Be Careful - Windows 7 Upgrade is crippling computers...

[garyv]

Windows 7 upgrades "crippling" PCs | News | PC Pro


Microsoft is struggling to find answers for people whose attempt to upgrade to Windows 7 has sent their machine into an endless reboot cycle. Reports of the problem first began appearing on Microsoft's support forum on Friday, the day after the operating system was first released. According to the complaints, Windows 7 claims the upgrade has failed and that Vista will be restored. However, when the machine reboots it offers the same error and reboots again in an endless circle. Despite numerous reports of the problem, it seems Microsoft is still no closer to an answer and tempers are becoming frayed.

[Kay King]

When I had to replace my hard drive (and save as much as possible) a few weeks ago, the tech was telling me that Windows7 will be very good - but he also advised "don't get it when it first comes out". Wise words.

[Jagged]

I was delaying upgrading...waiting for news like this to pop up. I always wait for most of the bugs to get hammered out.
I bet Apple will have a field day with this news...

Thanks for the update Gary...

[garyv]

Originally Posted by Kay King

When I had to replace my hard drive (and save as much as possible) a few weeks ago, the tech was telling me that Windows7 will be very good - but he also advised "don't get it when it first comes out". Wise words.

I agree - let others work the bugs out.

I love my windows XP, But it looks like the new Mac commercial may come true after all...

YouTube - NEW Get a Mac Ad - Broken Promises...

[John Rogers]

Thanks for the warning. I'll check back in a year.

John

[Jill Carpenter]

Originally Posted by garyv

I agree - let others work the bugs out.

I love my windows XP, But it looks like the new Mac commercial may come true after all...

YouTube - Mac vs PC Windows 7 vs Mac Ad Broken Promises

Ha ha. I saw this on TV the day 7 came out.

Hysterical.

[sclarke]

If you're upgrading, you should ALWAYS backup your data and do a clean install. Inevitably there will be incompatibilities with an OS upgrade (drivers, software, etc.). Windows has to support so many different hardware configurations problems are bound to occur unless you take the necessary steps to mitigate them.

Just do a clean install on well supported hardware with at least 2 gigs of ram and you'll be good to go.

[Zach Booker]

Originally Posted by John Rogers

Thanks for the warning. I'll check back in a year.

John

LOL, agreed!

[garyv]

Originally Posted by sclarke

If you're upgrading, you should ALWAYS backup your data and do a clean install. Inevitably there will be incompatibilities with an OS upgrade (drivers, software, etc.). Windows has to support so many different hardware configurations problems are bound to occur unless you take the necessary steps to mitigate them.

Just do a clean install on well supported hardware with at least 2 gigs of ram and you'll be good to go.

The problem here is that many of the big retailers sold a ton of computers w/ the promise of a free upgrade to windows 7. They were not offering clean installs. So these people are kind of screwed until microsoft comes up w/ a fix because most new computers now do not come w/ a restore CD like they have in the past. And this reboot cycle is preventing the computers from restoring themselves. Ugly situation for sure.

[Jacer]

Never understood why people rush to update to a new version of windows. Everyone knows(or should know) it takes many months after release to work out hidden bugs like this!

[Aljiro]

Originally Posted by garyv

I agree - let others work the bugs out.

I love my windows XP, But it looks like the new Mac commercial may come true after all...

YouTube - Mac vs PC Windows 7 vs Mac Ad Broken Promises

Well. I guess they made their point

On a serious note. People who have been promised the free upgrade are pretty much screwed till MS fixes things. But for those looking to upgrade their system a clean OS install is BEST. Just keep a backup of all your drivers and software.

[Dan C. Rinnert]

New releases of just about any software or operating system can be looked at as more of a public beta than a true, final release. There are almost always bound to be problems when software gets out en masse.

A long time ago, I used to like to be among the first to get something new. These days, I much prefer others to be the guinea pigs. I'll wait until the early adopters have worked the kinks out before I upgrade something. I'd rather continue to be able to get work done than fight with the computer and software.

[Revolves]

I think laptops in general face problems at the time of an OS upgrade. I have never gone on to upgrade my laptop OS.

[sbucciarel]

I never upgrade to a new Windows version for at least a year. What's the rush? Let everyone do the beta testing and deal with the bugs. My motto is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[BIG Mike]

Geez...I feel alone out here - been running Windows 7 for about 6 or 8 months now. I'm not having any problems with it (other than those I cause myself, LOL).

I rush to try every new version because I need to know if our software will have any compatibility problems with and to correct them before the publid release.

If you're not really a techy type of person, I'd hold off though, especially if you're doing well with Vista or XP.

[Raydal]

If this was in IM product there would have been a ton of
refund requests, but I don't think Microsoft gives refunds
as easily as online marketers. Do they?

-Ray Edwards

[-Jericho-]

Thanks for that. I didn't realize it had been released yet. I'm definitely waiting now to upgrade.

[shaddai]

Ubuntu and XP are wonderful solutions to the Windows 7 reboot problem.

Todd

[theimdude]

Originally Posted by garyv

Windows 7 upgrades "crippling" PCs | News | PC Pro


Microsoft is struggling to find answers for people whose attempt to upgrade to Windows 7 has sent their machine into an endless reboot cycle. Reports of the problem first began appearing on Microsoft's support forum on Friday, the day after the operating system was first released. According to the complaints, Windows 7 claims the upgrade has failed and that Vista will be restored. However, when the machine reboots it offers the same error and reboots again in an endless circle. Despite numerous reports of the problem, it seems Microsoft is still no closer to an answer and tempers are becoming frayed.

Everybody should know by now when ms release a new operating system you wait for 2-3 years before you commit you future new problems using it. In a case of a upgrade - You just do it.

[metaphors]

I ran windows 7 beta for about 6 months and didn't have any issues with it and most of the people who did had issues when they tried to upgrade from xp or vista (installs took more than a day for some people). I had no intention of getting this right away anyways but when I do it will be a clean install for sure.

[getsmartt]

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

Geez...I feel alone out here - been running Windows 7 for about 6 or 8 months now. I'm not having any problems with it (other than those I cause myself, LOL).

Ditto, Windows 7 is great been using the public beta for atleast 5 months now, and I gotta say I love it. I never upgraded to Vista, so a clean install was the only way to go as Win7 does not allow a direct upgrade from WinXP.

PS even those people with a restor CD/DVD can still do a clean install of Win7. Just back-Up your current system, drop in the Win7 CD when it prompts do a clean install. Import your back-up info and you should be good to go. If it fails pop in the restore cd and reinstall, import the backup.

PPS If you don't know what you are doing, make sure you know someone who does as I don't do house calls anymore

[sclarke]

garyv

The problem here is that many of the big retailers sold a ton of computers w/ the promise of a free upgrade to windows 7. They were not offering clean installs. So these people are kind of screwed until microsoft comes up w/ a fix because most new computers now do not come w/ a restore CD like they have in the past. And this reboot cycle is preventing the computers from restoring themselves. Ugly situation for sure.

I understand what you're saying but that doesn't change what I wrote.

First of all, don't buy a computer from a company that doesn't supply or make available a restore disc. I know Dell includes them.

Second, you can always do a clean install... even with upgrade media. I know that doesn't sound right but it is true. Here is a link that tells you how.

And last but certainly not least... Find someone who knows what the heck their doin'.

I'm a platform agnostic. I use OS X and Windows. For you Mac users baggin' on Windows 7, Snow Leopard wasn't without issues either (like losing all your data). The fact is these operating systems are extremely complicated and stuff happens.

Remember... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

[NinjaTech]

I think ill stick to windows server 08. so far has been the most stable desktop and laptop i have ever used.
wait a yr before trying 7 too many issues with vista for seven to be any better.
and server allow 3 multiple sessions at once way cool to remote in.

[tj]

Originally Posted by sclarke

If you're upgrading, you should ALWAYS backup your data and do a clean install. Inevitably there will be incompatibilities with an OS upgrade (drivers, software, etc.). Windows has to support so many different hardware configurations problems are bound to occur unless you take the necessary steps to mitigate them.

Just do a clean install on well supported hardware with at least 2 gigs of ram and you'll be good to go.

I have well supported hardware - just not supported by Win7 - so I went back and downgraded. There I know that my stuff is working.

Timo

[Alan Mc Donald]

ill stick with ubuntu thanks, it runs so smooooooth and boots lightningg fast, no issues at all

[TelegramSam]

Never do an upgrade over older versions of windows, no matter what anybody says.

Far better to get yourself another hard drive. Put Windows 7 onto that drive cleanly.

Install the software that you need and use onto this.

Then put your original drive as a slave into your computer and move any necessary data files across etc.

Windows is so complex that there will always be anomalies that get missed.

Just do a clean install. It will most likely save you many hours of frustration.

Sam

[topcash]

Im not sure what the problem is, upgrade to Snow Leopard was flawless

[jazbo]

I told my parents the same thing two weeks ago, stick with your old PC and XP for a few months I said.

So they went out and got a Windows 7 laptop the day it came out and are now installing updates and struggling like hell with it.

People dont listen.

[um1001]

I've had no trouble with Windows 7 but I started from a fresh install ... I was using the beta and managed to get a Windows Pro student edition using my alumni .edu e-mail account for $29.99 (well +$13 for the physical media option)

I've been pretty happy with it. One or two minor problems that I've managed to find workarounds but mostly it's OK.

So here's a pro tip: even if you're out of college for years like me ... get an alumni e-mail (often easy to get), and get cheap Microsoft stuff

[TristanPerry]

Windows 7 has been great for me (albeit I use Ubuntu primarily). I had to upgrade since I had Vista on this dual boot, and it was awful for me.

Shame to hear about this though; hope they can fix it.

[crecemedia]

Originally Posted by topcash

Im not sure what the problem is, upgrade to Snow Leopard was flawless

I second that!

I bought my first Mac PC about 6 months ago an I really couldnt be happier. If you value your time and dont want to spend it on updating your virus programs, patching bugs, speeding up the pc, optimizing your settings on the windows PC do yourself a favor and get a Mac.

Simply having "exposé" is amazingly effective, and the no-button trackpad makes everything so much smoother once you get accustomed to it.

It really sounds like Im pimping Mac, but I am! The only thing I hate is the heat, this things gets amazingly hot, burn skin hot sometimes.

Cheers!
Fran

[Chris Morris]

Now that is FUNNY!

I'm like Big Mike on rushing to get the latest and greatest OS's and even techie gadgets. I downloaded 7 and had some issues with it, nothing major but I did go back to a clean install of Vista until my upgrade disks from Dell come over. Then I will do a clean install after a reformat of the drive.

I don't like the new task bar thingy though, it's freakin huge and does not remind me of my MacBook Pro at all. I know MS attempts to copy Apple but I can't really say they 'copy' it since it never comes out anywhere near as good as Apple Sorry Microwhateveryournameis...

[BIG Mike]

Originally Posted by Chris Morris

Now that is FUNNY!

I'm like Big Mike on rushing to get the latest and greatest OS's and even techie gadgets. I downloaded 7 and had some issues with it, nothing major but I did go back to a clean install of Vista until my upgrade disks from Dell come over. Then I will do a clean install after a reformat of the drive.

I don't like the new task bar thingy though, it's freakin huge and does not remind me of my MacBook Pro at all. I know MS attempts to copy Apple but I can't really say they 'copy' it since it never comes out anywhere near as good as Apple Sorry Microwhateveryournameis...

That took the most getting used to but you will....

[Scot Standke]

I did an upgrade from XP to 7 a few days ago on my laptop.

It took over two hours to install, but so far it seems very solid and a lot quicker than Vista.

Scot

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

Geez...I feel alone out here - been running Windows 7 for about 6 or 8 months now. I'm not having any problems with it (other than those I cause myself, LOL).

I rush to try every new version because I need to know if our software will have any compatibility problems with and to correct them before the publid release.

If you're not really a techy type of person, I'd hold off though, especially if you're doing well with Vista or XP.

Hey you're not alone...I've been running 7 just about as long as you. I love it---I've had zero of the problems I've had in the past with Vista.

I wonder why we can run with a "unstable beta" and yet have less problems than people with the release copy?

I guess that's technology for ya. *shrug

[Mike Anthony]

Originally Posted by getsmartt

Ditto, Windows 7 is great been using the public beta for atleast 5 months now, and I gotta say I love it. I never upgraded to Vista, so a clean install was the only way to go as Win7 does not allow a direct upgrade from WinXP.

Same here. Windows 7 runs smoothly. The best Windows ever for me. I don't see this being reported all over so I am wondering how widespread it is - the article doesn't say.

Normally do wait a year for a new Windows OS but this one is different - loving it. Opening Visual studio, Firefox, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash at the same time would bring my system to a crawl under XP. barely notice when I forget to close them out now.

[Derek S]

gizmodo reported that over 80% of the people who installed windows 7 went smoothly.

Over 80% Of You Had a Smooth Windows 7 Install Experience - Windows 7 install - Gizmodo

the article you point to seems like anti-windows propaganda and the real reason people where having issues was due to them having software running in my background at the time of installing windows 7...

...the users fault, NOT Microsoft's

I love windows 7 but never really had an issue with vista either.

[Chris Morris]

I am anxiously awaiting Windows 7 upgrade from Dell don't get me wrong, I love Windows 7 because it actually is a functional copy of what Vista should have been. Like I said, I could do without the fat bar at the bottom that replaced the slick tiny version in Vista that I'm used to but I can live with it.

I hate that you can't launch multiple instances of Firefox with it though. I used to be able to click my Firefox icon in my quick launch and open as many windows as I wanted. Now the only way to do that quickly is to use a keyboard shortcut similar to that used in my Mac.

I do agree that there is a lot of hate MS users out there bashing Windows, I even do it myself jokingly because I do own both Mac and PC. There are things my PC does that my Mac won't and vice versa so I love both OS's equally so.

If anyone knows how to fix that little issue with launching multiple instances of Firefox using the quick launch icon in Windows 7 do let me know

[getsmartt]

Originally Posted by Chris Morris

If anyone knows how to fix that little issue with launching multiple instances of Firefox using the quick launch icon in Windows 7 do let me know

right-click and select Mozilla Firefox from the pop-up menu - works for most docked taskbar items

[Chris Morris]

Thanks James, I will try that when I get my copy!

[4success53]

Thanks.

I think I may want to wait awhile.

Isn't it suppose to be better than Vista?

[l23bc]

Like i have mentioned on the launch day of windows 7 ive had it pre installed on my new mesh laptop before it came out and had no problems,

however i have to add ive been using my toshiba vista ultimate laptop and mac book pro machine more then my new windows 7 because yes i am a tec geek at heart but i know as soon as i start exploring i will hit a setting and taking my machine to pc world or somewere like that as you do,

anyway thanks for the fault review but windows 7 aint all that bad as of yet, ive used all windows since win 95 and the only one that was bad for me was windows 98 s.e for upgrading...im showing my age now lol!

andy

[cfv]

Our office upgraded on release date- all programs running without issues.
We skipped Vista and have been waiting to upgrade. I just figured MS learned their lesson with Vista and went for it...

[l23bc]

to be more honest it is better then vista for proformance and battery life and shutting down as i have vista on my old 2gig toshibia laptop and it takes ages to shut down however my windows 7 shuts down very easy

Originally Posted by 4success53

Thanks.

I think I may want to wait awhile.

Isn't it suppose to be better than Vista?

[l23bc]

kmonster did you had to part your drive or anything to install on a mac book pro

[Fernando Veloso]

Got a email this week i believe, to a free upgrade to windows7.

Lucky me I am a slow guy.

[kmonster]

Originally Posted by l23bc

kmonster did you had to part your drive or anything to install on a mac book pro

I just ran the boot camp application that came with OSX Snow Leapord. That program partitions the drive for you. Windows 7 even recognised the Apple hardware so there was no need install drivers. Pretty simple, and painless.

[wealthwind]

Good for you Suzanne!

My motto is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it if you don't know how..."

Alexander

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

I never upgrade to a new Windows version for at least a year. What's the rush? Let everyone do the beta testing and deal with the bugs. My motto is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[DogScout]

I still use XP and will probably until Windows 10 comes out.
But then, I still miss windows 95 (Though I still have the disc)

[Richard HAN]

Originally Posted by Jacer

Never understood why people rush to update to a new version of windows. Everyone knows(or should know) it takes many months after release to work out hidden bugs like this!

Precisely..! I just bought a new Thinkpad which comes with Windoze Vista, but the first thing that I did with it is to clean the harddrive and install XP Pro on it. I'm not even touching Vista, let alone be a paying beta tester for Windoze 7.