Going from Vista to 7

Hey guys,

I tried looking for a thread that answered my question, but I felt that some solutions didn't quite cover some of my concerns.

Right now, I have Windows Vista installed on my lenovo T61 and I'm considering upgrading to windows 7. I been told I should make the switch, any comments?

Now here's my "concern":

There's software on my computer I'm worried about losing, such as thinkvantage software. I'm not sure (i don't think I will) have access to it after the upgrade. Is there a way to keep it without going to a ton of hassle?

Also, I'd really like to learn/make a backup of my system right now, so that if windows 7 doesn't really work out, I could revert to what I have now. Could someone tell me how/post a link?
(I'm referring to those "CD backups" I hear about all the time).

Thanks for your time guys.
Happy Holidays, wish you all the best.

 

Backing up is a good idea. You can either use Vista's built-in backup utility (Start > 'backup') or you can use a trial version of Acronis TrueImage software.

Also remember to create a Restore Point prior to the upgrade, as this is by far the most pain-free and quickest method of backup, even though it is not comprehensive.

When you upgrade, everything should theoretically work; the main problem that I foresee is that Lenovo specifically developed new versions of their ThinkVantage software for Windows 7, so I think you should uninstall it all beforehand to avoid any problems, unless the manufacturer specifies that the program version you have will work with the new OS.

 

Do you mean you can restore Vista from Win7 using System Restore?

 

Yes you can, though I now remember that Vista should also automatically create a Restore Point before proceeding with the upgrade

 

I second don's question

nice timing lol, sorry for the double.

 

I'm sneaky.

 

You should run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...90-7659-4BD9-9E51-2497C146AF15&displaylang=en

It will tell you if any programs you have might not be compatible. You may find that some things may be iffy, but companies a working to provide updates and patches as issues arise. Win 7 Ultimate has an XP compatibility mode, but so far I've found that if a program works under Vista, it'll run on 7.

I did an in-place upgrade, and only had to uninstall the ATI control panel. Everything went smoothly, and windows update automatically updated the video driver and I haven't bothered to re-install the ATI stuff as it's worked fine. Make sure you have all your drivers up to date, and backed up separately. Most Vista drivers work for Win 7, 'course there's allways the oddball one.

So far I've been quite pleased with Win 7, and wouldn't think of switching back.

 

Thanks dude (for the opinion and the advisor).

 

You're welcome! Funny, after re-reading my post, I almost sound like a shill for M$.:laugh:

 

It works if you clean installed and have C:\Windows.old. Does it also work if you installed through in-place upgrade?

 

If you do a clean install then you format the drive, meaning that everything is wiped off the drive and System Restore therefore cannot be used. In the case of an upgrade, Windows.old is created and System Restore can be used to roll the system back to the way it was before the upgrade was performed.

 

Impressive, didn't knew that you can revert an os upgrade/installation with system restore. wow.

 

It doesn't seem possible if you upgrade from XP to Vista as they apparently implement SR differently, but from what I've been reading online it can be done [when upgrading from Vista to 7].

 

Possible only if Windows 7 performs this "create a restore point" automatically, but not when users (manually) do it. At least that's how I see it.

 

As for your Thinkvantage applications, when you are done installing Windows 7 download System Update 4 from lenovo and it will get all of the latest updates and software for your system. Also a question like this will get you more specific answers to your machine in the Lenovo sub forum.