Windows 7

[Mike Ungerman]

Windows 7 is Microsoft's next "new" operating system. It's targeted for release in 2010, but the beta release was made publicly available during the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Let's use this discussion for news, comments, announcements, etc., on the new OS. Comment to this lead posting rather than creating a new discussion or blog.

[Hewie Poplock]

Clean install with Windows 7 Upgrade media: How does that work exactly?
by Paul Thurott
http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/07/09/cle...

One of the many remaining questions about the Windows 7 Upgrade media is how, exactly, a clean install will work with this version of the OS. On the Microsoft Store, the company simply notes the following:

If you have Windows Vista, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in-place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista).

If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. But you must back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications.

OK, but what does "clean install" mean exactly? And how does the Windows 7 Setup routine ensure that you have a qualifying previous version of Windows before allowing the clean install? Thanks to an email from Chris P., we have the following info from Microsoft (emphasis mine):

In order to install the upgrade version of Windows 7, you must have a qualifying Windows operating system installed and activated. You cannot install an upgrade version of Windows 7 on a blank hard drive. The installation procedure does not ask you to insert a Windows disc in the drive for verification, the actual qualifying operating system must be installed.

If you do not have a qualifying Windows operating system installed with a genuine license activated, then you cannot use the upgrade version of Windows 7 - you would need a "full version" Windows 7 license.

In summary:

1.A qualifying Windows operating system must be installed.
2.The qualifying Windows operating system must have a genuine license (product key) and it must be activated.
3.To upgrade, boot to the qualifying Windows desktop, insert the Windows 7 Upgrade disc in the DVD drive.
4.When the setup menu appears, select Custom (advanced) to initiate a clean install procedure.

Question answered, right?
No.

The thing is, with Windows Vista, you could actually clean install the OS using Upgrade media, without having a previous Windows version installed on the PC. (I documented this over two years ago in How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media.) Will this method work in Windows 7?

I believe it will. But of course, I will need to test that to be sure. And to do so, I need actual Upgrade media. I've asked. It may be a while.

In the meantime, this is yet another area in which Microsoft could have been far more forthcoming about how the Upgrade process works. There are still far too many unanswered questions here.
------- Paul Thurott

[Hewie Poplock]

Tip: Use a USB Key to Install Windows 7—Even on a Netbook
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/dd535816.aspx

Putting the Windows 7 installation on a USB thumb drive has a few advantages—a small USB key is much more convenient for carrying around than a DVD, the OS will actually install much faster, and you can use a USB key to install Windows 7 on systems that do not have a DVD drive, such as a netbook. In fact, you can even install Windows 7 on netbooks that have fairly modest hardware. Dennis Chung, an IT Pro Evangelist at Microsoft recently posted a video demonstrating how easy it is to prepare your thumb drive and use it to install Windows 7. Here’s a quick look at the process:

• First, you’ll need the DiskPart utility on the system you will use to prep the thumb drive. This is a free disk partitioning utility that is likely already installed on your Windows system. If not, you can download DiskPart here.
• Launch the DiskPart utility by typing diskpart at the Start Menu.
• Then run the list disk command to check the status of your drive.
• Now run select disk 1 where the "1" is actually the corresponding number of your USB drive.
• Run clean.
• Once the thumb drive is clean, you can run create partition primary.
• Now make the partition active by entering active
• Then you need to set up the file system as Fat32 by running format fs=fat32 quick (quick, of course, specifies that you want to perform a quick format to speed up the process).
• Entering the assign command gives the USB drive a drive letter, making it easy to access from Windows Explorer
• Then you can copy everything from the Windows 7 installation DVD onto the USB key (a simple drag and drop will do).
• Now you can insert the thumb drive into the system you want to install Windows 7 onto and boot the system. The installation will now proceed as usual—but faster.

For a demonstration of this, check out the video by Dennis Chung.
mms://mschnlnine.wmod.llnwd.net/a1809/d1/edge/2/1/3/2/Win7onUSB_s_e...

[Hewie Poplock]

Use Problem Steps Recorder to Help Troubleshoot Windows 7
by Mysticgeek
If you have provided computer support you know it can be a challenge to diagnose the problem a user is experiencing based on their description. Depending on the environment doing a remote session or standing over their shoulder may not be a practical solution. New in Windows 7 is neat utility called Problem Steps Recorder which records user actions and allows you to troubleshoot the problem easier.

More info with screen captures can be found at the How-To Geek

[Mike Ungerman]

15 Best Windows 7 Tips and Hacks

You have upgraded to Windows 7, love the new taskbar, and enjoy the power of using the cool Libraries feature.

But now you want more. You want the cool tips and tricks that make Windows 7 fun!

So here are the best ones to help you get the most out of your new OS. In this article, we will focus on the Windows 7 interface to get you started on the road to becoming a Windows 7 Power User. In Part 2, we will be looking at advanced tips for usability, performance, and security.

Read the full blog at this link: http://tinyurl.com/ldrjot

[Mike Ungerman]

Best Windows 7 Tips & Hacks (Part 2)

In the previous article, we looked at some basic tips and tricks to unleash the power of the new Windows 7 user interface. In Part 2, we’re going to cover additional tips to improve usability, enhance the performance, and help secure Windows 7.

Read the full blog here: http://tinyurl.com/nsc9kp

[Hewie Poplock]

Windows 7 versus Windows XP on a netbook

Windows 7 versus Windows XP on the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA Netbook - Windows 7 on a Netbook - Legit Reviews - http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1023/1/

This is a review of running Windows 7 on a specific netbook versus running Windows XP. However, it is a good comparison for any Netbook.

[Mike Ungerman]

I installed Windows 7 "Release to Manufacturing" yesterday on my Dell XPS notebook. The installation went well, and everything works without any Dell specific drivers being required or loaded. I guess to get full function keys and some of the screen controls, I'll have to try the Dell vista drivers at some point.

My Sunbelt Software firewall would not function under this version of Windows 7, although it functioned fine with the Release Candidate. Viper Anti-Virus had problems providing active monitoring, so I uninstalled it and got the free Kaspersky Windows 7 beta suite which contains firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spam.

The Control Panel no longer has the old mode with the individual icons. I liked that, and now have to hunt through all the categories to find what I'm used to finding. I guess I'll get used to it. Maybe I'm missing a setting somewhere.

Microsoft continues the ridiculous policy of hiding extensions of "known" programs. When will they learn? After how many years?

Booting seems faster, but I haven't installed all my programs yet.

Many of you will recall that I recommended becoming a member of Microsoft's Tech Net. I get complete access to ALL of Microsoft's programs for as many computers as I wish, with authorized licenses for less than $300 for the year. Windows 7 Ultimate will go on my desktop, notebook and my wife's computer; I probably will not install Office 7/8, but I could. Well worth the price.

[Hewie Poplock]

LapLink Solves the XP to Windows 7 Upgrade Dilemma

The world was shocked when Microsoft announced that Windows XP to Windows 7 upgrades would not be supported by everybody's new operating system darling. A lot of us were scratching our heads on this one, since we keep hearing about how businesses haven't upgraded from XP to Vista, and how the OS of choice for netbooks, too, has been XP. Well LapLink is claiming they fill the void with a new version of its PCmover software to become availalble in early October.

Yesterday, LapLink CEO Thomas Koll visited our offices to explain to us that PCMover is the only tool that migrates data, settings, and programs, from XP to Windows 7. Windows' built-in Windows Easy Transfer will handle the first two, but it still requires you to copy programs and data to an external storage device beforehand. PCMover simplifies the process with an in-place transfer option, as long as your drive has enough free space. The Windows 7-certified software also can handle 32-bit to 64-bit upgrades--also not supported natively by the Windows 7 setup process.

Koll claimed that PCMover could save businesses up to $300 per PC upgrade. The software will cost $49 per transfer with bulk and family pack discounts. It will be available in early October, in time for the October 22 release of Windows 7
Thanks to AppScout Blog
http://www.appscout.com/2009/09/laplink_solves_the_xp_to_windo.php
LapLink Website

[Mike Ungerman]

Windows 7 sweepstakes debuts on Twitter (US-only)

A seven-week long Windows 7 sweepstakes has debuted on Twitter. All prizes given away will be somehow related to the number seven.

Microsoft has launched a Windows 7 sweepstakes on Twitter. Throughout the next seven weeks, @mswindows will be giving away various types of prizes somehow based on the number seven (seven pizzas, seven pounds of candy, and so on). The whole thing ends on October 22, 2009, when Windows 7 becomes generally available.

The sweepstakes is, however, US-only: you must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, and be 18 years of age or older. It is void outside the US and wherever else prohibited by law. To participate, all you have to do is follow @mswindows on Twitter and respond to the challenges presented to you with the #WinWin7 hash tag. If you are confirmed as a winner of one of the prizes (you will be notified via a direct message), there are five points from the official rules you have to keep in mind:

* You may not exchange your prize for cash or any other merchandise or services. However, if for any reason an advertised prize is unavailable, Microsoft reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value; and
* You may not designate someone else as the winner. If you are unable or unwilling to accept your prize, Microsoft may award it to a runner up; and
* If you accept a prize, you will be solely responsible for all applicable taxes related to accepting the prize; and
* If you are otherwise eligible for this sweepstakes, but are considered a minor in your place of residence, Microsoft may award the prize to your parent/legal guardian on your behalf; and
* Unless otherwise noted, all prizes are subject to their manufacturer's warranty and / or terms and conditions.

The obvious goal here is to promote and build hype around Windows 7, because after all, who doesn't like free stuff? Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it would be picking official hosts for local Windows 7 launch parties between October 22 and October 29. In return, hosts would receive a special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate and a Windows 7 Party Pack.

[Mike Ungerman]

10 cool tools in Windows 7
The changes to the Windows 7 interface have gotten a lot of play, but some of the new built-in tools are just as compelling. Deb Shinder runs through some of the most impressive enhancements, from the ISO burner to the Biometric Framework to PowerShell v2.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=738

[Mike Ungerman]

Increased Flexibility in Windows 7 Media Center
September 11, 2009 By Dennis Burger

Unsurprisingly, the biggest draw at Microsoft's booth at CEDIA this year is Windows 7. Surprisingly, at least for me, the enhancements to the Windows 7 Media Center experience aren't all in the interface. Microsoft reps Ben Reed and Kevin Collins gave me a rundown of new features this afternoon, and I'll be honest: there was so much I've already forgotten most of it. But a few details stuck in this old noodle.

First, Windows Media Center now supports Switched Digital Video (SDV) tuning via CableCARD, opening up Media Center users to a vast number of digital cable channels they couldn't access before. What's more, end users can now add CableCARD tuners to their own PCs, instead of being forced to purchase a PC already so equipped.

Windows 7 users also have more freedom to view digital cable recordings in more places. So-called "Copy Freely" content can now be moved between PCs, and even copied to portable video devices, whereas a Media Center Extender was previously the only way to move digital cable recordings from place to place. Needless to say, these are very welcome changes for digital rights advocates.

Read more: http://www.hemagazine.com/Windows_7_Media_Center#ixzz0QudsSeQk

[Mike Ungerman]

Some Windows 7 Upgrades Could Take Over 20 Hours to Complete
[By Justin Kerr, Maximum PC Blog]

Upgrading your operating system using the “in-place” approach has always come at the cost of some performance and stability, but never would we have imagined that it could take up to 20 hours to complete!

According to a new study released by Microsoft software engineer Chris Hernadez, upgrade times can range wildly depending upon your hardware configuration, and the amount of data it needs to migrate during the install. The worst time recorded during their testing was a whopping 20 hours and 20 minutes for a “Super User” that had roughly 650Gb of data, and about 40 applications installed prior to the upgrade. This might sound like a pretty niche scenario to some of you, but I imagine at least a few of our readers (myself included) fall into this category.

A quick look at the chart reveals that even “Medium Users” are facing upgrade times that are about 3-4x longer than a clean install. If we haven’t talked you out of “in-place” upgrades by now, we probably won’t be able to, but at least the chart shown above can help you figure out how much time you need to set aside.