Despite the efforts that Microsoft engineers exert to solve this kind of issue, many users still face serious problem about Windows 7 upgrade. But you don't need to worry anymore! This article will serve as your Windows 7 help for the day. The issues regarding Windows 7 upgrade will be explained here and you will be guided to resolve them.

Multiple Reboots This is the most common issue about Windows 7 upgrade. This awfully irritating bug causes your computer system to have multiple reboots. It will present a note saying that Windows 7 can not be installed and that the earlier version has been restored to your system. Then, the process will repeat over and over. You need to fix the problem if you see this note more than once.

To solve this issue, choose Vista in the boot menu located at the Startup then put the old Vista disc into your drive. After the setup menu appears, opt to exit. Then click Start, choose All Programs, Accessories and right click the Command Prompt. Select Run as Administrator seen at the context menu. Then, type "D:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All" at the Command prompt. Please make sure that the letter D will be replaced with the letter of the optical drive you are using. Then this command will retune the reboot parameters. Finally, the installation process will start again.

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Installation Stops Completely This problem is common to most users. This occurs during the installation progress bar remains at 62 percent for more than 15 minutes. At this point, the installation has run into errors and needs to be fixed. This is caused by a service called 'lphlpsvc'.

The solution is simple. First is to reboot your computer. Then, go to the Microsoft site and download MicrosoftFixit50319, this is an automated fix package. Install it by following the instructions and then you would be able to solve the problem.

Windows 7 is a good operating system for your computer. It is much faster than the previous versions. But you might need Windows 7 help when you encounter some problems. There are few more issues that are not covered here. If you face any other issues, you can take help from the remote pc repair experts and also resolve problems related to windows vista, windows xp, virus and spyware removal and data backup solutions.

It has been seen that the latest operating system hangs on the welcome screen right after login or while shutting down. Some of the time even user experienced their mouse and keyboards stopped responding to their action. If any of us finds himself in such a situation, then it is really quite frustrating especially if you are working towards some crucial stuff to meet your deadlines. The reason behind this frequent hangs might be many... below we are going to discuss some of them among all.

Viruses and Spyware: Malicious files are the common reasons of a slow computer and may be hiding in your system with your permission and being you aware of its presence. These spyware and malware viruses corrupt your files and hinder your computer's performance causing Windows 7 to eventually hang.

To get rid of these (how to remove spyware from computer) keep your virus definitions updated with latest one available by the provider. Make sure to also download the latest security patches and updates. Always run a scan on your computer to detect these viruses and spyware then delete them.

Too many programs running at once: While working on your computer try to make sure that only the necessary programs are running and the unnecessary applications might consumes more virtual RAM (Random Access Memory) than your system can handle. Don't open a lot of applications simultaneously. Limit the number of software and websites currently running to those that are importantly only. If you are a heavy multi-tasking professional, then backup yourself with good hardware specification; upgrade your RAM to at least double what you are using now.

Corrupt Windows Registry. The registry is the source of information and settings Windows 7 references during operation. The registry database eventually becomes stuffed and cluttered with uneven entries because of redundant and obsolete entries leaving it corrupted. It is advised then to clean your Windows registry to delete those unwanted entries.

Cleaning or getting along with the registry details in is a tough job as any misleading information can get your Windows 7 Operating System Corrupted or malfunction on any uneven manner. There are freeware software’s available that can do the task for you; CCleaner is one such software that works great. Diagnosing your system with a registry cleaner is the best solution to solve registry problems. It is specialized software that thoroughly scans your Windows registry, repairs any errors it sees, and deletes all those invalid entries. By having a clean registry, you will notice a great improvement in your computer speed and performance. It will also completely fix Windows 7 hangs.

First of all confirm that you meet the minimum hardware spec for the operating system. The minimum hardware specification for Windows 7 requires

1GHz processor (32- or 64-bit) 1GB of main memory 16GB of available disk space Support for DX9 graphics with 128MB of memory (for the aero interface) A DVD-R/W drive

For more check the same in detail at Microsoft Website

If your computer system was giving the best of Windows XP/Windows Vista, then it is pretty sure that you can experience the same smooth response from Windows 7 too. The latest operating system from Microsoft has been designed to be very light compared to its pedicures (Windows XP/Windows Vista). The operating system runs quickly without requiring huge amounts of RAM or GHz's processors. If you have met the fare deal of Hardware specifications that still experiencing a slow computing, then the issue lies around somewhere else. To start with cut down the no of programs running in the background. For example a lot of no of times we tend to install programs that stuck in your start-up running in the background and eating up loads of virtual memory. (Yahoo Messenger, Win amp, GTalk, Skype, etc). Either remove them from the Start-up (How to remove programs from Start-up) or close them when not in use, the best would be that you remove them from the Start-up list so that they don’t bother each time you start your PC.

The second option is to clean the Windows registry (How to clean Windows Registry). This is perhaps the most effective means to speed up Windows 7. There are a lot of freeware that can do the task easy for you.. CCleaner is one such software; try the software to get away with common registry issues and registry fix.

Computer Virus are one of the common threat that gives you a havoc at any point of time... a virus infection can be a reason behind your slow computer. As a next measure have a good antivirus solution on your computer system. You can purchase a licence copy of (Norton/MCCafe/BitDefender/Kaspersky)a antivirus software or can do it with some freeware (AVG/AVIRA/AVAST).

Trojans or virus has ways of reducing the speed of any operating system. There is absolute need for you to install appropriate antivirus and anti spy ware. It is important to note that windows 7 are equipped with its own protection activated against these Trojans. The fact is that you have to be very careful by giving you system extra protection through installation of more antivirus because the Trojans would enter your system unannounced. The mode of operations of these viruses makes it possible for them to capture data on your system and transfer to a remote computer. This would definitely slow down the speed of your system.

Just follow the tips above to ensure that your windows 7 operating system runs faster as it should.

Follow the blog Fix Win 7 to get more of these tips to boost the speed of your computer.

This program is not just for windows 7. It's available for Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista 32 and 64 bit versions, and Windows 7 32 and 64 bit versions. Most windows users now have access to this software that should be a good solution to fighting spyware, trojans, viruses, and other malicious programs that can get on your machine.

A couple things to keep in mind though are that you still need to keep your firewall protection up on your computer and on your router for more complete protection.

MSE also doesn't have a good solution for the registry problems the operating system can have. From time to time the registry has errors and corruptions that need to be fixed. Getting a registry cleaner will scan the system for errors and fix them for you.

Redmond hasn’t confirmed a date for the release of Windows 7 SP1 yet. Despite that, a pre-release copy of the minor updates package appears to be unofficially available for download online.

When asked about a formal comment on the concern, Microsoft did not provided any input as so far.

In March Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc said in a blog post that a service pack for Windows 7 would be released containing minor security updates and feature tweaks. However, he did not reveal when Windows 7 SP1 would land.

As we’ve previously reported, Microsoft tends to stick to a pretty standard timeframe with its operating system service pack releases. Based on that logic, it’s fair to surmise that the company probably won’t spin out Windows 7 SP1 until late 2010 at the very earliest.

Last month, Microsoft revealed a few more details about Windows 7 Service Pack 1, confirming it would involve a small-fry update to the operating system. However, the software vendor didn't reveal when a finalised version of Windows 7 SP1 - nor indeed a beta - of the updates package would land

As an example – C:\WINDOWS\system32\smss32.exe is a similar Trojan that hijacks desktop with security warning, displays pop-ups with messages ‘you are infected’ which are actually fake messages. And at last it installs Security Essentials 2010.

While Security Essentials 2010 is running, you will be shown nag screens and fake security warnings from Windows task bar. Some of the warnings:

System warning!Security Essentials 2010 Continue working in unprotected mode is very dangerous. Viruses can damage your confidential data and work on your computer. Click here to protect your computer.

System warning! Intercepting programs that may compromise your privacy and harm your system have been detected on your PC. It`s highly recommended you scan your PC right now.

Security Essentials 2010 Proactive system found several active vulnerabilities on your computer.

Danger quotient – Once Security Essentials 2010 gets installed on your PC, it automatically starts updating itself the moment you logs in. This also shows off pop-ups stating about numerous infections on your PC. When you try to uninstall of remove this program, it flaunts a message that says “you need to purchase the program first in order to remove it.” But all such messages are fraudulent acts which at the end of the day result in your loss.

Security Essentials 2010 files and registry values:

Files: * C:\WINDOWS\system32\warnings.html * C:\WINDOWS\system32\helpers32.dll * C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon32.exe * C:\WINDOWS\system32\smss32.exe * C:\WINDOWS\system32\41.exe * %Temp%\250904.exe * %StartMenu%\Security essentials 2010.lnk * %Desktop%\Security essentials 2010.lnk * C:\ProgramFiles\Securityessentials2010\SE2010.exe

Registry keys and values:

* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SE2010 * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run * “Security essentials 2010″ * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “smss32.exe”

How to remove it – There are many steps that can be conducted to remove security Essentials 2010 from your PC.

1. Reboot your computer is “Safe Mode with Networking”. As the computer is booting tap the “F8 key” continuously which should bring up the “Windows Advanced Options Menu” as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to “Safe Mode with Networking” and press Enter key.

2. Download one of the good and legitimate anti-malware applications and run a quick system scan. Don’t forget to update it first.

Threats put by ‘Vista Antivirus Pro 2010’ Malware –

* This is a corrupt anti-spyware program which does no good with your PC; instead put more threats to it. * This antivirus program is spread via Trojans which are considered fatal for the heath of PC. * This software is linked with numerous problem causing issues, such as, many more malware and spyware come wrapped with the package of Vista Antivirus Pro 2010. * This malware has a tendency to repair its files, get updated by self and self spread. Hence, it brings aided threat to your PC. * Vista Antivirus Pro 2010 also violates your privacy and security zone.

How to Remove Vista Antivirus Pro 2010 Malware manually –

* Stop its processes – this can be done by using the simple procedure of ending process of a program in the Vista operating system. To do the same Press Alt+Ctrl+Delete, now click on ‘Task Manager’ and end the process tree. This is simple and easy.

antiviruspro2010.exe antiviruspro2010.lnk

* Manually find and delete Vista Antivirus Pro 2010 files – You can manually hunt for files of this malware program and delete them accordingly.

%Program Files%\Antivirus Pro 2010\ %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Antivirus Pro 2010.lnk %UserProfile%\Desktop\Antivirus Pro 2010.lnk %UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Antivirus Pro 2010

Here is a step by step process to manually delete the files listed above

1. From Start –> Search, then click on “For Files and Folders…“ 2. From “What do you want to search for?” list on the left, click on “All files and folders” 3. Type the filenames on the search box, and choose the “Local Hard Drives” (normally, it’s C: drive) 4. Click on “Search“. That’s it!

However, its name suggests that it is an antivirus program but Vista antivirus Pro 2010 is nothing other than a malware. If you are receiving any message on your PC that is recommending Vista Antivirus Pro 2010 malware, you may be under threat of this spyware. If want to know more, you can check online. Internet is crammed with information on the same.

This program is promoted or spread online with help of unprotected websites and sharewares. When this malware attacks on your PC, numbers of pop-up windows get visible on your computer.

These pop-up windows display a message stating “your computer is infected and that you should run an online scan.” When you click on this message, you would be automatically landing on a page that is advertising about an online anti-malware scanner. But, in realty, this page is a fake page which installs antivirus 7 on your PC. This malware starts working from the time when you log in.

This is a corrupted software which works as a spyware. This spyware keeps track of your every computer activity. Scanning software of this malware detects those program as a malware which are original windows files. If these programs get deleted, your windows operating system may be corrupted.

How to avoid Antivirus 7 threats? To avoid Antivirus 7’s threat on your computer, you can employ spyware virus removal following measures –

* Make it sure that macro security level of your PC are high and medium. * Always prefer to not to install any of such malware which is completely new to you. * Run the latest antivirus software and scanning program on regular basis. * You may also find malware virus removal for this particular malware. To get an effective one, you will be required to do a comprehensive online research. * Keep your current antivirus up to date that it keep you aware of any unidentified entry in your PC and also provide you information on all the Trojans.

Associated Antivirus 7 Files:

c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\AV7

c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\AV7\Antivirus7.lnk

c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\AV7\Uninstall.lnk

c:\Program Files\AV7

c:\Program Files\AV7\antivirus7.exe

c:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\Logs\tmp.edb

c:\WINDOWS\system32\UpdateExplorer.dll

%UserProfile%\Desktop\Antivirus7.lnk

Associated Antivirus7 Windows Registry Information:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\EVA246

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{E2BFE352-A303-4EA8-88FE-CE35361D7E8B}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{E2BFE352-A303-4EA8-88FE-CE35361D7E8B}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “AV7″

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent\Post Platform “WinNT-EVI 12.03.2010″

The first hint of Windows 7 SP1 came more than two months ago, when Rafael Rivera, who writes the Within Windows blog, sniffed out several keys in Windows 7's registry that add an eligibility check for SP1.

Microsoft did not spell out a timetable for the service packs, saying only that it would provide more information as release milestones approach.

While most of the Windows 7 major bugs have been fixed - and the rest have patches currently running the gamut of testing prior to general availability - Microsoft is apparently keen to make the Windows 7 experience as pleasant as possible for its customers, and will be rolling the updates into the operating system's first Service Pack for release in the last quarter of 2010.

The move will be of particular interest to business users: many corporations eschew new versions of the Windows operating system until the release of the first Service Pack, in order to allow third parties to discover the bugs and iron out the wrinkles prior to an expensive large-scale deployment. With sales figures for Microsoft's latest operating system already through the roof, the launch of SP1 could very well boost the company's coffers considerably.

In recent developments around Windows Vista - Microsoft has announced that the Support for Windows Vista without service packs will end on April 13, 2010.

But prior to installing it, consider knowing the facts which are provided below –

* During the entire installation process, computer restarts several times. Hence, consider saving your different assignments otherwise you may lose your work.

* Once you have installed SP2 service pack, you would have to install new version of sound device or hardware device, as it may no longer work.

* You must have Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) if you want to use Windows Vista service pack; it is a must to install SP2. If you are using Windows Update for automatic update feature in windows Vista, you will not be offered the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.

* Pre release version of Windows Vista service pack 2 is also available. Hence, if you want to install a complete version of Windows Vista SP2, you would have to remove pre release version of service pack 2.

* Apart from this, if you are looking for some more information, you can check Microsoft’s website. Microsoft has provided a complete detail on different aspects of windows vista service pack 2.

How to get SP2-

Microsoft has recommended some of the easiest ways get SP2. One of them is to turn on automatic updating in Windows Update in Control Panel, and then wait for Windows Vista. It would notify you that SP2 is ready to install. You now need only a few clicks to begin the installation and the rest of the process would be automatic.

To check whether SP2 is installed or not, Click the Start button, then right-click on Computer, and then click Properties. If Service Pack 2 is in the list of Windows edition section, SP2 is already installed on your computer and you don't need to follow the instructions below.

1. Upgrade the Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium without using any product key.

(If you are a user with a non-HP or non-HB windows 7 DVD media, you can copy the entire installation file t hard disk drive, modify or delete ei.cfg file to select the particular installing edition of windows 7. If you have an ISO image software can use Windows 7 ISO image edition switcher or ei.cfg Removal Utility. This would make all Windows 7 editions available for selection during setup.)

2. After in-place upgrade of Windows 7, boot and log on Windows 7 desktop. This would run windows anytime upgrade that is actually authenticated to the user who purchased WAU license pack.

Special Consideration -

. To perform this upgrade you can use either product key from retail channel or OEMSLP, as both are accepted. Hence, if you are facing any trouble in upgrading from Windows Vista home premium to Windows 7, you may use OEMSLP product key to perform WAU upgrade.

. This upgrade of Windows 7 Home Premium takes around 10 minutes as well as a reboot to complete the entire upgrade process. Once it is completed, your Windows 7 enabled personal computer is ready and running.

. If you are s till facing problem in doing the same and not able to use a Windows 7 upgrade version product key to install or activate installed Windows 7, can look for a solution that will help you to clean install Windows 7 with upgrade license.

It is important to take not of these important tips for a successful upgrade of Windows Vista to Windows 7.

Today, Windows 7 has been by officially acclaimed as one of the best among operating systems, available in market. This latest delight from Microsoft tops the chart of customer satisfaction on every scale. Thus, Windows 7 is garnering accolades from all corners.

This latest Windows Operating System is a sibling of Microsoft’s last marathon attempt, Windows Vista. Or, it would be better to say, Windows 7 is an improved version of Windows Vista. This was the first time, when Microsoft gave an utterly technical and hi-tech look to its operating system. Alike, Windows 7, Windows Vista too earned loads of acclamation from users. But there were shortcomings in it, which were not letting people complete fun of operating system. Microsoft figured out the drawbacks of Vista and engineered to give a more adorable look to it. Windows Vista is that modified version of Windows Vista.

The point of the matter is that will it be that down the line from now, let’s says in next 18 months would there be any one willing running something like Windows Vista. And if yes why?

Let’s break out this next generation of holdouts as follows:

* Home users who do not have the technical skill sets to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Their computers work just all right with Windows Vista, and they find no reason to fix what is not out of order. Sooner or later, they will purchase a new computer system, at which point they’ll be upgraded to Windows 7 — whether they like it or not.

* Enterprise IT shops that dictate their own upgrade cycles (as opposed to following Microsoft’s cycles). These shops will eventually get around to upgrading, but not until their current investments in Vista-generation systems and applications is at least partially depreciated (think the 2011-12 time frame).

* Hard-core Vista fans who think Windows “6″ actually better than Windows 7 (actually, 6.1). I know, it’s hard to imagine such an individual. But believe me, such people do exist. These Vista loyalists will resist Windows 7 because to embrace it will mean admitting that its predecessor, Windows Vista — an OS they defended publicly and to which they’ve developed a deep emotional attachment — was in fact fundamentally flawed.

Hence, when Windows 7 hit the market, all those who wanted to get Vista but not able to do so due to its shortcomings, rushed to get latest Microsoft Windows Operating System. It was a surprising fact that within one month of launching windows 7 captured 5 % of total market share. But, with rise of Windows 7, Windows Vista was completely forgotten.

Nonetheless, despite of arrival of high end operating systems, Microsoft’s one of the initial version of operating system, XP is still highly used but Vista doesn’t seem to be that lucky. Wishing all the best to Vista and its dynamic sibling, Windows 7…

The most common scenarios, in which you fail to log on to your Windows 7 or Windows Vista, are –

* When you recently set new passwords to protect administrator account, it is possible that you may forget the new password. This may result in your failure in system logging in.

* Instead of typing correct logon password, you are not able to log on. This may be because of corrupted system.

* Many times, this failure takes place due to deletion of a protected account. This doesn’t let you log on to another administrator account.

* When you change administrator account to user account, you would not be log on to administrator account.

These issues can be solved by using system Restore point. Tips to use this –

* Insert your Windows Vista or Windows 7 DVD and now restart the PC.

* The moment you received “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message, follow it.

* Now set the following preferences, and click next. Preferences are Language to install, Time and currency format, Keyboard or input method

* Now Click on Repair your computer, select the operating system that has to be repaired and then click Next.

* Click System Restore now and then click Next.

* Click the restore point which you want to use and then click Next.

* Now confirm the disk which you want to restore. Now click on Next.

* After following these steps, you may need to restart your PC.

Clicking on a restore point would allow you to successfully log on into your PC.

(Note – after using system restore feature, you may need to reinstall few programs and it is also possible that some updates may be removed.)

You can do this by running program compatibility troubleshooter. But do not try to do the same for older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it may lead your PC to data loss or being prone to security threat.

Tips to run program compatibility trouble shooter –

Click the Start button Picture of the Start button and then ‘Control Panel’. Now open the Program Compatibility troubleshooter. You can find this via search box. Type program compatibility troubleshooter in search box; this will take you to the right place.

Now go to programs, and click on run programs which were compatible with previous version of Windows.

* Now follow the instructions given by trouble shooter. This would let you install a program, insert the installation disc for the program and now use the troubleshooter. Next step is browsing to the program’s setup file, .exe, or something similar. The troubleshooter is not designed to work on programs that have an .msi file name extension.

* Program Compatibility troubleshooter can also be opened by right-clicking a program’s icon or shortcut and then clicking Troubleshoot compatibility.

* To change compatibility settings manually for a program, right-click the program icon, click Properties, and then click the Compatibility tab. Microsoft has given further details on it.

You can also make the older programs compatible to your operating system with Compatibility mode of Windows 7. This runs the older program using settings from a previous version of Windows. However Windows 7 is designed incorporating the best of technologies, yet you are facing problem with your Windows 7, you can contact an online tech support service provider.

Microsoft tried to implement this In Vista but it kept getting scaled back for whatever reason. But with Windows 7 it's out of the box and here to stay. A library is a type of virtual location within Windows 7 that combines files and folders from different physical locations from all over your hard drive and even other locations.

A library is a type of virtual location within Windows 7 that combines files and folders from different physical locations from all over your hard drive and even other locations. Here's a good example of how this works. Lets say you store an invoice or proposal under each client directory. But sometimes you want to look at all invoices so you can also create a library of invoices, or group any selection of files in any way you might want to view them regardless of physical location.

So if you want to update a document in the virtual view, it replicates to the physical file in whatever location it's stored. When you create and save (or copy from another source) you can mark these files to be in any library. So for some users this is a huge advantage. Others might not even notice or be aware of this new Windows feature. But it is a big step in bringing Windows into a new file structure and maybe even a new type of operating system.

What's interesting here is the fact that with a file structure like this is Windows 7 becoming less of an operating system and more of a front-end application? Linux users have long had many different front-end desktops to choose from like KDE or Gnome, which can be used with different flavors of Linux. So is Microsoft inching its way to making Windows a desktop environment that can be used with any Linux operating system too? Or even allowing KDE or Gnome to be used as a front end or desktop environment for future versions of the Windows operating system?

Its been long rumored that Microsoft has been working on a Linux type OS that operates on any hardware (like Mac or Unix hardware). Is this the first step in an attempt at going after new markets? Offering both a separate front-end environment and a backend OS would give Microsoft access to almost any market and could also make it compatible with any software designed to be used on these other platforms.

Never underestimate Microsoft. They have a huge graveyard with past competitors buried alive. Remember when the number one browser was Netscape? Or how about when Dbase3 ruled the land? And there are plenty of other examples too of the reigning software being overtaken and passed by Microsoft.

So this latest development of Libraries might be a hot tip that Microsoft is once again on the move. They already have the minds and soles of both consumer and business users. And with Google breathing down their neck with online alternatives to their flagship Office products and even bringing out their own OS for desktops, Microsoft is certainly looking for new ways to expand their presence.

Only time will tell if bringing Libraries into Windows 7 is this is the first step toward Linux variations of Windows front end environments and backend Linux like operating systems. But nothing would surprise me about Microsoft's plans. Anyone who doesn't think Microsoft is looking for new markets and business is making a mistake, history has demonstrated that more than once.

If you have an older Windows XP computer, it may not have the power. Regardless of what Microsoft says you probably want at least a duo processor and 4 gigs of fast RAM (DDR series). It also helps a lot to have dedicated video RAM or, better yet, a video card with it's own RAM of at least 256 Megs. Windows 7 is much better about being a resource hog but it still needs some power to perform at it's best.

If you now have a computer with Vista and don't have any problems, I don't think there is much in Windows 7 that is worth the $100 plus upgrade. Ease of use is no big deal, and the performance over a Vista machine may not be that great unless you have current issues. Vista got some bad press over performance issues and rightfully so but from what I've seen, not all Vista computers exhibited this problem. I've upgraded well over 100 Vista computers for clients and many did not exhibit any faster operation with the exception of shutdowns.

OK, so you decided that you just have to upgrade for all the whiz-bang new features. Here's the three best ways to keep your data and your sanity. You can also run a program from Microsoft called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that will warn you of any incompatibilities on software and hardware on your current system. You can find it by doing a search in Google; it's available at many websites.

Option one is if you have an older Windows XP computer you have two basic upgrade options. You can't do an upgrade in place, too many issues and Microsoft decided against it. So now you have to do a clean install. Microsoft warns you that this may take a few hours! Yep, that's not a good thing. But most I've done have been much shorter.

Before you start you should back up all data files (user created), music files, photos, videos, or any other files you want to keep. You should also round up all your software install CDs for any software like MS Office that you plan on installing in your new Windows 7 OS. Don't forget to back up your Favorites (IE browser bookmarks), your Outlook data (outlook.pst - it has both your contacts and emails), password files, or any other important information.

Option two is keep that old Windows XP machine as a back up computer and buy a new computer with Windows 7 already installed. If your Windows XP machine is older that 3-4 years, it probably won't run Windows 7 with out upgrading your RAM, maybe adding a video card, and even a bigger hard drive. By the time you do that, you might as well purchased a new computer since many are on sale for less that $400. Mean failure on any computer is 4-5 years, so why spend $200 plus the Windows 7 upgrade cost on a machine that is going to fail within a couple of years?

Option 2a. OK, money is tight and you want to upgrade your Windows XP computer regardless. If you want to have a good fall back position and have enough hard drive space, you can install Windows 7 to a new partition and create a duo boot scenario. If you have a critical application that may not run in Windows 7, this is the only way to insure you can still use it. It's not a bad idea to do this anyway so that you can try Windows 7 and make sure it works for you. This is the best choice when going from Windows XP to Windows 7 on the same computer.

Option three involves upgrading a Vista computer. In this scenario you do have an option to upgrade in place, that essentially installs Windows 7 over your Vista install and no reinstall of software is usually necessary. But you will be bringing all the junk files and maybe any problems you had with Vista. You might also want to still run the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to check for any possible problems. If at all possible I would do the same kind of backup mentioned in the Windows XP upgrade and do a clean install. You will have a much faster computer and a clean install with less possible problems.

The number one question I always am asked is should one upgrade to Windows 7 is it worth the time and money to upgrade? It's never a black and white answer. It depends on if your current computer is giving you problems and what your budget can handle. Many people just use there computers for email, surfing the web, and maybe to play some music and videos. If that's you, then I'm not sure you'll ever use the new features or get that much benefit from the upgrade. You can probably wait until you need to replace your current computer. If you are a computer junkie and love new features, then go for it. There are some improvements that a power user can benefit from and for really serious power crunching applications you can load up on RAM and hardware to increase performance.

Being the technical geek that I am, I've given Windows 7 the proverbial shakedown cruise to see what I was going to be up against at work when we start getting the new PC's.

I'll admit, I was not expecting much: my enthusiasm being shot down in flames by the Vista rollout had me very skeptical about Microsoft's direction and vision when it came to operating systems.

I performed both a clean install and an upgrade installation from Vista to see how the experience was in each case.

I'm not going to go into all the differences, enhancements, and tweaks you will find in the OS; there are plenty of sites on the web where you get that info. Instead, I am going to focus on the installation experience, and first "out of the box" experience.

THE CLEAN INSTALLATION

The clean installation of Windows 7 was undoubtedly the simplest install I've ever had with a Microsoft product, and it is clear that they have been watching Apple closely as far as how they streamline every aspect of their products. A fresh install of Windows 7 is just as easy and quick as a fresh install of OS X on a Mac, and was finished well within a half an hour.

Excellent!

THE UPGRADE INSTALLATION

The upgrade installation took much longer: about 3.5 hours.

I have had bad upgrade experiences in the past, and prefer a fresh install of an OS so it doesn't carry through the quirks of the prior OS. With that in mind, I these are the steps I followed to upgrade my Vista machine to Windows 7.

Ran the Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there were any problems or conflicts.

As my upgrade PC was only about a year old, the only problem reported was that McAfee AntiVirus 8.5i was incompatible with Windows 7. That was not really a surprise to me --I had already been looking at different AntiVirus solutions-- so I uninstalled it.

Performed a general cleanup with CCleaner.

If you don't have this handy freeware utility on your computer, get it now! CCleaner (allegedly for "Crap Cleaner") is a small tool that does three things: deletes unused temporary files, cleans out all invalid registry entries, and allows you to manage the programs that startup in the background when Windows boots.

Running this type of cleanup prior to an upgrade is a good idea, as the new OS transfers all your settings and files from the old OS.

Needless crap will only make any upgrade more difficult.

At best it will make the upgrade take longer.

At worst, the installation might fail.

After I cleaned the files and registry, I looked through the programs that start up with Windows and found a few that I don't really need to have running (iTunes services, etc) and disabled them.

Re-booted and made sure everything was still working well.

Just a precaution to make sure I didn't turn off something I needed!

Run the Vista Disk Defragmenter

This step is likely not necessary, in all honesty. I've always done this in the past prior to doing an upgrade, so it's a habit for me.

However, I ~believe~ that Windows 7 handles upgrades differently: instead of just writing over the old OS with new system files, it actually copies the files, folders, and settings to a protected area, does a FRESH installation, and then ~imports~ your data back into the new OS.

(If I am wrong on this detail, please let me know!)

Re-boot, then ran the Windows 7 upgrade.

After answering a couple questions at the very beginning, Windows goes to work. Obviously, the more stuff on your computer, the longer this process will take. I've heard reports of anything from 1 hour to 8 hours for an upgrade.

If your computer isn't a fresh squeaky-clean install of Vista with nothing else one it, plan on setting the computer aside for a few hours.

THE WINDOWS 7 OUT-OF-THE-BOX EXPERIENCE

I am wholly impressed! If you are already used to Vista's interface, then there really is not much new visually in Windows 7. However, it feels like they've taken Vista, streamlined and stripped all the bloat and fat off of it, and what you have is a leaner, faster, and more intuitive interface.

There were a couple items that surprised me... The much touted "Windows Mail" that was part of Vista is gone. If you used Windows Mail, the upgrade will save all your mail and contacts and allow you to import it into Outlook.

Windows Movie Maker... gone.

Windows Photo Gallery... gone.

If you were running Windows Ultimate Extra and using Dreamscapes for an animated desktop... Kiss it goodbye.

Some of these apps were heavily advertised not even 2 years ago, as Microsoft was trying to complete with Apple's approach of including everything the average user needs right out of the box. Windows has long had a particular reputation: buying the PC was the easy part, and spending the next few days purchasing and installing all the stuff you need to ~use~ the PC was the hard part.

So why Microsoft has decided to backpedal on that marketing decision is an interesting question. However, at the end of the day if I am going to spend my hard-earned cash on an OS, I'd rather have a slim and sleek OS that needs some apps install (that ~I~ get to choose) than a bloated one that contains apps I probably don't need.

Fortunately, most of these excluded apps are available via Windows Live Essentials and can be installed after the upgrade.

Both the fresh install and the upgrade performed equally well. There were no quirks, sluggishness, or broken applications on the upgrade installation.

All in all... Thumbs up, Microsoft! This is an OS done right. The PC is ~finally~ nearly as fun and easy to use as a Mac!

1. Click Start and choose Run in the menu (or press Win+R on your keyboard).

2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

3. On the left side of the registry browser you will find a registry settings tree, use it to go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wi…

4. Inside that key you'll find a lot of keys that belong to different programs. Some are named after the program's name, others as a mix of numbers and letters that makes no sense. Look through each of them until you find one that has the key DisplayName (on the right) with your program's name in it.

5. Notice the key UninstallString - this key points to the uninstall program, and the log file usually resides in the same folder as that program.

6. If you delete the key in which you've found the DisplayName key with the value equal to your program's name, then your program won't appear on the Add/Remove programs list.

1. Attach a flash drive in the USB port of your CPU.

2. Select Start -> Computer in Windows start program menu. The Computer window appears.

3. Right-click the drive and select the Properties option. The Properties dialog box appears.

4. Now, select the ReadyBoost tab. It displays the following two radio buttons:

• Do not use this device: This radio button is selected by default. Enabling this radio button means you cannot use a drive to add additional memory in your computer. • Use this device: This radio button allows you to use a flash drive as additional memory.

5. Select the Use this device radio button. Now, you need to reserve the drive space to be used as the cache memory. The space you reserve to use as the cache memory cannot be used to store items in the attached drive.

6. Move the slider on left or right side to specify the drive space that you want to reserve as cache memory.

7. Click the Apply button.

8. Click the Ok button.

A ReadyBoost Cache file will be created in your pen drive that Windows Vista uses as the additional cache memory. This file does not harm any other files on your computer. When you remove the pen drive from your computer and again attach, Windows Vista automatically uses it as additional cache memory. If you do not want to use the pen drive as cache memory for more, enable the Do not use this device radio button before removing the pen drive.

To check whether Windows 7 is compatible with your system or not, you can use Windows 7 upgrade advisor.

Once you are done with finalizing the system requirements, follow the steps below–

1. Insert your Windows 7 DVD in optical drive and now click on install option. After clicking on now install, you would find a screen. If you have disabled ‘autorun’ then open the root of the DVD drive and now run setup.exe file. (This can also be done using USB stick. To choose for this ‘option’, you may have to refer to Install Windows 7 from USB guide.

2. After running the setup, you would be finding two options mentioned here –

“Online compatibility check” And “Install Now” (Since, system compatibility is already verified using Windows 7 advisor; you can now safely install it using ‘Install Now’ button.)

3. Next step will include selection of ‘latest updates for installation.’ Those who have the latest version of installation they are not required to follow this step.

4. Fourth step includes acceptance of license agreement. Now click on ‘Next’ to continue the complete procedure.

5. Fifth step talks about selection of ‘Upgrade’ or ‘Custom’. Since, you are upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7, you should select ‘Upgrade.’

6. Again, windows will check for compatibility. If any error occurs, it will display the problem to screen and save it on ‘desktop’. If no incompatibility is found, windows 7 will complete futher procedures.

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is not a complex procedure. Anyone with simple knowledge of tech-support tid bits can do it without hassle. If still facing issues, you can contact online tech support provider.