Upgrade to windows 7 ultimate.

So I have been thinking about upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate but have been wondering if this is the appropriate thing to do.  Last time Windows Vista came out and I did a fresh install so I could retain a dual boot system on XP and Vista.  I think I must have done the Vista install 3 times since none of the drivers necessary were available yet.  My other contemplation is I’d really like to get a 64 bit version installed so I can utilize more ram for gaming.  However, I really don’t want to have to install all my programs and games so I got up today and got a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and decided to do the upgrade and see what happens.

First step backup all my files.  Done!

Next step was to download and install the windows 7 upgrade advisor tool.  This went fairly straight forward and only seemed to be a couple of issues with some drivers.  3 drivers will need to be updated and I’ll have to install ITunes again.  It will be interesting to see what else i’ll need to install!

Launching the Windows 7 disk gave me the install window but wait…reading the nice “What to know before installing windows” document gave me some more information than what I found online.

In the installation document provided it says to backup all files, update virus protection and turn it off.  It also says to run the Malicious Software Removal tool.  So I downloaded and ran the quick scan only.  There were no issues.  So Backup completed. Virus protection off and now it’s time to install!

• I’ve clicked on Install now…
• Copying Temp files…
• setup is starting…
• And now another window asking if I want to go online to get the latest updates for installation.  Of course I do…click!
• And now searching for updates and restarting installation.
• Please Wait…
• License agreement window…I accept

On to the main part of the install.  Do I want a custom or Upgrade install.  I already decided to choose the Upgrade.  Too bad if you’re running XP…you’ll have to select custom.  Custom install does allow you to keep the existing OS and install on a separate partition for a Multi Boot option…that is nice.

 Ok…Time to click UPGRADE!  It’s 2:40.  I wonder how long this is going to take.

But Wait>>>There’s a Compatibility check.  I need to reboot… “Windows needs to be restarted so necessary changes to system files can be made before continuing.”  Wonder what that means.  I just rebooted but I did download the Malicious Software Removal Tool and there is more to the message.  Upgrading Windows will affect Vista Ultimate Extras.  Those have been discontinued…OK whatever that means.  The last item is Upgrading will affect ITunes…Please deauthorize computer prior to upgrade.

Ok I’ll reboot now and deauthorize ITunes.  As it’s shutting down I’m getting a Installing update 1 of 1 message.  I wonder what that is.

Ok reboot successful.  I’ve opened up ITunes and apparently I haven’t used it on this computer before. So no need to deauthorize.  Time to start the install again.  It’s 2:50

• Setup Copy Temp Files…
• Setup is Starting…
• Go Online to get latest updates…that’s probably what caused the reboot and install of the mystery update
• Searching for installation updates…1085k downloaded.
• Please Wait…
• Agreement…I accept
• Time for the Install…Again!  I’m still doing the Upgrade.  It’s 2:53
• Compatibility check  I don’t have to reboot and get the same two other messages about Vista Extra’s and iTunes.  NEXT

New window is a status window stating the computer will reboot several times during the upgrade along with several other items identifying the steps necessary for the upgrade.  There’s a big green progress bar at the bottom of the screen…

• Copying Windows Files Start 2:54 End 2:57 on to next step!
• Gathering Files Settings and Programs…This seems to be taking more time…just hit 20% at 3:02 END  3:09
• Expanding Windows Files
  • Restart 1 @ 21% It gives you a 10 second countdown to restart or click restart.  I have a dual boot system and it selected the windows setup to boot from.
  • I’m getting the new Windows logo and Starting Windows screen.
  • Now it says Upgrading Windows.
  • No status bar and my resolution is lower on my monitor (I for get what the original setting was but it was maxed out…probably 1900×1200).  Now what?
  • I’ve got the little circle going round and round and round.
  • OK 3:15 and back to previous screen that gives me status and percent complete…  END 3:23  Next step.
• Installing Features and Updates
  • No percent complete just a green check and Please Wait.
  • Another reboot. END 3:23
  • Interesting on the reboot there’s a windows setup rollback selection.
  • Setup is updating registry settings.
  • Setup is starting services.
  • Back to status screen.  END 3:26.  Next step.
• Transferring files, Settings and programs.
  • Resolution reset back to original setting now.
  • Reboot  3:39…
  • Reboot 3:51.
  • No windows setup roll back selection just my standard boot message with Windows 7 or previous windows version (xp).
  • Now going through Win 7 setup for first time use.
  • Time to enter in the product key, select windows update settings and connect to home network.

 I’m back to basically the same setup so far.  I have my wife’s icon and my icon to choose from.  I’ve selected my icon and Window’s is now preparing my desktop.  All my desktop icons are there, Windows sidebar etc.  Time to enable virus protection and see what is what.  Everything appears to be similar to Vista.  I know I’ve got to do something about updating my drivers for the video card.  I’ll run windows update and see what it gives me.  9 important and 39 optional…I’ll load the 9 important ones and then most of the 39 optional are just language packs.  Looks like the driver update for my video card is one of the optional so I’ve check that along with two others.  Download 12 updates…reboot again and now back to experience the Windows 7 environment.

 Overall this was a pretty easy upgrade to the OS.  After about 90 minutes of install and then windows updates all is good so far.  I hope your upgrade experience is this easy!