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Windows XP or Vista computers will need to be fully backed up so a clean install can be done
Microsoft has confirmed that customers in Europe will not be able to easily upgrade Windows XP or Vista computers to the new Windows 7 operating system.
In the past there have been two ways to install new versions of Windows: a ‘clean’ installation, where the hard disk is wiped clean first, and an ‘upgrade’ installation. Performing an upgrade installation would allow users to keep their documents and programs in place.
However, this option will not be available when installing the European version of Windows 7, known as Windows 7 E.
Microsoft’s John Curran said that “for technical reasons we will only be able to offer Windows 7 E as a full version”.
The company’s Mike Ybarra told the US website Engadget the company was concerned about the problems that might be caused by removing Internet Explorer during an upgrade.
“We don't want to break anyone else's software, we don't want to break our own software,” he said.
To avoid losing files, users will need to copy all their documents to another storage device before installing Windows 7.
After installation, they can be moved back. A notice on the company’s website warns that “Whether your PC is running Windows Vista, Windows XP, or another operating system, E editions of Windows 7 require a custom (clean) installation. A custom installation does not preserve your files, settings, and programs.
"So, before installing E editions of Windows 7, make sure to back up your files and settings to an external hard disk, USB Flash drive, or other media.”
Computeractive will publish a full guide to this process when Windows 7 launches.
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always reformat anyway!
Over the years I've always found the source of many post-new-OS-release where the OS is slow, sluggish and generally poor is due to the fact the person has done the upgrade. I tell anyone asking, to just do a full backup of data and a complete rebuild to see the true improvements a new OS has to offer.... (excluding Windows ME of course)
Posted by Matthew, 03 Jul 2009
Installin Windows
How stupid to think people are to keep their documents on the same disk as a Windows installation anyway?
Posted by Philip Robinson, 03 Jul 2009
I'll sit on my mouse
Looks as though my business PC stays with XP until I replace the hardwaret. It's easy enough to restore files after I buy Windows 7 and do a clean install, but I would have to reinstall all my programs -- which may or may not work -- and device drivers I suppose. It sounds too risky for small and medium businesses.
Posted by Bernadette, 03 Jul 2009
Not necessarily stupid
So Philip Robinson thinks one is stupid to keep other material on the same disc/partition as Windows. When I download any material I always aim to install away from the C drive but some sources just do not give the option to choose the destination.
Posted by Ben Clark, 03 Jul 2009