Top 10 Windows 7 FAQ

Microsoft rolled out Windows 7 on 22 October.  Although Windows 7 is not a giant leap from Vista, but it comes with remarkable changes. As with any new OS, Windows 7 is generating much inquisitiveness and attracting queries. I see the Windows 7 forums are already flooded with questions about the ubiquitous Desktop OS. The Windows buffs are craving to know how to get the most out of Windows 7. Especially, the neophytes are filled with confusion and questions. Given the the official Windows 7 FAQ, there a lot to be answered beyond that. We decided to pick pick up the top 10 Windows 7 FAQ to make it easier for you.

1. What is better Windows 7 upgrade or full retail version? Does the upgrade contain all the features of full version?

This is the most discussed question on most forums. Well, the price is a huge difference between the upgrade and full version. Windows 7 upgrade is meant for those running Windows XP or Vista. In case, you are going for new system you could get the OEM version from the supplier cheaply. Clearly with the upgrade you get all the Windows 7 features. Then who would go for the full version. People running the age old Windows 98, or 95 need to buy the full version. Even those who want Windows 7 on a Mac computer using Boot Camp, or who are running Linux should go for it. The upgrade and the full discs are same.

2. How can I install Windows 7 to a netbook with no DVD drive?

Windows 7 can be installled in netbook with no DVD drive using an USB key. It needs to be installed using a USB key. The USB key must have 4GB or more free storage space.  In case you can do with command lines. You might use the DIskpart utility. Most of them will prefer to use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool. The tool will also create a bootable DVD from which you can install the OS. That’s the only solution if you have a netbook without optical drives.

3.   What is the difference between the Upgrade and Custom installation options?

There’s is a huge confusion over the term Upgrade for Windows 7. The terms is used to describe the price variant as well as the term used in the installation process. Now if you buy the Windows Upgrade, you will get the Upgrade and Custom options during the installation. The Upgrade version can only be opted if you are already running Vista.

Choosing the Upgrade option carries your applications, documents, settings and user accounts over to the new OS. In case you are not coming from Vista, go for the Custom option which would ensure fresh installation. For the XP user who wanna migrate instead of wiping everything out and reinstalling, you can use Laplink’s PCmover to get the same result as doing an Upgrade installation.

Remember even after custom installation your old filed will be preserved in a folder named Windows.old.

4. How do I get my files and folders after upgrading from Windows XP or Windows Vista?

This will overtly depend on how you upgraded your system. If you upgrade from Windows Vista they would be in the same location in which you had stored them. For a custom upgrade  from XP without reformatting the old files will be stored in a folder called Windows old. To retrive the files follow the steps below

Step 1: Open the drive where you have installed Windows (usually, the C: drive)
Step 2: Double-click the Windows.old folder
Step 3: Double-click the Users folder
Step 4: Double-click your user name
Step 5: Open the folders that contain the files you want to retrieve. For instance, to retrieve files in the Documents folder, double-click Documents
Step 6: Copy and paste the files that you want from each folder to a folder in Windows 7

For each user account repeat the steps 4 and 6

In case you reformatted your drive or partition the files cannot be recovered.

5. How can I find programs and devices that work with the 64-bit version of Windows 7?

If you find program and devices that are compatible with Windows 7, simply look for the Compatible with Windows 7 logo in the product. These have been tested positive with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Further, you can go online to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and check whether the program or device is compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 7. The software and hardware manufacturers keep on updating this information, so keep a check on it.

6. Will the Windows 32-bit applications run if I switch to 64-bit variant of Windows 7

Not all the applications run smooth with 64-bit variant of Windows 7. Especially there could be hitch-up’s with system-intrusive software, like hardware drivers and anti-virus software. It would require the 64-bit code. For instance Flash that doesn’t offer a 64-bit version of its IE plugin. In order, to view the Flash based web pages you need to run the 32-bit version of browser.

7. How do I qualify for the students price of Windows 7? What about the OEM pricing?

To qualify for the students price you need to have an email account from an institution of higher learning. The OEM price can be availed by the system builders. Generally buying a major system component such as a motherboard or hard drive qualifies you for a price considerably lower than what you’d pay for the retail box.

For the OEM pricing you can look for our article here.

8. Is it possible to upgrade from one Vista Edition, like Home Premium to Window 7 Ultimate?

All types of upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 are possible, given that you are ready to pay.  For more details you can read our article how Vista users can  upgrade to Windows 7.

9. What do I do if I insert a CD or DVD and Windows 7 doesn’t recognize it?

First, try uninstalling and reinstalling drivers using the Device Manager by following these steps:

Step 1: Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Step 2: Click Hardware and Sound, and go to the Devices and Printers, select  Device Manager.
Step 3: In Device Manager, expand DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the CD and DVD devices, and then click Uninstall.
Step 4: When you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the device and click OK.
Step 5: Restart your computer.

10. If I run a 64-bit version of Windows, does that require a 64-bit driver for my devices?

Of course, the hardware devices require 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. To check information on about drivers go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor web page.