Installing Windows 7

Just a quick question, and I don't want anyone telling me Mac/Vista/XP/Linux etc. is better.

My netbook currently has Windows 7, but it's a smaller version. Not sure how to explain, but it's basically a trial or beginner or starter or what ever version, not the full thing that I've seen others use.

I have the CD to get Windows 7 full, but my question is, do I need to uninstall this copy, or do I just go ahead and install Windows 7 full?

I've never done anything like this before, and I'd rather not make a mistake, like having two versions on one netbook (however the hell that would work out).

If I DO need to uninstall it... how? And what happens when I have no system on my netbook? I really hope I don't need to and can skip right ahead to installing..

I'm gonna go ahead and be pointless and unhelpful, since I'm good at that. But heck, I'll try. I think you should uninstall the copy and then install the full version. 1. You cant go wrong 2. You don't waste time if you do actually have to uninstall it

Hopefully I wasn't pointless and unhelpful.

hmmm.... Sounds like you have Windows 7 Basic or Windows Home Premium on your Netbook, your "full" version should therefore be either Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate.

You do not get trial versions of Windows, but you can get BETA versions.

I am not sure on whether you need to uninstall your current version or not though.

I think when you try to install the full version of windows 7 it will ask you if you want to overwrite the old 7 files.
I'm not sure though, I've not bothered with windows 7 since i got a macbook. But i'd imagine it would just overwrite the old files without needing to uninstall.

Ah, I think I have Windows 7 Basic, then. I have no idea how to check, as I didn't set up the netbook when I got it.

I *think* the newer one is Premium or Ultimate. I wouldn't be surprised if it was, since Jakey got it for me.

Either way, it's a better version than my current one. At the moment, I can't even change my wallpaper and themes.



Bmp- Oh? Alright then. I'd rather over right it than get 2 on one netbook. That is, if I get the option..

I know with some OS you can install it onto another profile on that computer, but i'm not sure if that would work on a Netbook.

Oh, ok.

Damn, why do computers have to be so complicated?

SuperLoki wrote:Oh, ok.

Damn, why do computers have to be so complicated?

They aren't that hard

Becks, when you launch your machine, it will tell you at the bottom as it loads. Just press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and it will tell you at the bottom of the ensuing screen.

Trick- Nah, it isn't. Just kidding, because I'm quite new to the whole installing a system process

Thanks, Vektrix. It's Windows 7 Start.

SuperLoki wrote:Oh, ok.

Damn, why do computers have to be so complicated?

Cos it isn't a Ma...... Sorry I couldn't resist

Usually, when you install a [better] version on a Windows computer, all you do is reboot with the installation CD. This leads you to the formatting menu where you can select a partition or the original installation to install the copy of Windows on.

If you choose to install on the hardrive which already has a Windows OS installed, you will have to re-format the HD, which deleted the OS and everything on it, so you can do a fresh install.

About the version: you have Windows 7 Starter installed, which comes with every basic Windows computer, and what you maybe have is an upgrade, which needs a lower version of the same OS installed already. It's not a separate version.

You can just go ahead and install the "full" OS upgrade. Your files and settings should stay the same.

Windows 7 Editions

But always back up your files anyway.

Brilliant, sounds good to me then.

And you just reminded me to back up a file. I know you said I should have all of my files intact if it's an upgrade, but I can't afford to risk losing it


Thanks everyone for the help! You might see me vanish for a bit.

Bmp- I would, but I only have one thing I'd really need to back up

That rings a bell Andy, long time since I done that though.

When Vista came out, I naively bought the upgrade and did go from XP Media Center edition to Vista Home Premium. I was able to install it without compromising my files. Most programs I used back then had to catch up with a corresponding update.

Windows 7 upgrades has the same principle even with previous Win7 versions.

And how do you not know that stuff, Vek, I thought you were a techie?

I am, but my techie knowledge is business software, my experiences of windows upgrades and installing is purely personal.