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Windows 7 questions - anyone?

post #1 of 46
9/20/09 at 2:31am
Thread Starter 
Possibly dumb question: When Win7 hits, can I use the same copy on more than one computer?

I have 2 PCs and two laptops that I want to put it on. Really sick of Vista.

Also, I'm eligible for the $30 student upgrade, so should I do that or would it be more worth it to pay the upgrade price for Professional or Ultimate?
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post #2 of 46
9/20/09 at 3:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake View Post
Possibly dumb question: When Win7 hits, can I use the same copy on more than one computer?

I have 2 PCs and two laptops that I want to put it on. Really sick of Vista.

Also, I'm eligible for the $30 student upgrade, so should I do that or would it be more worth it to pay the upgrade price for Professional or Ultimate?
Not likely. I don't think you've been able to do that with any recent Windows OS. I know with some of their products (like Office), you can sometimes install on one desktop and one laptop, but that has never been the case for an OS, and I couldn't find any information to the contrary.

Regarding version differences:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions
and
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/0...n-the-editions
are decent resources.
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post #3 of 46
9/20/09 at 5:12am
This is what you should probably try to get if you want to install 7 on multiple PCs. Of course you can't use your discount but still it's only 50$ per licence. I'm not sure how long the offer will stand though.
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post #4 of 46
9/20/09 at 9:07am
I think you get Three installs, that was the case with Vista anyway.
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post #5 of 46
9/20/09 at 1:22pm
I'm getting a free upgrade to 7, since I recently bought a desktop. Unfortunately, the disk shipped only has the 32-bit version. Anyone know if it's possible to upgrade that to the 64-bit version?
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post #6 of 46
9/28/09 at 1:47am
So I have a similar question. I may be needing to grab a new cpu. My current one is giving BSOD like its candy. Most of the off-the-shelf boxes are preloaded with Vista 64bit. My problem is that all of the apps I have are the 32bit programs.

This is probably the dumb part, but will the 32-bit versions run on the 64bit version OS?
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post #7 of 46
9/28/09 at 8:05am
Yea, they will work fine. The only real difference is when you have the 64 bit version it makes two Program Files directories. If its a 32 bit program itll get put in Program Files(x86) and if its 64 its just regular Program Files.
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post #8 of 46
9/28/09 at 9:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake View Post
Possibly dumb question: When Win7 hits, can I use the same copy on more than one computer?

I have 2 PCs and two laptops that I want to put it on. Really sick of Vista.

Also, I'm eligible for the $30 student upgrade, so should I do that or would it be more worth it to pay the upgrade price for Professional or Ultimate?
Technically you're not supposed to, but it'll probably work fine.
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post #9 of 46
9/28/09 at 12:50pm
I know a few people who’ve been running the beta on multiple machines with a single key, so...
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post #10 of 46
9/28/09 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by thalasi View Post
Yea, they will work fine. The only real difference is when you have the 64 bit version it makes two Program Files directories. If its a 32 bit program itll get put in Program Files(x86) and if its 64 its just regular Program Files.
thanks for the info.
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post #11 of 46
9/28/09 at 1:35pm
Never get version 1.0 of anything.

With a special Microsoft clause that includes the word EVER.
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post #12 of 46
9/28/09 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Girma View Post
I know a few people who’ve been running the beta on multiple machines with a single key, so...
The keys weren't tracked and there were only about a handful of beta keys distributed to anyone that wanted to try it out.
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post #13 of 46
9/28/09 at 2:29pm
What if you format your HD every 6 to 9 months? I've used my XP disc to reinstall each time and it always works. How does windows know if I'm installing on the same computer or not? What if I get a new hard drive? or motherboard?
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post #14 of 46
9/28/09 at 2:40pm
I believe there's a unique serial number/key in the system processor and a few other things. It's all part of the windows genuine advantage technology.

Basically there's three types of licenses.

OEM (designed to only be used on one system, and cannot be installed on other systems if you have to get new hardware) This historically has been loosely enforced

RETAIL (basically a full price copy that can be installed on one computer at a time, if you migrate to new hardware you can reinstall on new system)

VOLUME (enterprises buy this, one key for a couple hundred machines, etc)
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post #15 of 46
9/28/09 at 4:13pm
They're also doing a Family Pack which will give you 3 keys with one software package. A little more expensive than a single license, but surprisingly not that much more.
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post #16 of 46
9/28/09 at 4:34pm
Related question: I want to get rid of Vista. What are the chances that replacing it with windows 7 is going to result in a gigantic headache in terms of unuseable drivers or other screwups?
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post #17 of 46
9/28/09 at 4:38pm
I have had Windows 7 for a while (my school made it available in mid-August) and if you're 'sick of Vista' I don't see how you'd think Windows 7 is the answer. Using it feels almost identical to using Vista.

Sure there are a lot of backend changes and menus and things have been reworked or reorganized but I'd say from general use it's about 95% the same.
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post #18 of 46
9/28/09 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Overlord View Post
Related question: I want to get rid of Vista. What are the chances that replacing it with windows 7 is going to result in a gigantic headache in terms of unuseable drivers or other screwups?
My 64 bit vista has been rock solid since the latest service pack
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post #19 of 46
9/28/09 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by billylove View Post
My 64 bit vista has been rock solid since the latest service pack
I had roll back my service pack 2, as my computer kept freezing or turning off for no reason, then eventually wouldn't reboot at all.

That solved a lot of problems.
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post #20 of 46
9/28/09 at 5:00pm
Most of the problems I've seen aren't Vista but driver issues.

Also, I would maybe do a memory test and check your ram. I had a bad motherboard earlier that was initially making me think that it was Vista that was the issue.


Edit:

You could always borrow a copy of Windows 7 from someone and install it. You can try it for 30 days before you have to register.
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post #21 of 46
9/28/09 at 5:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by billylove View Post
Most of the problems I've seen aren't Vista but driver issues.

Also, I would maybe do a memory test and check your ram. I had a bad motherboard earlier that was initially making me think that it was Vista that was the issue.
I'll figure out how to do that. But, it seems strange to me that I roll back service pack 2.0 and all the problems that plagued me for weeks disappear, if the problem wasn't related to that particular Vista update.
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post #22 of 46
9/28/09 at 5:10pm
Control Panel.
Search "memory"
Click on "Diagnose your computer's memory problems"
You'll have to restart and it will go through some basic memory tests.
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post #23 of 46
9/30/09 at 1:03pm
Here's a Vista problem I've had a few times on a few different machines--after a machine has been "sleeping" for a while, I can get it to come back on...except for the screen. Happens on a desktop PC, and a laptop. Always have to end up rebooting the machine. I have Vista Ultimate on my desktop, and Vista Home Premium on the laptop.
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post #24 of 46
9/30/09 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martianman View Post
Here's a Vista problem I've had a few times on a few different machines--after a machine has been "sleeping" for a while, I can get it to come back on...except for the screen.
Same as my VAIO. It has nothing to do with batteries or related stuff.
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post #25 of 46
10/1/09 at 8:49am
I haven't installed SP2 yet...maybe that will fix the problem. Or not.

I've actually ordered one copy of Windows 7 (upgrade), although I don't know what machine I'll use it on, considering the laptop my wife uses will probably get replaced soon, and my machine has Ultimate, and this is W7 Home Premium. Argh.
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post #26 of 46
10/1/09 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martianman View Post
Here's a Vista problem I've had a few times on a few different machines--after a machine has been "sleeping" for a while, I can get it to come back on...except for the screen. Happens on a desktop PC, and a laptop. Always have to end up rebooting the machine. I have Vista Ultimate on my desktop, and Vista Home Premium on the laptop.
That's been an issue on every Vista box of any sort I've ever ran, and nothing has fixed it that I've seen.

Not a problem on Win7 so far, though. Frankly, I'm shocked how zippy and stable 7 has been.
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post #27 of 46
10/1/09 at 9:28am
Yeah, I've got W7 on a couple of machines at home, and I'm very happy with it. It just irks me to pay another $300 if I want a new boxed copy of an OS that actually works. When they did that special upgrade deal for $50 (which I bought one of), there was no Ultimate option. And if I understand correctly, I can only upgrade Vista Ultimate with W7 Ultimate. Which sucks.
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post #28 of 46
10/22/09 at 11:54am
Thread Starter 
Hoookay. Installed Windows 7 Pro on my primary partition, however it seems to still be dual-booting with Vista. Did I install it on the wrong partition, or do I just have to uninstall Vista? And how the hell do I uninstall Vista, anyway? Thanks!
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post #29 of 46
10/22/09 at 11:59am
Either format or overwrite. I think by default it'll install in a new location and allow you to dual boot.

I'd backup your data if you haven't already, just in case.
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post #30 of 46
10/22/09 at 12:10pm
Thread Starter 
Thankfully I don't really have anything I want to back up - I have five programs total that I want to install fresh since I haven't used this laptop for much other than web browsing since I got it. I'd actually prefer to wipe the HD to get most of the abysmal Acer software off.
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post #31 of 46
10/22/09 at 12:12pm
Thread Starter 
Disregard, I think I know what I did. Will update if I completely fuck everything up!
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post #32 of 46
10/22/09 at 12:15pm
I'm using Vista on both my desktop and Laptop, and I really don't see what the problem is. The only things that ever bug me are the permission dialogue boxes when a program wants to change the system, and even those aren't too bad.

I'm sure there are some legitimate complaints out there, but I think at least half of Vista's bad reputation is from Apple's smear campaign.


For those who have used both, what didn't you like about Vista that is improved on in Windows 7?
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post #33 of 46
10/22/09 at 12:31pm
Well, I use Vista on my desktop and laptop as well and generally like it. I also have 7 installed but can't really use it since my crappy Gateway motherboard doesn't enable hardware assisted virtualization and I use virtual PC for work every day and Windows 7 won't let you use virtual PC unless you've got hardware support for it.

As for the difference, there isn't a ton. I like the new task bar better. I've heard that Windows 7 may get a bit better battery life on stuff but besides that I don't really have an issue. I certainly wouldn't buy Windows 7 at full price. Although I love both of them about a thousand times more than XP.
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post #34 of 46
10/22/09 at 4:20pm
Anyone upgraded or going to upgrade? My upgrade copy arrives today from Best Buy. My wife was having BSOD problems on her laptop that stopped when I upgraded to Vista. Now she's having problems with the screen randomly turning off or blurring, so I'm going to upgrade it to W7 to see if that fixes those issues.
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post #35 of 46
10/22/09 at 4:50pm
I've been using the starter/evaluation copy since August and I'm loving it. Granted, I went from XP to 7 so that's probably why. I have the 7 Ultimate edition on it's way and then once I get that installed I'll start taking advantage of all it has to offer. But yeah, so far, definitely impressed with this one.
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post #36 of 46
10/22/09 at 6:14pm
Thread Starter 
Upgraded from Vista to 7 on my laptop this morning, ironed out all of my issues in about 10 minutes flat on the first part of my lunch break, and one big thing I've noticed - 7 seems to be less of a power hog than Vista. I haven't changed any settings at all and have been running straight from battery for about an hour now, and the battery indicator's barely down a notch. When I was running Vista, it would be half-full after an hour. Awesome!
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post #37 of 46
10/22/09 at 6:29pm
Just finished a clean install from the 7 RC. Its good that so far I'm not noticing too much of a difference between the Premium and the Ultimate that the RC was. Internet seems to be slower but I just probably need to mess with a few settings.

I had a lot of troubles playing games before so I'm really excited to see if this final version clears them up.
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post #38 of 46
10/22/09 at 6:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feral Akodon View Post
Same as my VAIO. It has nothing to do with batteries or related stuff.
I just upgraded to 7 and I noticed this as well. What I figured out quickly is that if you do a ctrl-alt-del it will bring the screen back, asking what you want to do with that. So try that.

Otherwise, the upgrade from XP to 7 has been pretty smooth, except for the fact that my Linksys wireless adapter doesnt have a vista or 7 driver, so I had to get a new one.(

But I'll say this- my video editing software, now running in 7 ultimate 64bit is much smoother and faster.
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post #39 of 46
10/22/09 at 6:45pm
To go from XP to 7 I'll have to do a clean format right?

At least thats what I've been hearing..
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post #40 of 46
10/22/09 at 6:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonBaseNick View Post
To go from XP to 7 I'll have to do a clean format right?

At least thats what I've been hearing..
That's what the MS Win7 site claimed, yes. They call it a "Custom Install," as I remember.
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post #41 of 46
10/23/09 at 11:19am
There's a video on CNET that steps you through an XP -> Win7 install/upgrade. Check it out first.
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post #42 of 46
10/27/09 at 8:28am
Well, fuck me for pre-ordering from Best Buy. They shipped it on 10/21, but it was via USPS "Express" mail from Kentucky, which is two states away from me here in Atlanta. On the tracking notice, it says that it finally went through the USPS "sorting" service today. So here it is almost a week later, and MAYBE I'll get it today. I could have walked up there and back by now.
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post #43 of 46
10/30/09 at 10:51am
They have an offer for college students to get Windows 7 for $29.95 with a valid .edu email address. And since my wife is in school and her laptop isn't up to speed for it (plus we're getting her a new laptop soon which will probably have it pre-installed), I got a nice shiny copy of it installed right now. The only hitch I've seen is networking -- the whole homegroup thing only works on machines running 7. But I haven't really played around with it much yet, and a cursory Google search shows plenty of possible fixes, so I'm not worried.
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post #44 of 46
12/27/09 at 12:25am
I just got this netbook, and it came loaded with Windows7 Starter. The only thing about it that's irritating me right now is that I have to upgrade to premium, which is 80 bucks, to be able to set my desktop background. Anyone know a legal workaround to this? Anyone have any other suggestions they'd like to pm me with?
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post #45 of 46
12/27/09 at 12:40am
Thread Starter 
That's pretty fucking ridiculous. Are you eligible for the student upgrade or do you know anyone with a .edu e-mail that you can leech a student upgrade from (just pay them, have them send you the information once it arrives via email)?
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post #46 of 46
12/27/09 at 1:16am
I'm not a student right now, and unfortunately, can't think of anyone with an .edu off the top of my head. I mean, it's a netbook, I'm not asking for any sort of advanced shit, I just want to be able to make a picture of my kid my desktop, just like every other operating system since windows 95 has allowed people to do...
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