The rocky XP-Windows 7 upgrade path

– Do XP users have to upgrade to Vista before upgrading to Windows 7?

Microsoft will let you upgrade from XP to Windows 7, but they’re not going to make it easy.

The official word from Redmond, or at least from an unnamed “Microsoft spokesperson,” is that you will be able to “purchase upgrade media and an upgrade license to move from Windows XP to Windows 7; however, [you] will need to do a clean installation of Windows 7.”

Translation: You can save some money by buying the upgrade, but you’ll have to reinstall your drivers and your applications, set up your user accounts and network, and just generally have a big hassle.

I suspect you’ll have to backup and restore your data, as well. Big time sink, and big hassle.

On the other hand, you’ll have a clean installation, without the garbage that came bundled with your PC, or the additional garbage left over from years of installing and uninstalling programs that didn’t uninstall all that well to being with.

A clean install is, arguably, the safest way to upgrade Windows.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Featured Articles

Empowering the hybrid workforce: how technology can build a better employee experience

Across the country, employees from organizations of all sizes expect flexibility...

What’s behind the best customer experience: How to make it real for your business

The best customer experience – the kind that builds businesses and...

Overcoming the obstacles to optimized operations

Network-driven optimization is a top priority for many Canadian business leaders...

Thriving amid Canada’s tech talent shortage

With today’s tight labour market, rising customer demands, fast-evolving cyber threats...

Staying protected and compliant in an evolving IT landscape

Canadian businesses have changed remarkably and quickly over the last few...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now