A short (no where near complete) list of things to remember to do before upgrading:
1. Backup. (No really, several times in several differnt ways.) If you are using Vista, use the built in backup.
2. Verify your computer can run Win 7 with the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
3. Use Microsoft's Easy Transfer Utility to save time, heartache and settings. Availible for Vista and XP.
4. Deactivate any Adobe Software. (Saves a phone call.)
5. Deauthorize iTunes on the computer.
6. Deactivate or deauthorize any other software that might have required you to activate over the internet.
7. Backup. (Did I mention that already?)
What to do before upgrading.
Welcome to the "Simplified PC"
For those of you who could make it, thanks for coming to the party! (For those of you who couldn't I will try and get you your party swag sometime this week.
Windows 7 has launched and you can use this blog for some tips on upgrading, installing and cool features.
Although I was one of the few who liked Vista, I love Win 7 and what it has added to a great operating system.
Both systems I am running Win 7 on were "upgrades." I have an ultimate edition running on a Gateway MT6281 laptop that originally had Vista. This was a clean install with a copy I got free from hosting a Windows House Party. All of my hardware was found with no problems and works perfectly.
My other system is an Acer Aspire One. This is the system I ran the beta and RC on. A couple of weeks ago I reinstalled XP onto it. All reports said you had to have a valid activated copy of Windows on the system you were upgrading. I downloaded my upgrade media from Microsoft, burned my ISO and tackled the upgrade. Did the advanced clean install option. Erase one of my partitions and expanded my primary and installed Win 7. Took 30 minutes and no problems.
In fairness, I have received one blue screen of death on the Aspire. I am waiting to see if it happens again.