I get asked this all the time, and most recently yesterday afternoon while working on a client’s computer.

So, here are my current recommendations:

Currently Running XP: No, unless you want to spend more money for the newest thing. Windows XP does not transfer to Windows 7 easily. There are 3 ways to upgrade it, all are considered costly and may cause Windows 7 to run slower, or you’ll be missing some things. It’s best that you wait until you either buy a new computer or you start running into issues where programs just don’t like to run anymore. At that time, you can make an informed decision on the hardware you’re using. Prices of computers and laptops are going down every day.

Currently Running Vista: Yes. The upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 is relatively painless. Protocol16 has done many upgrades for clients and we report a high success in our upgrades (actually, no failed upgrades yet).

Currently Running a NetBook: This is one of those hard decisions. Windows 7 will run on Netbooks, but it might be very slow, depending on the exact model you’re running. We’d need to know the model and a few other details to discuss it.

As always, if you have any questions and are anywhere near Portland, we’ll be more than happy to talk with you.
Justin

PS: We have some REALLY big news coming soon…

With the release of Windows 7, Protocol16 is offering to upgrade your computer to Windows 7 for $19.95, instead of the full price of our labor for a reinstall. Windows installs typically cost $99 and they’re the only flat-rate work we do!

Get Windows 7 Installed or Upgraded for just $19.95, plus the cost of the license!

Here are the requirements to get this special pricing:

-The upgrade & install pricing is offered as a pick-up only service. Your computer will be returned as quickly as possible, as long as we don’t run into weird issues – we expect to hold your computer for 1 day or less. Microsoft has stated that the larger your user profile is, the more amount of time is needed. No offense, but we don’t think anyone wants a tech in their house for hours on end…

-A Windows 7 license must be purchased with your upgrade. Windows 7 license costs are as follows:

Windows 7 Home Premium New Install: $199.99
Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade:  $119.99

Windows 7 Professional New Install: $299.99
Windows 7 Professional Upgrade: $199.99

Windows 7 Ultimate New Install: $319.99
Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: $219.99

-Protocol16 will present a terms and conditions statement to the customer at the time of pickup. The customer must agree to the statement and sign, or no pickup will be offered.

NOTES: “New Install” means that you will lose all data on your hard drive. Protocol16 utilizes full retail versions of Windows 7 instead of OEM options for various reasons, to include the ability to transfer the license later. All pricing for Windows 7 is set at the required Microsoft pricing point. Not valid with any other coupons or discounts.

We’ve seen this same deal listed from $39.95 to $180, depending on your location and who you choose! If you would like to take advantage of this offer, give us a call and setup your pickup appointment.
Justin

Barely 13 hours into the Windows 7 bonanza, Protocol16 ran into it’s first Windows 7 upgrade problem.

Our customer had Vista Home Premium, 32-Bit and they were attempting to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, 32-bit. Windows 7 would appear to install then the computer would restart normally. Windows 7 would appear to load and then…restart. As it restarted, the Vista screen came back (this is called a Rollback). Our customer was a more experienced individual and was stumped.

The only “error” that would pop-up for the customer was that the installation had failed and the computer had been rolled back – with an OK button.

In the logs, the upgrade installation complained about Symantec Endpoint Protection and Network Access Control being installed. We also noticed setup log complaints of a SoundMax driver on the computer (the Driver is the software that allows Windows to talk to the hardware). We removed the sound card driver and the Symantec software and restarted the install of Windows. Windows 7 magically came to life with no complaints.

Windows 7 will complain about most Antivirus software packages because they place locks, checks & balances and other “features” on the operating system. This can cause your antivirus to literally think that it’s being attacked while Windows is upgrading.

On another note: BACKUP YOUR DATA BEFORE ATTEMPTING AN UPGRADE! On one of our test computers, we ran through the upgrade process a few weeks ago and, while it “upgraded”, Windows 7 no longer kept a record of the installed programs, the network settings, etc…

We always recommend following the guidelines the installer sets for you. Unfortunately, there are times where other issues unrelated to the actual install due to how other software acts on the computer… For those times, we’re here for you.
Justin