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General discussion

Should a low tech person install Windows 7?

Oct 31, 2009 3:59AM PDT

Hi,
I'm planning to upgrade from Vista to Windows 7. Office Depot will install it for free with purchase. I've read that it is a simple job to install the software. I am semi-proficient with my computer, an HP m7750n w/4 gigs of memory. I did install extra memory and a video card without destroying anything. So...should I take it on or let someone else do the job?
Thanks.
Joe

Discussion is locked

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Depends on you
Oct 31, 2009 4:21AM PDT

Depends on you really. So long as you have a backup of anything you don't want to lose, you can't screw things up too badly. And there's always a chance of dropping your system on the hard pavement of the store parking lot if you take it to them to have it installed.

I rather think it's a good learning experience to do these things yourself at least once or twice. I'm no master auto mechanic, but it's still a generally good thing to know how to check the oil, transmission fluid, and even change your own oil. Simple things. With computers, installing an OS would be one of those things that every user should do at least a couple of times. Then if you choose to have someone else do it for you, so be it, but you should at least be familiar with the process. You might be surprised how even a minimal amount of knowledge about auto repair can save you a fortune from less than honest mechanics.

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Agree
Oct 31, 2009 4:43AM PDT

You should at least try to install an OS. Windows 7 is probably as easy as they come. If you haven't done it go for it. Like it was said you should always make a back up of all your files before hand. This even goes down to bookmarks (favorites) that you want to save. It goes to e-mail programs and so forth. Those things a little harder to back up then install an OS.

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Go For It
Oct 31, 2009 12:05PM PDT

I just did an upgraded install from Vista 64 Home Premium to Windows 7 64 Home Premium. It was easy but it will take about 4 to 5 hours. Mine went smoothly all of my previous programs seem to work well 1 hour into the upgrade. My Norton did not turn back on right away but after a restart I was able to get it to restart.

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Average Computer Users Install Windows 7 All the Time
Nov 2, 2009 4:08AM PST

If you think about it, the average computer user is, well, average. Sure, the early-adopters are the more highly-technical of the bunch, but the fact of the matter is, most people buying and installing Windows 7 are novice/semi-skilled users - Microsoft knows this.

I can speak from the side of someone who has more-than-a-little Windows knowledge and who has done a number of installs... it's not that hard. The process is smooth and steady and everything that requires any sort of "questioning" on your part is easily-understood.

You're in for a great time. Have fun.

Cheers,
Ron

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I agree (partly)
Nov 2, 2009 4:17AM PST

I installed the RC without any problems in a virtual machine under Windows XP. Easy.

But I don't dare to do it for real. My Windows 7 Ultimate DVD (a present from Microsoft) will be unused for a few years, I'm afraid. If I had installed my Windows Vista DVD (another present from Microsoft, more or less) 2? years ago it might be different, however, because installing Windows 7 then would have been a much more leisurely process.

Kees