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General discussion

Problem installing/upgrading Windows Vista to Windows 7

Mar 24, 2010 5:02AM PDT

So I'm trying to upgrade my Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate, but it keeps giving me this error -
"The following issues are preventing Windows from upgrading. Cancel the upgrade, complete each task, and then restart the upgrade to continue.

There is not enough free space to store temporary Windows installation files. Try using Disk Cleanup, uninstall old programs, or move files to an external location such as a CD, DVD, or external hard drive.
"

I have 144GB+ free on my HD after moving most of my files to externals {there is some on here I want to keep, hence the upgrade, but my files are sort of scattered all around the place}

any ideas of how to get past this so I can finally install this dadgum better version of Windows?

Discussion is locked

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Let's say what's on your hard drive is 300GB.
Mar 24, 2010 6:09AM PDT

Then 144GB isn't enough.
Bob

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okay...
Mar 24, 2010 12:13PM PDT

WELL THANKS

I find it hard to believe that it's not enough space, but how much would you think should be enough for me to load it on my computer?

Do you have 7 installed? did you do an upgrade or just a reboot?

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Anytime Upgrade and other suggestions...
Mar 25, 2010 1:13AM PDT

Moving your files to an external hard drive is a start. Have you run Disk Cleanup as the message suggests? Have you uninstalled any old programs? Also, try running the Upgrade Advisor http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor. It scans your PC for potential issues and gives you recommendations before beginning the upgrade installation.

Cassandra

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Yes Yes
Mar 25, 2010 5:42AM PDT

yep, I now have 274GB of free space
ran the disk cleanup, defrag, and disk check for erros as of now. still coming up with the same problem. could it be the disk itself?

I get checks on all the stuff the upgrade advisor looks for except Windows Defender, and the Ultimate extras. Should I try and uninstall those too? {though I wouldn't know how...}

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So
Mar 26, 2010 10:47AM PDT

So can you recommend anything else to do? or should I infact return this and get another copy {if possible}

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Fresh Install
Apr 22, 2010 7:54AM PDT

Maybe it's a good idea to just back up the rest of your files and use a clean install. There are other problems with doing upgrade as to clean install in the first place, but remember to have program discs/downloads/license keys ready when you start the install.