Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade
by Microsoft Software
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Category: Software
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Software Summary
Manufacturer: Microsoft SoftwareBrand: Microsoft
Format: DVD-ROM
Release Date: 2009-10-22
Platform: Windows 7
Model: FQC-00130
Product features:
- Windows 7 Professional (includes 32 & 64-bit versions) lets you run Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode,
- Recover data easily with automatic backups to your home or business network, connect to company networks effortlessly and more securely
- Make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation;
- Start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often
- Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 - 2PC/1User (Disc Version)
- Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam - Black
- Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 - Black
- Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000
- Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 - Black
Software Reviews of Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade
Customer Review: What Vista could have been; don't attempt upgrade without strong geek skills!
Summary: 4 Stars
Three month update:
(1) I'm changing this rating of this from three to four stars (after solving my biggest lingering issue; this was principally an eSATA hardware issue, not a Windows 7 issue, but which available support offerings did little to help resolve).
(2) I finally isolated the recurring --but intermittent-- shutdown, non-responsive task manager and disappearing external hard drive issues that plagued this install of Windows 7. They were directly related to known issues with the eSATA interface of this Western Digital My Book Home 500 GB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/eSATA Desktop External Hard Drive WDH1CS5000N. Online research reveals an extended history of users experiencing a wide variety of performance issues with that hard drive's eSATA interface. In my case, when I switched from eSATA to USB 2, my Windows 7 immediately became stable and trouble free.
My other experiences in the upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 lead me to recommend this: don't wade into this upgrade unless you have confidence in your operating system troubleshooting kung fu. You'll probably need your best tricks should you have an obscure issue. But get through it...and Windows 7 is as good as any Windows operating system I've used (going back to Windows 3.1).
End of update. Original review content follows:
...just don't expect annoyance-free operation. It may be Windows 7, but it's first name remains "Windows". My experience: the benefits marginally outweigh the issues. But Windows 7 is not issue-free; don't consider unless you're a confident Windows troubleshooter.
Technology pundits wrote at length about Windows 7 in assessing the pre-release offering. Opinions abound, offered by both sycophantic Windows 7 fanboys and the zealous Windows haters (who seem to never tire of reminding Windows users that they are oh-so-cool with their overpriced Mac hardware or exotic distributions of Linux).
Market share alone tells the rest of the story: most of us --for whatever reasons-- are in a long term relationship with Windows operating systems at both home and work. If we're lucky, somebody else carries the upgrade decision and headaches of execution at work. As for home: even if we're in the market for a new computer (or just tired of Vista's quirks on an existing machine) and not yet ready to re-stock your entire applications catalog to go with Mac or Linux: then we're going to be dancing with Microsoft for a while.
What follows are the highs and lows of one user's experience.
This review focuses on the upgrade process, which began the day after the regular release. I'm still exploring some of the interface features.
Caution: mild geek-speak appears below:
This upgrade was for an 18-month old Dell XPS 420 desktop machine (similar, but not identical to the linked one. The machine receiving the upgrade holds a dual-core Intel E6850 CPU (3 GHZ), 4GB of RAM, two 500 GB (non-RAID) internal hard drives, an ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics card with ethernet and audio integrated into the motherboard).
A long-term problem on this machine has been a conflict between Vista and the graphics adapter preventing me from *ever* successfully updating the graphics drivers; some of the attempted work-arounds have been very painful...and all unsuccessful. This was my primary reason for choosing to go from Vista to 7 (and to be fair, this problem is as much ATI's fault as Vista's; ATI user forums provide abundant discussion showing I was not alone in this situation).
Preparations for the upgrade took about an our to complete. My data files are regularly archived to an external hard drive, so this wasn't a big deal. If you're not as diligent about regular backups, you'll probably need more time.
My upgrade path (Vista Home Premium to 7 Professional) required the "custom" install approach, requiring a full reinstall install of your applications and data which won't make the trip from Vista to 7 (in truth it's only the installed applications that are sure goners; if had a senior moment and really forgot to backup valuable data, it may still be available in a folder named "windows.old" after the upgrade --but don't count on it; do your backups beforehand). I would have selected this choice even if the direct upgrade had been available; direct upgrades of Windows, with the seeming benefit of preserving your current applications and data are notorious for being buggy afterward.
I also went online to check for Windows 7-specific drivers for a scanner and two printers (a monochrome laser and an color inkjet) that are hooked to this machine. Two of these devices already had Windows 7 drivers available; the web site of the other promised "November" availability (and the Vista drivers worked perfectly well for the one still waiting for its Windows 7 update).
Once my data was backed up, the new drivers saved and I had collected the applications I would need to reinstall (some were on CD, some were downloaded executables) I started the journey from Vista to Windows 7.
Timeline (from loading the install DVD):
-5 minutes: notification that "upgrade" option (retaining files and applications) was not available and that the "custom" option was required.
-18 minutes: blue screen of death following long Vista shutdown sequence; not sure if this was normal or not.
-20 minutes: "starting Windows".
-29 minutes: installation "completed"; first automatic restart.
-32 minutes: installation "completed"; second automatic restart, and visual progress bar appears at bottom of screen.
-75 minutes: installation *really* complete, and initial Windows setup options offered.
Windows 7 immediately recognized my wireless mouse and keyboard; the printers and scanner drivers were installed the devices available within 45 minutes.
As a veteran of several earlier operating system upgrades, installs on new machines, or reloads on older machines, this was by far the easiest (to this point). No drastic solutions were needed that had occurred following other Windows OS upgrades due to disconnects between Microsoft and hardware vendors (including a very scary BIOS upgrade during an Windows ME to XP upgrade, and the required purchase of a new printer to replace one that simply wasn't supported by Vista).
Immediate improvements:
-The Start menu has been simplified (get this: selecting the Start | Shutdown sequence actually *SHUTS DOWN* the computer now, instead of launching a THIRD window (and you can speed this up further with readily available desktop gadgets that take you direct to shutdown)
-The programs listing is far easier to manage and customize, and the taskbar navigation is greatly improved. The taskbar permits greater control over its contents (and even if it can't keep an application for loading there, you can control which ones you see!).
-User access control is much less problematic than in Vista (the only warnings I've received is when trying to run executables).
-Folder navigation is far more intuitive, and I no longer feel like I'm managing my operating system at the same time I'm managing my tasks.
Immediately after installation, this Windows 7 machine shut down in 20 seconds. Start up now takes about 55 seconds from the BIOS/POST sequence to the first appearance of the OS splash screen, and the menu of users is available about 90 seconds after powering on. The user desktop is ready to work (mine is fairly cluttered, with a dozen or so shortcuts and six separate desktop gadgets) about 10 seconds after the user selection is made.
But it's not all sunny and mild with Windows 7:
Microsoft has presented us with far too many upgrade paths, and even a powerful machine will be constrained somewhat by the operating system if you try too much multitasking. Also, see below for a discussion of Adobe products and their compatibility with Windows 7.
2-week update:
More flaws emerge:
After three days, I developed shutdown hang. Went through Microsoft's chat support offering...but should have used the phone (as multiple restarts were required, adding additional time to re-establish chat with the same agent...and the technician surely should have suggested this). We spent about 90 minutes checking services via msconfig. I disagree with their suggestion to begin by assuming that all Microsoft services are not potential suspects for this, and that it's a non-MS service causing the hang. Bottom line after this is the problem has improved from being constant (when it first appeared) to intermittent.
When I finally upgraded the video card driver (the primary reason for making the move), the shutdown problem became less intermittent...but still present.
Since then, I've changed the power management setting from "balanced" to "performance" (not an issue with a desktop on AC power) and updated both the CPU chipset drivers and BIOS. These steps have collectively reduced --but has not eliminated-- shutdown issues. The chipset and BIOS tweaks are not things most users are going to want to mess around with (and the BIOS update always carries the risk of turning your motherboard into a paperweight should the power go out while its underway).
Other issues:
(1) sometimes the task manager won't launch
(2) sometimes the task manger won't end frozen processes
(3) sometimes it won't access data in an attached external hard drive (eSATA interface)...even though the drive itself is still recognized. This always clears up upon restart.
Presumably these are known to MS and will be corrected in an update or the first service pack.
(4) If you are running older versions of Adobe products (in my case, Acrobat 8, Photoshop Elements 6 and Premier Elements 4): you may have compatibility issues with these versions that Adobe does not "officially" support in Windows 7. While I place this issue firmly in Adobe's court, if you are using Adobe applications, do your homework. Adobe products are generally intrusive (in terms of both activation requirements and footprint within the tender areas of a PC operating system) and definitely not cheap. I think I've resolved this, but it wasn't free of trouble, cost or time to do so.
Please note that I experienced NONE of these things under Vista.
Finally:
If you are buying a new laptop or desktop with Windows 7 already installed:
you'll probably be a happy camper until you run into your first case of "we don't support Windows 7" (yet...or at all) with your version/model of software/hardware.
Description of Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade
Windows 7 Professional UpgradeUpgrade to Windows 7 Professional. With Windows 7 Professional, fewer walls stand between you and your success. You can run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode and recover data easily with automatic backups to your home or business network. You can also connect to company networks effortlessly and more securely with Domain Join. With all the exciting entertainment features of Windows Home Premium, it's a great choice for home and for business. Need to use multiple languages on your PC or help protect your data with enhanced BitLocker security? Get Windows 7 Ultimate.
 Windows 7 is designed to make your PC simpler--to be more reliable, more responsive and to make the things you do every day on your PC easier. Click to enlarge. |
Upgrade to Windows 7
All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to buy an upgrade license.1. Choose your edition of Windows 7
Explore key features and choose the edition that's best for you. Be sure to check the expanded list of extended features in Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate. System requirements vary for each edition of Windows 7 because some features might require special hardware.
2. See if your PC has what it takes to run Windows 7
In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista it can run Windows 7. To make sure, download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to do a quick check. If you want certain features, such as HomeGroup or Windows Media Center, check to see if your PC has the hardware that's needed.
3. Check which operating system your PC is currently running
How you make the move to Windows 7 depends on your current operating system.
- Windows Vista
The transition to Windows 7 should be pretty smooth, although you may need to update your system to the latest service pack first.
- Windows XP (or any other operating system)
Windows 7 is best experienced on a new PC with the latest hardware, but if your computer meets the minimum specifications, you can install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP. Windows 7 must be "custom" installed (also known as a "clean" installation) over Windows XP. Before beginning the installation, you'll need to copy your files and settings to an external drive. After Windows 7 has been installed you will need to re-install all of your programs using the original installation media and then copy over the files and settings you backed up to your external drive. Because Windows 7 requires a custom installation, we strongly recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider.
 More work, more play, and more of everything in between. Click to enlarge. |
 Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows. Click to enlarge. |
 With Snap you can arrange two windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen. Click to enlarge. |
 Open files you use regularly in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the improved taskbar. |
Everything you need for work and home
Simplifies everyday tasks
- Improved desktop navigation features like Snap, Peek and Shake, make it easier to manage all of your open windows.
- Creating a home network has never been easier. You can even share files and printers with all the PCs with Windows 7 on the network.
- Find virtually anything on your PC ? from documents to songs to email ? just by typing a word or two with Windows Search.
Works the way you want
- Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
- Takes full advantage of the power and multi-tasking capabilities of the latest 64-bit PCs.
Makes new things possible
- Watch, pause, rewind and record TV with Windows Media Center.
- Includes integrated video and Dolby audio codecs.
Simplifies Everyday Tasks
Simple to use
Preview
Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows.
Pin
Open files and get around your PC faster with the improved taskbar. You can easily pin programs you use often to the taskbar and launch them in just one click.
 Windows 7 lets you peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop. Click to enlarge. |
 Instantly locate and open virtually any file on your PC right from the Start menu with Windows Search. Click to enlarge. |
 Turn your PC into a TV with Windows Media Center, and enjoy your favorite videos and music with Windows Media Player. Click to enlarge. |
Jump Lists
Open files you use regularly in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the improved taskbar.
Snap
Windows 7 has simple new ways to manage open windows. For example, with Snap you can arrange two windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen.
Peek and Shake
Windows 7 lets you peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop.
Windows Search
Instantly locate and open virtually any file on your PC, from documents to emails to songs, right from the Start menu, with Windows Search.
Easy to connect
 Setting up wireless connections is easier with consistent, one-click connections to available networks. Click to enlarge. |
 Enjoy the photos, music, and videos on your home PC when you're away from home with remote media streaming. Click to enlarge. |
 Windows Touch makes PCs with touch screens easier and more intuitive to use. Click to enlarge. |
 Manage Backup and Restore and other features through Action Center. Click to enlarge. |
 Search, organize, and edit files across a network in the same way you would a single folder.Click to enlarge. |
Wireless setup
With Windows 7, setting up wireless connections is easier with consistent, one-click connections to available networks, whether those networks are based on Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, dial-up, or corporate VPN.
HomeGroup
Connect Windows 7 PCs on a home network in just four clicks and easily get to the photos, music, and files on each one--even share printers--with HomeGroup.
Easy to browse the web
Internet Explorer 8
Visual search helps you quickly find the information you want by adding visual cues and previews to search results from top search providers including Live Search, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Amazon, and others.
Internet Explorer 8
Use Web slices to conveniently keep up with changes on frequently updated websites, like eBay auctions or traffic sites, directly from the IE8 toolbar.
Easy to communicate and share
Windows Live Photo Gallery
Windows Live Photo Gallery makes share your photos to your favorite photo site easy.
Windows Live Mail
Windows Live Mail makes managing multiple email accounts easy.
Windows Live Family Safety
Keep your child safe by managing what sites they can visit and who they can send/receive emails and im communications from.
Note: Windows Live components need to be downloaded separately.
Works The Way You Want
Faster and More Reliable
Resume from sleep
We designed Windows 7 to help PCs sleep and resume from sleep more quickly by improving the way Windows 7 manages drivers, programs, and power.
Faster and more reliable
We reduced the amount of memory your PC needs for open windows and to execute commands to help it be more responsive to commands.
Fewer clicks and less interruptions
Makes New Things Possible
Media on your terms
Windows Media Center
Turn your PC into a TV with Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Center
Watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
DirectX 11
DirectX 11 technology delivers breathtaking game graphics so real, it's unreal.
New ways to engage
Windows Touch
Windows Touch makes PCs with touch screens easier and more intuitive to use.
Media on your terms
Windows Media Player
More and more consumer electronics, from TVs to digital photo frames, can be connected to home networks. With Play To in Windows 7, you'll be able to easily send music, photos, videos from your PC to a networked device throughout your home.
You can enjoy the photos, music, and videos on your home PC when you're away from home with remote media streaming.
Work anywhere
Location Aware Printing
Windows 7 will automatically pick the right printer for you when you move from home to work networks.
Work anywhere with less effort.
- Get connected in three clicks wherever there's a wireless network connection.
- Keep documents on your PC and on network servers in sync automatically.
- Your PC will automatically use the printer you prefer for whatever network you're on.
- Simplify making presentations special settings that keep your PC from sleeping and turn off messages, notifications, and screen savers.
- Instantly locate virtually any file, email, or document on your PC just by typing a word or two.
- Get around your PC faster with the improved taskbar.
- Open programs you use regularly in one click and files you use regularly in just two.
- Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows.
- Manage multiple email accounts, including Hotmail, Gmail, AOL, and Yahoo! Mail Plus, all in one place with one simple program.
- Get to the files, photos, and music on any PC with Windows 7 in the house from any other.
- Print to any printer in the house from any PC with Windows 7 in the house.
Safeguard your hard work.
- Advanced Backup and Restore makes it easier to keep your work safely backed up to external or network drives and accessible if you need it.
- File encryption helps keep proprietary and confidential information on a PC secure if it is lost or stolen.
- Preserve your investment in programs designed for Windows XP with Windows XP Mode.
- Windows Internet Explorer 8 helps keep your PC safer from malware and you safer from fraudulent websites designed to fool you into divulging private information.
- Easily add your PC to a secured, managed, network with domain join capabilities.
- Group policy controls help administrators more easily and effectively manage the security and configuration of multiple PCs.
Choose the Windows 7 Edition That Is Best For You
Features |
Windows 7 Home Premium |
Windows 7 Professional |
Windows 7 Ultimate |
| Make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation. |  |  |  |
| Start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often. | | | |
| Make your web experience faster, easier and safer than ever with Internet Explorer 8. | | | |
| Watch, pause, rewind, and record TV on your PC. | | | |
| Easily create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup. | | | |
| Run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode. | | | |
| Connect to company networks easily and more securely with Domain Join. | | | |
| In addition to full-system Backup and Restore found in all editions, you can back up to a home or business network. | | | |
| Help protect data on your PC and portable storage devices against loss or theft with BitLocker. | | ||
| Work in the language of your choice and switch between any of 35 languages. | |
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