Frequently asked questions on upgrading to Windows 7

This article describes frequently asked questions (FAQ) about upgrading to Windows 7.

Windows 7

According to Microsoft's Windows 7 website, the new operating system "makes everyday tasks simpler and faster, gives you more control, and puts your PC at the center of your media world."

This article covers key issues students, faculty, and staff should consider before upgrading to Windows 7.

Buy a new computer or upgrade the current one?

If your computer is currently running Windows Vista without problems, then it can probably handle an upgrade to Windows 7. To upgrade without completely reinstalling, you need to know whether you're running the 32-bit version or the 64-bit of Windows Vista because the old and the new versions of Windows have to be the same. For more information, refer to 1478: How to determine if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

If you still have Windows XP, your computer hardware might not be able to handle Windows 7. You can test your computer to see how it will handle Windows 7 by running the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser. Moving from Windows XP to Windows 7 requires a complete reinstall of the operating system. Make sure you back up any important data before installing a fresh copy of Windows 7.

If you're going to buy a new computer, it should be able to handle Windows 7 without problems.

Should I get 32-bit or 64-bit?

The common recommendation is that if your computer has at least 3-4GB of RAM, you can benefit from installing the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Any systems with 2GB of RAM or less should stick with the 32-bit version of Windows 7.

If you're considering installing the 64-bit version of Windows 7, make sure your processor (also called a CPU) is compatible. It has to be 64-bit or you won't be able to install the 64-bit version of Windows. Contact your computer manufacturer for assistance in determining whether your CPU is 32-bit or 64-bit.