Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade see short title
User Reviews
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Review Date: 2009-11-21
Don't buy this unless you have Windows Vista Business. Any other Windows (XP, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium or Ultimate) will not allow you to automatically upgrade!!! You will have to do a "clean install." I would NEVER have bought this product if I had known it wasn't a simple upgrade!!!!!!! The advertising for this product should make it WAY more clear what you're getting into if you buy this. If buying info had been more clear, I would have chosen the Windows 7 Ultimate for just a few dollars more. Now I'm stuck with software I can't use, and I just lost nearly $200 :( I can't return it even though I never actually installed it, as I opened the package before discovering this upgrade issue. I can't sell it to anyone either, because who's going to want opened software. I phoned Windows customer service to see if they could help me exchange it or provide me with a way to guarantee to another purchaser that I had never used the license key, but they would not help me with that.
Don't make the same mistake I did!!
User: Janet
Rating:
Summary: $189.00 just thrown away
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 2
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Review Date: 2009-11-21
I am an eightyone year old man and if I can do it you can but I would not buy anythang less than Microsoft Windows 7 "Professional" Full or Upgrade.
User: Clarence M. Despain
Rating:
Summary: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade
Helpful Votes: 0
Total Votes: 2
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Review Date: 2009-11-19
I have a reasonably peppy 18-month-old Dell OptiPlex that has, with a few hiccups, been satisfactorily running Windows XP. Yet I was lured by the reviewers who have heaped praise on Microsoft's new release. And I thought it would solve some of the annoyances in my XP set up, like the propensity of my speech recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10) to crash at odd moments.
So, I bought a Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) upgrade, backed up my data and took the plunge.
At first, things went swimmingly. The Windows Easy Transfer tool worked as advertised moving all my data files and settings. I found drivers for all of my peripherals and then I started reinstalling all my programs. (One big mistake: I did not make a "system image" when I had Windows 7 up and running with all the new drivers installed. You'll see why in a moment.)
I was delighted that I could use Dragon without a system crash. So far so good.
Then, somewhere in the process of installing my other programs, things started going haywire. First, the "sleep" function stopped working. My system wouldn't "wake up" and I had to manually turn it off and on again. I tried going back to a restore point, but the restore procedure failed, and it wiped out all of my other restore points. Since I had not made a system image earlier, I was out of luck.
Things quickly went from bad to worse. Programs started freezing and the trusty old control-alt-delete would not terminate them. When I tried to reboot, the system got stuck on a black screen and would not go forward. In short... I went through many hours of computer hell.
Finally, I gave up and went back to XP. Fortunately, I had made a disk image backup of my old system with Acronis True Image 2009, and within an hour I was back to my old, not so trusty XP system.
So what are the morals?
1. Make sure to make a disk image of your current system with a product like Acronis so you can go back to xp if you have to. (Note, on my system Acronis True Image 2009 worked fine, but the 2010 version crashed my xp system, and seemed to make my W7 problems worse.)
2. Once your W7 system is up and running, use the system backup software to make a disk image, so you don't have to rely on the flaky restore point system.
3. Make more system images along the way, so you can roll it back if installing your software breaks something.
My next computer will be a Mac.
User: Dara
Rating:
Summary: Not ready for prime time
Helpful Votes: 3
Total Votes: 5
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Review Date: 2009-11-19
I bought both Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional pre-release. Disregard all of the hype of the last 6 months - Windows 7 is NOT worth the cost, the time, the risks, or the hassles of upgrading. My most reliable computer is still my Windows XP.
In addition - if you have the Vista Home Premium - you can NOT use the Windows 7 Professional upgrade.
With Windows 7 you get slight improvements on the task bar and interface - however - you risk losing your data, having to do a complete reinstall of ALL of your programs, and then - when you finally have it installed - many of your programs will crash with Windows 7.
DO NOT UPGRADE - if you have a working system. The improvements are very marginal.
User: John - Fresh Air
Rating:
Summary: DO NOT UPGRADE
Helpful Votes: 3
Total Votes: 6
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Review Date: 2009-11-18
I bought the computer for which this was destined three years ago. I'd intended to upgrade that machine to Vista, so I added a nice video card. Then Vista was released, and it proved to be disastrous. I passed. In the mean time, I doubled the RAM in my computer, and I watched when MS released the beta of Windows 7 as tech writers hailed the new OS as a huge improvement. With this in mind, I decided to take advantage of an offer to purchase the Windows 7 Pro upgrade for $100.
After a few days, I finally got around to installing the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on my computer. What a mistake! First, I had difficulties locating drivers for components made by well-known manufacturers: ever heard of Linksys? Belkin? Some of these I never found. Then, in the first week, I was getting the blue screen of death (BSOD) more than a half-dozen times per day, often in the middle of the night when no one was working on the computer. So much for stability!
The BSOD issue prompted me to install the 64-bit version. In this case as well, I have been unable to find drivers (including for network cards).
Now, contrast my Windows 7 experience with my Ubuntu 9.10 experience. I installed 64-bit Ubuntu. All the drivers were available, and the operating system is fast and stable. It's also free and easy to use, looks great, and includes tons of terrific free applications (including OpenOffice, the first office suite to give MS Office a run for its money).
I only have a few reasons to run Windows: I'm a software developer, and some of the applications I develop use technologies targeted at Windows. I also have other software (e.g., Quicken and the music notation program Sibelius) for which Linux versions aren't available. My solution will be to run Windows in a virtual machine. Otherwise, I'm going to stick with Ubuntu for the rest of my computing needs.
My recommendation: download Ubuntu and, if you're still a bit nervous about a new operating system, pick up a book like this: Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fourth Edition. As for Windows? Don't even go there.
User: the unamusicologist
Rating:
Summary: Disastrous!
Helpful Votes: 2
Total Votes: 4
Similar Products
Editorial Reviews
Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional. With Windows 7 Professional, fewer walls stand between you and your success. You can run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode and recover data easily with automatic backups to your home or business network. You can also connect to company networks effortlessly and more securely with Domain Join. With all the exciting entertainment features of Windows Home Premium, it's a great choice for home and for business. Need to use multiple languages on your PC or help protect your data with enhanced BitLocker security? Get Windows 7 Ultimate. 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. |
Everything you need for work and home
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.
- Easy to network (with or without a server).
- Back up your complete system over a network.
Faster and more flexible
- Windows XP Mode gives you the business flexibility you need.
- Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
- Takes full advantage of 64-bit PC hardware and memory.
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.
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
Resume from sleep
We designed Windows 7 to help PCs sleep and resume from sleep more quickly by improving the way Windows 7 manages drivers, programs, and power.
Faster and more reliable
We reduced the amount of memory your PC needs for open windows and to execute commands to help it be more responsive to commands.
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.
- Get connected in three clicks wherever there's a wireless network connection.
- Keep documents on your PC and on network servers in sync automatically.
- Your PC will automatically use the printer you prefer for whatever network you're on.
- Simplify making presentations special settings that keep your PC from sleeping and turn off messages, notifications, and screen savers.
- 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.
- Advanced Backup and Restore makes it easier to keep your work safely backed up to external or network drives and accessible if you need it.
- File encryption helps keep proprietary and confidential information on a PC secure if it is lost or stolen.
- Preserve your investment in programs designed for Windows XP with Windows XP Mode.
- 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.
- Easily add your PC to a secured, managed, network with domain join capabilities.
- Group policy controls help administrators more easily and effectively manage the security and configuration of multiple PCs.
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 Professional (includes 32 & 64-bit versions) lets you run Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode, recover data easily with automatic backups to your home or business network, connect to company networks effortlessly and more securely
- 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
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