Nov 08 2009
The Upgrade from Hell-Upgrading to Windows 7
Well it was quite the battle I must say, but I finally have Windows 7 up and running with all my programs and files back again. Buying this in a store is probably the easier way, but if you’re a student in University you then can qualify for the “student deal” ($40 for the whole thing). However, make sure you’re ready for some stress and are willing to get out of your comfort zone and learn some software. I’d pretty much like to rant about how ridiculous this whole scenario is for a student (running XP or Vista 32-bit and upgrading to Windows 7 64-bit). If you’re thinking of doing this you might want to read what’s in store for you.
Since the student deal is an electronic download, you don’t actually get a hard copy of Windows 7…which means the only possible way to upgrade from XP/Vista 32-bit is if they are giving you the ISO file (it’s basically just a file in which you can make a “bootable” DVD or USB or whatever…pretty standard)…stupidly they don’t give you this, which means you’d have the Windows 7 setup on your computer…but wouldn’t be able to install it. It’s almost hilarious but true. So if your in that boat, don’t worry…there’s a solution.
First buy Windows 7 Home Premium: here (it really is worth it…saves around $100…just follow these directions carefully). It gives you the option to buy a back-up boot DVD of it for an extra $13, but don’t even bother…if you follow this you’ll be making one yourself anyways. Alright, so when you buy it, it’ll give you a product key (25 digits). Write that down or print the page, but do not click the “download” button…since it’ll take probably 4 hours to download and then you’ll realize you can’t do a thing with it (it isn’t the ISO).
These are official authorized links. Download it to your desktop to make it easy.
Update links:
Home Premium x86: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent…./X15-65732.iso
Home Premium x64: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent…./X15-65733.iso
Professional x86: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent…./X15-65804.iso
Professional x64: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent…./X15-65805.iso
Don’t bother downloading this ISO if you don’t have a valid student-only product key. You’ll probably be able to install it, but your key won’t activate the OS. Your product key MUST MATCH the version you install. A Pro key will not activate a Home Premium install. (By the way, in case your confused, x86 is 32-bit and x64 is 64-bit). This download will take a while…so get some chips or something and watch Lord of the Rings or take a nap. Once it’s finished you’re in business.
- First, back-up all of your files on a USB or DVD. The install will wipe your latest version of Windows so be prepared and back-up everything you want. This really doesn’t take a while…maybe 40 minutes or so.
- Then download this program to burn your ISO file to a USB or DVD: Click here. Just follow its instructions and you’ll have your ISO on a USB or DVD in a couple of minutes. (This is your physical copy of Windows 7).
- Put the DVD/USB in its proper slot, reboot your computer, and watch carefully on the start up for something like “Boot from DVD/USB. Press any key…” Stupidly, some computers are configured to shut off the keyboard and mouse during this step (like mine was). All you need to do is to get into your BIOS (first screen during the reboot), and find something where it says ENABLE/DISABLE Keyboard + Mouse. Just enable it and it’ll turn on during the black screen boot up. (This was one of the more frustrating parts of this procedure for me…).
- Once it’s booting from the DVD/USB select Install -> Custom. This will clear all your files and then install Windows 7 Home Premium!….all of this just to save $100. I’d say it’s worth it.
As you can see this was an intense past couple 24 hours, but if any of you are actually doing this then you must be so happy to read this step by step instruction. $40 guys before Jan. 3 and you’ll have Windows 7 Home Premium…pretty sweet deal. I think Kelsey (bugera2k) asked me if I would do a review on Windows 7, which I will do in a few days. I just need to fiddle around with it a bit and see what it has to offer. So far it’s great though.
Niiiice. I would like to clarify that using the custom install with the ISO on a bootable drive is a clean install, i.e, your hard disc is reformatted and wiped clean of all previous data. So, be prepared to reinstall all your programs as well. (Find your CD’s and product keys). Also, you will most likely have to reinstall your device drivers. Nvidea and ATI host all of their drivers from their websites – just remember to update your drivers for the window 7 version you are using (32 or 64 bit). Haha, Dan, you probably thought this was common sense and didn’t bother reminding people.
Oh wow yeah for sure. If you don’t update your graphics card drivers you’ll be in trouble…luckily it’s really easy. Thanks for that matt lol..and yeah finding your product keys is common sense I’ll admit lol, but I guess drivers aren’t really familiar to people. Nice catch
My lord! You told me about this, but I thought you meant that you’d have a little post on it, not a novel!!! Lol, this is pretty much intense. Yeah, so there’s definitely no way I am going to do this ever. I’m happy with my version of Windows thank you very much. Why would you put yourself through this? Couldn’t you have just asked someone to do this all for you, or do you have to do it by yourself in order to get the deal? Anyhow, cudos to you for actually finishing it, cuz I would’ve left at the part where I get to eat chips.
Haha why not get it Shayla!? Here’s the step by step instruction for you…anymore questions just ask me
Wellll I put myself through this because….I just couldn’t let them win..I had to best them…prove my worth…haha anyways thanks for the comment.