Will they Work with Windows 7?

Well here goes for my firsy question!
I am thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, will the bits of software/hardware I use operate windows 7 ie. Photoshop, Printer, Eternal USB hubs, external hard drive, Webcam, MP3, camera and so on and so on! or are drivers available to download from windows or will it involve seeking them out from each item supplier?

Bill

Hi and Welcome to the forums. Your best bet would be to run the Windows Upgrade Advisor (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en)

If it reports back anything in question, just post the program name here and someome may be able to help.

I have done that and it only advised backing up files, however as this would be to my external hard drive on transferring files backover these are obviously in XP format do they load into Window 7 OK without loss of data?

Definately backup all your important files and folders to another drive. Disconnect that drive while installing Win 7, then reconnect it when you have Win 7 up and running. There should be no issues in reading/using your files other than needing possible programs installed (i.e. if you have pdf files you will need a pdf reader installed in Win 7 in order to open and read them)

Thanks for your help and so quick! only registered 15 minutes ago. You have put my mind at ease now.
Once again thanks for all your help.#
Bill

bill,
Win7 uses a different file layout for the user folder directories. To transfer your user logon ids, settings, mailboxes, address book, favorites etc I recommend windows 7 easy transfer. Be sure to download the appropriate file for the OS you are migrating from: XP or Vista, and 32-bit or 64-bit. (Please be aware of a potential issue with easy transfer if your XP/Vista was not on your C: drive: there are reports of boot problems because the new W7 OS is on C: and it is trying to reference the old drive letter.)

You should also decide if you are installing Win7 32-bit or 64-bit. If your computer can support it I suggest the 64 but note that the 64-bit cannot run the very old 16-bit programs without virtual emulation. The biggest advantage of 64-bit is that it can reference RAM memory beyond 3.25GB.

Also, if you are migrating from XP it means a completely new install but the truth is, even if you are upgrading from Vista, a clean install is still more stable. Of course the disadvantage to the clean install is that you must reinstall all your applications as well.

It is also a good idea to download the W7 drivers for your computer to a CD or USB flash drive, in your chosen 32 or 64-bit, prior to install, especially the drivers for your motherboard: network etc. Once you can see your hardware and get network connectivity, W7 can get to the internet to download the rest of the drivers.

Good luck.

Regarding drivers it's always best to download the latest drivers from the individual hardware suppliers.

Webcam and printer drivers from the respective supplier websites.

Camera should be recognized by Windows 7, but check your camera maker's website for the particular model you have and verify the latest drivers.

DON'T TRUST Windows 7 to supply all or even the latest drivers for your system. Many times Windows 7 hardware drivers are several months out of date at best.

For the motherboard drivers either check the motherboard maker's website for the latest Windows 7 drivers for the model of board you're using or the chip maker's websites.

Always store the drivers either on a thumb flash drive, external hard drive or burn them to a CD-RW rewritable disc.

just another thought, once I upgrade to Windows 7 if I have done something in Word or excel or whatever can I email this to someone using XP to view/comment or indeed say a photo from Window 7 to someone using XP?

Bill

There are several versions of Word and Excel still in use - I personally use 2007 but 2010 is available for free testing, and some people still use older versions. Newer versions are not downward compatible so if you have 2010 I probably can't open it with 2007 unless you "save as" to the older format. This is all, however, independent of whether you or I run the office on XP, Vista, or W7.