Windows 7 upgrade question..

[larryinlc]

This might seem like a stupid question, but I'm not real computer savvy. I'm going to upgrade a Sony Vaio Series P netbook from Vista to Win 7. This 8 inch pc has no ethernet port and I see to upgrade, an active internet connection is required. I have an active wireless network. This will not be a clean install....just an upgrade. Will I be alright with a wireless network? I worry that a driver will not work or something and the internet connection will be lost during the upgrade process. I'm not sure why an internet connection is needed during the upgrade, but this is what Bill Gates says.

Larry

[mosesbotbol]

Yes, you will be able to upgrade. Download the wireless driver for Windows 7 onto a USB stick just in case the HCL for your wireless is not native.

I think being online is just for validating the install key.

[larryinlc]

Thanks. I wonder if a usb to ethernet adapter would be a safer way to go. Yes, I just discovered this fancy gizmo. Oh, and I have already downloaded to a thumb drive all the necessary Win 7 drivers. Now, if I can only figure out what to do with them.

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Yes, you will be able to upgrade. Download the wireless driver for Windows 7 onto a USB stick just in case the HCL for your wireless is not native.

I think being online is just for validating the install key.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by larryinlc

Thanks. I wonder if a usb to ethernet adapter would be a safer way to go. Yes, I just discovered this fancy gizmo. Oh, and I have already downloaded to a thumb drive all the necessary Win 7 drivers. Now, if I can only figure out what to do with them.

OK, get Windows 7 installed first and see which drivers it needs. Hopefully, you downloaded each driver and know which piece of hardware it goes to. You'll have run each "exe" and should install the driver on its own. If that does not happen, you have to point the driver to installer files (can walk you through that if it comes to that).

Don't worry on the wireless right now, you can get it installed without it. You'll need it for updates and I suggest installing Microsoft Security Essentials as an Anti Virus; it's free.

[Apoco]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

OK, get Windows 7 installed first and see which drivers it needs. Hopefully, you downloaded each driver and know which piece of hardware it goes to. You'll have run each "exe" and should install the driver on its own. If that does not happen, you have to point the driver to installer files (can walk you through that if it comes to that).

Don't worry on the wireless right now, you can get it installed without it. You'll need it for updates and I suggest installing Microsoft Security Essentials as an Anti Virus; it's free.

Posted via Mobile Device

[BlindedByScience]

I know this is a PITA, but I have to recommend a clean install.

It's a ton more work, but there are real benefits. You system will be clean as a whistle and there won't be a ton of unnecessary files and drivers lying around to slow things down and potentially cause problems down the road. No matter what path you take, BACK UP YOUR FILES FIRST. If things go badly during the upgrade, you may need them.

I'm running Win7 64 bit at home and work, and love it. It's a solid, fast, stable operating system. It's worth it.

My - N.F.H.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by NotFromHere

I know this is a PITA, but I have to recommend a clean install.

Agreed. Build it without any personal files and Ghost it to an external drive.

[poker]

I would also highly recommend a clean install.

[larryinlc]

That's asking an awful lot from this pc neanderthal. Certainly it's the best way to go, but I'm chicken to try. I may look for some computer guru in my area to do this for me.

Originally Posted by poker

I would also highly recommend a clean install.