Ahmadz Village

After my previous post on Windows 7 Professional, I got many questions on how to ‘safely’ move to Windows 7. Is there a path to directly upgrade from Vista or XP? How to check the minimum requirements for Windows 7 (many home users asked)? That’s why I write this post.

Windows Upgrade is the best solution if you don’t want to install a clean copy of Windows. It enables you to keep your current installed programs, personal settings, and drivers’ definitions when moving to Windows 7. On the other hand, if you decided to install a clean copy of Windows 7, you will have to re-install all the programs you use, and the drivers, and so on.

Before you upgrade to Windows 7, I advise you to check the compatibility issues with your computer. The compatibility includes the PC’s hardware devices (whether it meets the minimum requirements for Windows 7 or not) and the installed programs.

Microsoft provides ‘Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor’ tool that scans your PC’s system, programs and devices to check if it’s able to run Windows 7. After a few minutes, the report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices, and will also provide guidance on your upgrade options to Windows 7.

I used this tool to upgrade from Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Ultimate :P

It’s recommended to check Windows 7 System Requirements before downloading:
http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements

To download, go to Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta page

I want to mention that the supported operating systems are

• Windows 7 (i.e. Beta, or Release Candidate)
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP Service Pack 2

After downloading, install the tool by following the installer instructions. After the installation finishes, launch the tool.

This scanning will continue for a few minutes, and finally, you will get the compatibility report.

Thank you.
Ahmad Fathy

Dear students,

Microsoft is offering Windows 7 Professional Edition (x86) and (x64) for MSDNAA members for FREE.

It’s recommended to check Windows 7 System Requirements before downloading:
http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements

If you have an MSDNAA account, you can start downloading directly (Alexandria University Only):

• Windows 7 Professional (x86) - DVD (English)
• Windows 7 Professional (x64) - DVD (English)

Then press ‘Add to Cart’ button, and continue logging in. That’s it.

If you do NOT have an MSDNAA account, get a copy of your academic ID (a recent one) and send it to one of the MSPs (Microsoft Student Partners) in your university. You will get your account very quickly!

To find an MSP in your country/university, press here.

If you are a student in a university in Egypt, please refer to MSP Egypt’s blog.

Thank you.

Ahmad Fathy