from the factory.

Is it possible to install Windows 7 over the Vista on this same hard drive or is the version of Windows Vista proprietary for that HP computer only?

Thanks.....

You always have the option to upgrade the OS on any computer you buy.

Get a Windows 7 disk, stick it in the drive, boot, follow prompts, let it rip, you have Windows 7.

To make life easier, download all the drivers for your computer to a flash drive before you start so you can just install the drivers when done (Windows may very well make everything just work, just in case).

 

[Blackink]

Even if the computer is an older PC?

How would I know if I need to install the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version?

Wouldn't what motherboard is installed in this pc make a difference as to what version of Windows 7 I install? Or that doesn't matter at all?

Thanks again.....

 

[corbintechboy]

Even if the computer is an older PC?

How would I know if I need to install the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version?

Wouldn't what motherboard is installed in this pc make a difference as to what version of Windows 7 I install? Or that doesn't matter at all?

Thanks again.....

As long as your system meets the requirements you would be fine.

As far as 64 bit goes, if you have more then 4 gigabytes of ram, then 64bit otherwise 32 bit. if you have a plan on upgrading past 4 gigabytes if below now, use 64 bit.

In my experience, if your computer ran Windows Vista without issue, it will run Windows 7 and Windows 8 without issue.

 

[questnz]

Steve, do yourself a favor, forget about Vista. Always do CLEAN install. Yes it is more work but you will have a cleaner Windows rather than transferring Vista artifacts to new W7. You need to transfer all data to external drive, as already advised access motherboard manufacturer when you still can to get new W7 Drivers. Especially Network, in case W7 will not recognize your network card after restart. After you connect to internet you can get the rest of the drivers if necessary from the same site. Your Windows install is clean, registry clean and whole system run more efficiently. You will need to reinstall all applications as well.

 

[corbintechboy]

Steve, do yourself a favor, forget about Vista. Always do CLEAN install. Yes it is more work but you will have a cleaner Windows rather than transferring Vista artifacts to new W7. You need to transfer all data to external drive, as already advised access motherboard manufacturer when you still can to get new W7 Drivers. Especially Network, in case W7 will not recognize your network card after restart. After you connect to internet you can get the rest of the drivers if necessary from the same site. Your Windows install is clean, registry clean and whole system run more efficiently. You will need to reinstall all applications as well.

Good advice and one I forgot to give.

I never advise to do an upgrade, clean install is the only way to go.

 

[Blackink]

I agree, I'll do a clean install.

I'm not worried about the extra work involved in doing a clean install.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated

 

[n5ims]

Not only do a clean install, replace the hard disk and do your clean install on the new one. Once your system is operating correctly, add the old hard disk back to the system as a secondary drive. When you need an old file, it's quickly and easily available from your secondary drive (you remember, your old primary drive). Disks are pretty cheap so you'll probably be able to get a faster drive with twice (or more) space at minimal cost.

You can also use that secondary drive to place your backups on. Since it's a local bus connected drive, the backups will be quick so you'll probably do them more often. Be aware that you'll still need to make off-site backups to keep your files safe for a major disaster (a fire, for example) but they'll still be safe for minor disasters like a failed hard disk.

 

[questnz]

Yep, and bump memory to 4 GB if you don't have it.. Considering that you got Vista pre installed on PC the hardware is going on a bit. Here is your ticket to faster drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178381
Good luck.
Chris