Windows 7 was released, but still many users of Windows XP in the world who still enjoy to use thi OS. Changing or upgrading operating system does not favored by computer users because besides having to spend more money, we have to mess around with the compatibility of old and new operating systems and a lot of other technical issues. Likewise, when the Windows 7 was released and what about those who are using previous versions of Windows?
For those who are using Windows Vista this time will not face many problems if you have to upgrade to Windows 7 but for the new Windows XP users will see some problems.
Below are 5 things that we should consider when trying to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.
1. We can not directly upgrade
Unfortunately Microsoft has not set up Windows 7 ability to be upgraded directly from Windows XP. This is because so many changes that occur between Windows XP and Windows 7, start from the kernel itself, registry, drivers, etc.. Therefore we must install it all over again (fresh install)
2. Or maybe we can upgrade directly?
Although we can not upgrade directly but there is a gap that can be used to upgrade it by upgrade it twice, first upgrade to Windows Vista and then to Windows 7. The good news probably we do not need a licensed Windows Vista because we do not need to do the activation, just install it. In general, this step is not likeable.
3. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
If we have an old printer, maybe we would have difficulty to find a driver for the printer which can run on Windows 7 and therefor Microsoft provides a tool called Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that will scan hardware and software that we have and recognize what problems are likely to be faced. This tool also provides guidance on how to solve the problem.
4. Windows 7 Easy Transfer
A tool provided by Windows 7 so that users can backup their data and preferences. The actual file is migwiz.exe. We can find this file on the DVD of Windows 7 in Support \ Migwiz. First, run this file in the current Windows XP system to move user profiles to external storage media. After installing Windows 7 rerun this file to re-import the user profiles to Windows 7.
5. Security software
Because of changes kernel in Windows 7 which is designed to be more secure, so chances that are antivirus software, antispyware, firewall we have in Windows XP may not run in Windows 7. But do not worry as the firewall in Windows 7 better than the firewall in Windows XP and Microsoft has provided free security software such as Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials.
In conclusion:
Upgrade from XP to Windows 7 takes more time (backup all files and configurations), and also would cost more (if you don’t have a backup media so you must be prepared once / purchased). Furthermore, after install Windows 7 is completed, you should restore all the backups. Expensive and complicated process, and we don’t sure whether the features in win 7 (which they says soo good ) would be useful, or just an old feature repacked and replaced the name only, like its predecessor Vista.
