Computer help regarding OS

[Miguez]

Hey, I have a laptop and the OS is Vista.

I don't like it, it causes alot of trouble.

I'd like to change the OS to either XP or Win 7, I was told that down-grading the OS would be way harder than upgrading it, is that correct?

My computer specs are the following

Pentium(R)Dual-Core CPU T4200 @ 2.00GHz

2814MB RAM

NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G integrated RAMDAC 1394MB aprox.

Now my knowledge in the area of computers is very low, so I'd like to know how I could change the OS, what it would imply, etc.

Thank you

[Deadsolid]

You can upgrade from Vista to 7 rather simply. It does take some time if you have tons of data on your hard drive. XP is old, don't even go there. Microsoft is beginning to lean off support for XP.

[Azilius]

To change the OS you have to have the CD for it with a key or... 'get it free'.

change the 'boot priority' in your bios settings to boot off your CD drive first. Insert cd, restart and follow on screen instructions. All your files should go into a folder called windows.old though I much prefer backing them up in case anything happens..


to change boot priority

- hit delete or w/e key to enter bios when you start up (it should tell you what key to press)
-look around for start up options or boot settings
-change the list to boot from your CD drive first. If you don't know which one your CD drive is..you could write the numbers down and google them or just use intuition..

After upgrading you'll need to install your drivers over again..and whatever other software.

[Deadsolid]

You don't need to change the boot priority. Just stick the CD in and it will auto start.

Edit: For windows, at least, you can upgrade to 7 without changing priority.

[Skyve]

I believe you don't need to change the boot sequence if you're upgrading to Windows 7.At least thats how it was for me.

[Amarisa]

don't get xp i hear its going to be unsupported soon. but otherwise to install a new OS just insert the win 7 cd and it will create a "Window.old" file with everything from the old windows when you install it.

[Miguez]

Alright so can I do it at home with no professional help?

What about that drivers thingy

[Shadow]

Get 7.
You can do it at home. If you can turn on the pc yourself, then you can install the OS, too. It's no rocket science.

[Miguez]

Could please answer my second question

Will I have to install these drivers / whatever

[Shadow]

Could please answer my second question

Will I have to install these drivers / whatever

Using the latest drivers might help with compatibility issues and performance, but it's not essential in any way. You should find the drivers in question from the website of the laptop manufacturer.

[Ploxy]

Win 7 and vista downloads the drivers of ur pc atomatically with windows update. BUT i don't recommend that.

I recommend you download the drivers from hp/asus/samsung/packardbell/whatever official sites.

[Miguez]

So basically I install win 7 then go to the asus website and download drivers is that right?

And what would be the consequences if I did something wrong or if the "cd" doesn't work correctly?

[Shadow]

Yeah, simple enough.

If you did something wrong, you might have to do it again, but the right way instead.
I've never had any problems with installing OS.

[Amarisa]

its not as hard as it sounds. its just like installing a game.