Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade see short title
User Reviews
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Review Date: 2009-11-07
My desktop PC meets and surpasses Windows 7's hardware requirements. I had no complaints about XP performance. The upgrade process was simple, fast, and went perfectly. Windows Update found WHQL drivers for everything.
Some bad points: Folder windows scroll up to the top on their own when I need to work at the bottom. DVD playback is choppy, blurry, pixelized, and gives DRM warnings. Flash video performance is noticeably worse compared to XP. Media Center was useless with the choppiest sound possible. My custom visual effects settings are ignored after rebooting. Windows Live Movie Maker is dumbed down with no timeline or visual representation of audio. UAC is much more intrusive than Vista. Boot, hibernation, sleep, and restart procedures are much slower than XP. Message windows fail to appear in front of active windows. The complex and bloated photo transfer wizard fails to match the simple efficiency of XP's tool and requires taskbar, window navigation, and double click activity to begin downloading photos. Changing theme and visual effects settings in a regular account changes them in the administrator account. The desktop icon font does not automatically change tone to contrast with a solid colored desktop. Icon name drop shadows cannot be turned off. Icon name drop shadows are weak, blurry light gray instead of XP's crisp black. Icon names look terrible and illegible on light backgrounds. Library directories do not auto-refresh after files are changed. Directories scroll to random locations after deleting files from normal folders. The photo viewer fails to launch after repeated double clicks on photo thumbnails. The photo viewer lacks Vista's beautifully animated slide show functions.
Some good points: Device names are listed in the USB device removal menu. This is easier than trying to remember a specific drive letter when multiple devices are installed. The volume control has an elegantly integrated real time level meter to show what the audio is doing. Memory usage is very good. ReadyBoost is excellent. The system image tool worked and quickly made a 5.5 gigabyte folder on an external drive. The taskbar is cleaner and more efficient than XP's. Dragging the bottom edges of windows to the bottom of the screen makes windows as tall as the screen. The icons are very pretty. System sounds are pleasant. The built in monitor calibration tool is useful. The ClearType font tuning tool is more involved than XP's. Fonts have never looked better. The splash screen uses the desktop's and monitor's native resolution instead of 1024x768. The synthesized speech of Microsoft Anna sounds far better than Microsoft Sam.
I'm disappointed and very unhappy with this product. It looks great but does less than XP and doesn't come close to my high expectations. It is worse than Vista, which I could productively use and enjoy for hours without being forced to ride an emotional rollercoaster of limits and frustrations. The platform feels slippery and far less powerful after the upgrade. Windows 7 gets in my way, ignores my commands, and fails to clearly inform me of important messages that need attention. It has a bizarre mind of its own that conflicts with basic user activities. It is a very weak, buggy, and unstable product. It was a waste of money even with the pre-order discount and free shipping. Maybe Microsoft will eventually fix the weird bugs I found in one week of use. I can't recommend this operating system for customers used to working efficiently and having an empowering sense of control.
User: 150 F3
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely terrible
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-07
I never thought I'd say this but upgrading from Vista to 7 was a BIG MISTAKE. Since upgrading my HP Pavillion dv7, internet access has become a nightmare. The 64-bit version of Internet Explorer is useless on any site that uses Flash (not supported) and the 32-bit version freezes every couple of minutes or so. Most times a hard re-boot is required.
User: William Nadolny
Rating:
Summary: BIG MISTAKE
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 3
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Review Date: 2009-11-07
Well, $50 for pre-ordering the upgrade seemed like a good idea at the time, but after twelve fruitless hours, with many trips to various forums, many permutations of online and offline, uninstalling programs and trying to determine whether drivers could be updated or their associated hardware consigned to history, I'm still getting the same error code about an hour into the "upgrading" process, with the only next step being to start all over, though without any substantial guidance regarding how to fix whatever is causing the problem. So I guess I'm lucky that Vista is still working fairly well, and I'll stick with that until the time comes to get a new machine, which may well be, not fruitless this time, but a well-known fruit.
User: Eric Washburn
Rating:
Summary: The nightmare continues.
Helpful Votes: 0
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-07
I updated my Compaq notebook (dual core 2GB RAM)from Vista to Win 7. My notebook runs so much faster. It seems like I upgraded my CPU and memory. Vista was a resource pig. Win 7 lives up to all of the hype. The upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Win 7 Home Premium took about 2.5 hours (I have alot of applications on my notebook) and it was painless. The only compatibility issues that have shown up is Qpservice.exe (HP application). This was fixed by downloading a newer version from the HP web site.
During the first week of use I encountered another compatibility issue with a Netgear application which manages my network storage device (SC101). No updated drivers are available as of this entry.
My boot up time is dramatically shorter (50 secs from power on to login screen + 45 seconds to login and bring up the browser) then with Vista. In addition I have noticed that my CPU utilization during watching streaming video is half what it used to be (40% vs 80%). The idle memory utilization is down from 900MB to 700MB. With less demands on resources I find that my notebook runs cooler.
User: M.D
Rating:
Summary: Gotta love it
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-06
I have to admit that I had pretty high expectations of this operating system. Seeing all the commercials had made me a believer but I was wrong. I ordered the Home Premium Upgrade version for 2 of my computers, my laptop (Vista 32 bit home premium) and desktop (Vista 64 bit home premium). The installation was fairly easy even though I had to uninstall multiple programs and drivers in both computers before continuing with the installation. Both installation took about 2 hours to complete, keep in mind that I did an upgrade in both cases NOT a clean install.
I now believe that Microsoft made some changes to how vista looks and added a feature here and a feature there and changed its name to 7 and there you have it a brand new operating system. Performance wise it is slightly faster than Vista and I'm talking 10 to 15 seconds difference for starting the computer, other computers I have the run on Linux still start in less than 1 quarter the time that Windows 7 does. After installation was complete I started getting the first few issues, things like having to re-install multiple software, and that is after completely shutting down the user account control. The user account control would not let me do a thing without giving me some type of warning or error, so I had to shut it down completely. Other problems go from the computer freezing indefinitely, to programs just crashing for no reason at all, including internet explorer and microsoft office software. I have also gotten quite a bit where my gadgets just disappear and they are nowhere to be found but they are still running. Windows 7 also likes to shutdown my anti-virus software for no reason at all and when I try to turn it back on the computer freezes. Also every time I go to shut down the computer no matter how careful I'm about shutting down every software I still get a message saying that something is still running and that I need to force a shutdown
Overall the operating system is extremely unstable, I really do not know how it is going to react every time I turn my computer on. Oh also all of those things I mentioned above are true for both computers.
I normally do not leave reviews of the things I buy, but I felt this was a very important one. As for me this is the last windows OS I buy.
Even though Amazon.com wont put this review on top because is bad for business I hope this is a helpful review and that enough people are steered away from this HORRIBLE OS and hopefully Microsoft realizes that changing how something looks is not a new OS.
User: R. Rosabal
Rating:
Summary: Windows 7 should have been called Windows 666.
Helpful Votes: 5
Total Votes: 8
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Editorial Reviews
Upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium. Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV (a broadcast TV tuner may be required). Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. Do you use your PC for work, run Windows XP programs, or require enhanced security? Consider Windows 7 Professional. Windows 7 is designed to make your PC simpler--to be more reliable, more responsive and to make the things you do every day on your PC easier. Click to enlarge. |
Upgrade to Windows 7
All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to buy an upgrade license.1. Choose your edition of Windows 7
Explore key features and choose the edition that's best for you. Be sure to check the expanded list of extended features in Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate. System requirements vary for each edition of Windows 7 because some features might require special hardware.
2. See if your PC has what it takes to run Windows 7
In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista it can run Windows 7. To make sure, download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to do a quick check. If you want certain features, such as HomeGroup or Windows Media Center, check to see if your PC has the hardware that's needed.
3. Check which operating system your PC is currently running
How you make the move to Windows 7 depends on your current operating system.
- Windows Vista
The transition to Windows 7 should be pretty smooth, although you may need to update your system to the latest service pack first.
- Windows XP (or any other operating system)
Windows 7 is best experienced on a new PC with the latest hardware, but if your computer meets the minimum specifications, you can install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP. Windows 7 must be "custom" installed (also known as a "clean" installation) over Windows XP. Before beginning the installation, you'll need to copy your files and settings to an external drive. After Windows 7 has been installed you will need to re-install all of your programs using the original installation media and then copy over the files and settings you backed up to your external drive. Because Windows 7 requires a custom installation, we strongly recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider.
 More work, more play, and more of everything in between. Click to enlarge. |
 Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows. Click to enlarge. |
 With Snap you can arrange two windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen. Click to enlarge. |
 Open files you use regularly in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the improved taskbar and Start menu. |
The best entertainment experience on your PC
Easiest Windows to use ever
- Simplify your PC with new navigation features like Aero Shake, Jump Lists, and Snap.
- Customize Windows to look and feel the way you like by changing themes and taskbar programs.
- Setting up a home network and connecting to printers and devices is easier than ever.
- Windows 7 Home Premium supports the latest hardware and software.
It's faster
- Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
- Takes full advantage of 64-bit PC hardware and memory.
- Connecting to wireless networks is fast and easy.
Best PC entertainment experience
- Watch, pause, rewind, and record TV with Windows Media Center.
- Blu-ray read/write support for data files.
- Includes integrated video and Dolby audio codecs.
Simplifies Everyday Tasks
Simple to use
Preview
Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows.
Pin
Open files and get around your PC faster with the improved taskbar. You can easily pin programs you use often to the taskbar and launch them in just one click.
 Windows 7 lets you peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop. Click to enlarge. |
 Instantly locate and open virtually any file on your PC right from the Start menu with Windows Search. Click to enlarge. |
 Turn your PC into a TV with Windows Media Center, and enjoy your favorite videos and music with Windows Media Player. Click to enlarge. |
Jump Lists
Open files you use regularly in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the improved taskbar and Start menu.
Snap
Windows 7 has simple new ways to manage open windows. For example, with Snap you can arrange two windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen.
Peek and Shake
Windows 7 lets you peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop.
Windows Search
Instantly locate and open virtually any file on your PC, from documents to emails to songs, right from the Start menu, with Windows Search.
Easy to connect
 Setting up wireless connections is easier with consistent, one-click connections to available networks. Click to enlarge. |
 Enjoy the photos, music, and videos on your home PC when you're away from home with remote media streaming. Click to enlarge. |
 Windows Touch makes PCs with touch screens easier and more intuitive to use. Click to enlarge. |
 Manage Backup and Restore and other features through Action Center. Click to enlarge. |
 Search, organize, and edit files across a network in the same way you would a single folder.Click to enlarge. |
Wireless setup
With Windows 7, setting up wireless connections is easier with consistent, one-click connections to available networks, whether those networks are based on Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, dial-up, or corporate VPN.
HomeGroup
Connect Windows 7 PCs on a home network in just four clicks and easily get to the photos, music, and files on each one--even share printers--with HomeGroup.
Easy to browse the web
Internet Explorer 8
Visual search helps you quickly find the information you want by adding visual cues and previews to search results from top search providers including Live Search, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Amazon, and others.
Internet Explorer 8
Use Web slices to conveniently keep up with changes on frequently updated websites, like eBay auctions or traffic sites, directly from the IE8 toolbar.
Easy to communicate and share
Windows Live Photo Gallery
Windows Live Photo Gallery makes share your photos to your favorite photo site easy.
Windows Live Mail
Windows Live Mail makes managing multiple email accounts easy.
Windows Live Family Safety
Keep your child safe by managing what sites they can visit and who they can send/receive emails and im communications from.
Note: Windows Live components need to be downloaded separately.
Works The Way You Want
Faster and More Reliable
Windows 7 will help your PC sleep and resume more quickly. It is designed to respond to commands more quickly and will help your PC to be more reliable.Fewer clicks and less interruptions
Makes New Things Possible
Media on your terms
Windows Media Center
Turn your PC into a TV with Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Center
Watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
DirectX 11
DirectX 11 technology delivers breathtaking game graphics so real, it's unreal.
New ways to engage
Windows Touch
Windows Touch makes PCs with touch screens easier and more intuitive to use.
Media on your terms
Windows Media Player
More and more consumer electronics, from TVs to digital photo frames, can be connected to home networks. With Play To in Windows 7, you'll be able to easily send music, photos, videos from your PC to a networked device throughout your home.
You can enjoy the photos, music, and videos on your home PC when you're away from home with remote media streaming.
Work anywhere
Location Aware Printing
Windows 7 will automatically pick the right printer for you when you move from home to work networks.
Work anywhere with less effort.
- Instantly locate virtually any file, email, or document on your PC just by typing a word or two.
- Get around your PC faster with the improved taskbar.
- Open programs you use regularly in one click and files you use regularly in just two.
- Manage lots of open programs, documents, and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows.
- Manage multiple email accounts, including Hotmail, Gmail, AOL, and Yahoo! Mail Plus, all in one place with one simple program.
- Get to the files, photos, and music on any PC with Windows 7 in the house from any other.
- Print to any printer in the house from any PC with Windows 7 in the house.
Safeguard your hard work.
- Windows Internet Explorer 8 helps keep your PC safer from malware and you safer from fraudulent websites designed to fool you into divulging private information.
Choose the Windows 7 Edition That Is Best For You
Features |
Windows 7 Home Premium |
Windows 7 Professional |
Windows 7 Ultimate |
| Make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation. |  |  |  |
| Start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often. | | | |
| Make your web experience faster, easier and safer than ever with Internet Explorer 8. | | | |
| Watch, pause, rewind, and record TV on your PC. | | | |
| Easily create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup. | | | |
| Run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode. | | | |
| Connect to company networks easily and more securely with Domain Join. | | | |
| In addition to full-system Backup and Restore found in all editions, you can back up to a home or business network. | | | |
| Help protect data on your PC and portable storage devices against loss or theft with BitLocker. | | ||
| Work in the language of your choice and switch between any of 35 languages. | |
Product Details
- Windows 7 Home Premium (includes 32-bit & 64-bit versions) makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music--you can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV
- Make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation
- Start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often
- Make your web experience faster, easier and safer than ever with Internet Explorer 8
- Easily create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup
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