Having Problems With Laptop - Any Recommended Stores?

[corkman]

Hi All,

I've got an Acer laptop, its about 18 months old, and as of last night its gone nuts.

Basically, it seems to start up ok, but I cannot open any applications. I don't know is it a virus or a hardware issue or what?

Anyway, I've a good mind to take it in somewhere and just have it wiped clean, and have some upgrades done while I am at it. It is a reasonable spec with an intel core duo (I think) and 4Gig memory - but if there are any economical add ons I can get, I will.

Would windows 7 be a worthwhile upgrade?

In terms of just having the thing wiped and installed to an "as new" condition - is that likely to cost alot?

Many thanks in advance,

CM

[BWPattaya]

The easiest thing to do is simply install a copy of Windows 7 as that will format your disk as well. You have enough power and memory to run W7. You will need the original driver disk, and perhaps need to download drivers for W7 if your original drivers aren't compatible with W7 but no worries, they will be available on Acer's site.

[BB1950]

Yes, Windows 7 works very well on a Intel Duo Core CPU with 4 Gig of memory. The only limitation would be the graphics adapter which you did not mention. Since you mentioned it's a 18 month old Acer, the graphics adapter should be sufficient for non-gaming applications.

I highly recommend that you upgrade to Windows 7! It's well worth the effort.

When you upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP, it does require a "clean install", meaning everything is wiped clean and all applications have to be reinstalled.

Usually shops that sell Windows 7 will only charge you only for the cost of Windows 7. I think a legitimate copy of Windows 7 Home Premium runs about 3,000 baht.

After Windows 7 is installed, it will be in an "as new" condition.

[corkman]

Thanks for both of your great and informative replies!

Can you recommend a shop? I'm living in Bangkok. I've rather spend an extra 1000 baht and get it done, hassle free, and have a legit copy of windows so I can access all the online updates etc.

Original driver disk - now that could be a problem If I ain't got 'em, then is there an alternative?

[RKASA]

Why not try the restore point and see if there is really anything wrong with it. Whats the date it last ran OK and re-start it there.

[BWPattaya]

I would recommend that you do it yourself. Buy an original copy and put the disk in, it will set it up with only prompts from you. If you have a shop do it for you they may use a copy, or if you give them an original they may copy your disk.

Trust me, it is easy. Save yourself the money paying someone else to do it.

Acer drivers. Again, no worries. If you haven't got the original disk with the drivers on you can go to Acer's web site, browse around and find where to locate drivers for your laptop model.

Remember, you won't break the machine.

[corkman]

Why not try the restore point and see if there is really anything wrong with it. Whats the date it last ran OK and re-start it there.

This is worth exploring, although I quite like the idea of upgrading to windows 7 now, and having a "like new" machine with it

BUT - how would I go about finding the "restore" point? It was working fine a couple of days ago.

[corkman]

Remember, you won't break the machine.

Funny, that's what I always tell my Father when he phones in a panic about something PC related

So, I should be able to buy a legit copy of windows 7 for less than 3k Baht?

Is there different versions of it available, and if so, are there any big differences and which should I go for?

So, would I walk into a sony shop or something like that and ask for it there, at say Emporium or Seacon Square etc. I'm assuming that everywhere in Pantip is dodgy?

Many thanks for everyones help.

[lomatopo]

Microsoft prices are pretty standardized here

Maybe Win7 Home Premium 64 Bit OEM (can only ever be installed on 1 PC) might be a good choice for you?

Here's a P/L from Hardware House:

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 2850

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic FPP 3 Mth. HWH 3890

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 3700

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 3770

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium FPP 3 Mth. HWH 4490

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 4900

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 4900

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional FPP 3 Mth. HWH 7290

Microsoft Windows 7 Starter 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 1500

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 7290

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 7990

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate FPP 3 Mth. HWH 7650

[corkman]

Microsoft prices are pretty standardized here

Maybe Win7 Home Premium 64 Bit OEM (can only ever be installed on 1 PC) might be a good choice for you?

Here's a P/L from Hardware House:

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 2850

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic FPP 3 Mth. HWH 3890

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 3700

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 3770

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium FPP 3 Mth. HWH 4490

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 4900

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 4900

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional FPP 3 Mth. HWH 7290

Microsoft Windows 7 Starter 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 1500

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit Eng 1pk DSP OEI DVD 3 Mth. HWH 7290

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OEM 3 Mth. HWH 7990

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate FPP 3 Mth. HWH 7650

Thanks for all that info.

Where would I find "hardware house"?

Something I am totally clueless to - what is the difference between 32 bit and 64bit - I see they are similar prices........

Cheers,

CM

[lomatopo]

By "standardized" I meant that you're likely to find the same prices everywhere/anywhere.

Hardware House is a chain store here; with outlets in most malls including Seacon, Fortune, Panthip.

A 64 bit OS would enable you to utilize all 4 GB of memory you say your system has, while a 32 bit OS typically can only utilize between 2 GB and 3 GB.

[corkman]

By "standardized" I meant that you're likely to find the same prices everywhere/anywhere.

Hardware House is a chain store here; with outlets in most malls including Seacon, Fortune, Panthip.

A 64 bit OS would enable you to utilize all 4 GB of memory you say your system has, while a 32 bit OS typically can only utilize between 2 GB and 3 GB.

That sounds fantastic!

At the moment I am running:

Windows Vista Home Basic

6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002

Acer Aspire 7730

X86- Based PC

Intel® Core 2 Duo CPU T5800 @ 2.0GHz, 1995 MHz 2 Core(s) 2 Logical processors

Installed physical memory 4.00GB

Total physical memory 2.93GB

Available physical memory 2.38GB

Total virtual memory 6.06GB

Available virtual memory 5.69GB

Page file space 3.22GB

I dunno how much sense that makes..... its all waffle to me (wish I understood it) - but if you reckon that Windows 7x64 Bit is gonna let my system run better, then its worth spedning a few hours transferring files and all that malarky.

PS. I've tried system restore, and the problem is not fixed...... so I guess the windows 7 upgrade is the way to go. I'm typing this post from "safe mode".

Thanks,

CM

[RKASA]

Why not try the restore point and see if there is really anything wrong with it. Whats the date it last ran OK and re-start it there.

This is worth exploring, although I quite like the idea of upgrading to windows 7 now, and having a "like new" machine with it

BUT - how would I go about finding the "restore" point? It was working fine a couple of days ago.

start > programs> accessories> system tools> system restore

At least that is where mine is - it should be making a restore point like weekly and after any changes like an install of a program. You may lose data entered between restore date and time of restore. At least see if the PC is working and the drives not clunking or something.

Edit see I just missed the PS line last post. so you found it

[BB1950]

The only problem with the 64 bit version of Windows 7, is there isn't a lot of support for it yet. Which means a lot of hardware and software won't work with it yet.

Most Windows 7 retail packages give you both a 32 bit and 64 bit DVD inside the box.

You also need to be careful of the OEM versions of Windows 7. They are linked to a manufacturer and motherboard and are not transferable. You may not be able to 'Activate' it, if you use a different manufacturer and motherboard. Then you will have to pay Microsoft again for a key that will work with you manufacturer and motherboard. Since the OP mentioned it was an Acer Laptop he should have an Acer Dealer install the OEM version. Then verify it as the real thing by browsing to microsoft.com/genuine with internet explorer. Many illegal copies will say the version is genuine, but when you go to Microsoft's site. It fails.

[BB1950]

That sounds fantastic!

At the moment I am running:

Windows Vista Home Basic

6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002

Acer Aspire 7730

X86- Based PC

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU T5800 @ 2.0GHz, 1995 MHz 2 Core(s) 2 Logical processors

Installed physical memory 4.00GB

Total physical memory 2.93GB

Available physical memory 2.38GB

Total virtual memory 6.06GB

Available virtual memory 5.69GB

Page file space 3.22GB

I dunno how much sense that makes..... its all waffle to me (wish I understood it) - but if you reckon that Windows 7x64 Bit is gonna let my system run better, then its worth spedning a few hours transferring files and all that malarky.

PS. I've tried system restore, and the problem is not fixed...... so I guess the windows 7 upgrade is the way to go. I'm typing this post from "safe mode".

Thanks,

CM

You presently are using Windows Vista. Highly recommended that you ditch it! When you get Windows 7 installed, it will be better than new.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Do you have any data you would like to save on the laptop?

If so, you may wish to remove the malware that is residing on the machine. If you would like to take this route, let me know.

There is also the option of running the built in Factory Restore(not the same as System Restore), which restores the machine to an 'as new' configuration. This costs nothing and needs no technical ability.

Yours in a strange configuration, especially with Vista Basic. I guess it's this one: Link

It is possible to do the upgrade to a fully licenced version of Vista Home Premium or Ultimate on that machine at no cost, even Windows 7, but I think the Windows 7 upgrade may be beyond your technical ability.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

If you waqnt to begin by removing the malware, you can apply these actions via Safe Mode with Networking. Attach your laptop to the Router via cable to make sure that you will have an Internet connection in this mode.

Download, install, update and run a Quick Scan with Malwarebytes' AntiMalware. When complete, choose 'Remove Selected' if there is anything to remove and Reboot your computer.

After restart, open the program again and go to 'Logs'. Double click on the log produced for today and post the contents here.

Reboot, start in Normal mode and then run a Full Scan.

[siamect]

First of all...Back up your data... do it now, immediately because it is not safe....

Secondly upgrading to legal Win7 and then the rest of the software legal Office (if you don't have it?) and legal antivirus or a "freeware" one... it's going to cost you some bucks and sooner or later you will end up with a computer not much better than what it was when you started this discussion. And then there will be a new thread....

People seems to have endless amount of patience to deal with these endless stream of frustrating problems... The amount of advice in this thread is really amazing...

Instead of spending all that time and money, just download whatever Gnu/Linux distro you like (Ubuntu is not wrong for a first timer), burn a CD and run the install and you will have all you need and more in just 30 minutes... All your problems are gone forever...

But take a backup first...

Martin

[corkman]

The only problem with the 64 bit version of Windows 7, is there isn't a lot of support for it yet. Which means a lot of hardware and software won't work with it yet.

Most Windows 7 retail packages give you both a 32 bit and 64 bit DVD inside the box.

You also need to be careful of the OEM versions of Windows 7. They are linked to a manufacturer and motherboard and are not transferable. You may not be able to 'Activate' it, if you use a different manufacturer and motherboard. Then you will have to pay Microsoft again for a key that will work with you manufacturer and motherboard. Since the OP mentioned it was an Acer Laptop he should have an Acer Dealer install the OEM version. Then verify it as the real thing by browsing to microsoft.com/genuine with internet explorer. Many illegal copies will say the version is genuine, but when you go to Microsoft's site. It fails.

Well I tried to do the system restore thing last night and it makes no difference - I still can't open anything unless I go into safe mode (which means it is a software problem, and not a hardware problem, right?)

So, I am thinking I will try the Windows 7 option - and to that end, I think I will go to the Acer shop to have it done. All this talk of OEM and genuine copies and activation on microsoft and all that ..... it just spells potential for further frustration and disappointment.... as long as the extra cost for them to do it is reasonable, then I am happy to pay a premium to just hand it in. I know there is an Acer shop in Pantip Plaza (dunno if that is a reputable agent or not?) - I am wondering is there any Acer dealer in Paradise Mall or Seacon Square (does anyone know) as this is more local to my home.

I suppose ity is "safer" to go with the 32 bit version in case the hardware in my machine is not compatible with 64bit?

If you waqnt to begin by removing the malware, you can apply these actions via Safe Mode with Networking. Attach your laptop to the Router via cable to make sure that you will have an Internet connection in this mode.

It is possible to do the upgrade to a fully licenced version of Vista Home Premium or Ultimate on that machine at no cost, even Windows 7, but I think the Windows 7 upgrade may be beyond your technical ability.

Jiu-Jitsu > Yes, I would like to retrieve some files, as well as emails, and internet settings / router keys, etc., so I'll try that " Malwarebytes' AntiMalware. " thing. And Yes that link you gave is my laptop.

When you say "the windows 7 may be beyond your technical ability" do you mean my IT know-how ability, or beyond my laptop's ability to run windows 7? I'm hoping you mean my know-how

Siamect > I am 100% clueless as to what "Gnu/Linux distro " is? This definitely sounds like it is beyond my abilties but yes I agree that PC ownership is an endless string of self perpetuating frustrations ....... half of which is no doubt by design intention (afterall, if machines were built to last, problem free, then sales would plumit, right?!?!?). but it seems like I get a maximum of 12-18 months out of my pc/laptop hardware and then it's time to either get a new one or get it "wiped". You see, back in farang land a good buddy of mine is an IT Engineer, so whenever I had issues I used to dump it on him and he'd sort it out for me....... so now I;ve gotta start learning how to do it all myself.

[BWPattaya]

I am 100% clueless as to what "Gnu/Linux distro " is? This definitely sounds like it is beyond my abilties but yes I agree that PC ownership is an endless string of self perpetuating frustrations ....... half of which is no doubt by design intention (afterall, if machines were built to last, problem free, then sales would plumit, right?!?!?). but it seems like I get a maximum of 12-18 months out of my pc/laptop hardware and then it's time to either get a new one or get it "wiped". You see, back in farang land a good buddy of mine is an IT Engineer, so whenever I had issues I used to dump it on him and he'd sort it out for me....... so now I;ve gotta start learning how to do it all myself.

It is never too late to learn. That is the problem with letting a friend do everything, when they aren't there and you have a problem you have to satrt learning.

I use the Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bit version, not the 64 Bit version as I doubted whether my software would be compatable.

As you can open in safe mode make sure you copy all the date you want to keep onto a memory stick/external drive/CD or whatever first. When you have installed W7 first thing to do is install anti-virus. Plenty of free anitvirus, eg AVG Free. Do this before you transfer your old data so that you can check the data on your memory stick etc before you copy it so that you avoid whatever gave you the problem in the first place. Myself, I would prefer to put it on a stick as well as a disk so that the files can be deleted from the stick if you find a virus, can't delete from a disk.

Ubuntu, a free OS, is an alternative and although I have a copy I have never used it. I know of only one person in the UK who uses it.

Have fun, let us know how you go on.

[corkman]

I use the Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bit version, not the 64 Bit version as I doubted whether my software would be compatable.

I have similar doubts regarding my software - based on fear of the unknown rather than knowledge to be heonst.

Could I ask, what essentailyl is the (non microsoft marketing speak) difference between Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate?

[siamect]

I am 100% clueless as to what "Gnu/Linux distro " is? This definitely sounds like it is beyond my abilties but yes I agree that PC ownership is an endless string of self perpetuating frustrations ....... half of which is no doubt by design intention (afterall, if machines were built to last, problem free, then sales would plumit, right?!?!?). but it seems like I get a maximum of 12-18 months out of my pc/laptop hardware and then it's time to either get a new one or get it "wiped". You see, back in farang land a good buddy of mine is an IT Engineer, so whenever I had issues I used to dump it on him and he'd sort it out for me....... so now I;ve gotta start learning how to do it all myself.

It is never too late to learn. That is the problem with letting a friend do everything, when they aren't there and you have a problem you have to start learning.

.

.

True...

GNU/Linux is a base that is used to build operating systems for various purposes like desktop and laptop/netbook computers, servers, mobile devices, routers etc.

I guess this website probably runs on Gnu/Linux server... maybe 80% or more of all websites are hosted on Gnu/Linux based servers. How many percent of the Desktop/Laptop?Netbook users is using GNU/Linux we don't know... I think it is realistic to say maybe 2-3% but many people say it is more...

GNU is a project to create a Unix like operating system but they never made a kernel that worked well (named "Herd" and it's fun but still have some issues).

Linux is a kernel that was distributed for free and the project leader Linus Torvalds and thousand of other people maintain it. The Linux people were looking for program to use with their kernel and they found a lot of programs from the GNU project. It turned out that most of the Linux users didn't even know about the GNU project and just used whatever other recommended them. While Linux is a great kernel and a huge projects, the GNU project is still the larger contributor... Therefore we shall encourage people to use the full name GNU/Linux instead of just Linux.

In order for making the GNU/Linux more approachable for mere mortals there are a large number of projects to package Gnu/Linux and applications so that it is easy to install and use.

Ubuntu is one of them and it is built on another one called Debian. Mint is a third one built on Ubuntu and do on... so the inheritance are complicated. Luckily you don't need to care.

You can go to http://www.ubuntu.com and download or you can find a large number of GNU/Linux distributions from http://distrowatch.com where you also can buy ready made CDs... for what ever reason. Good if you don't have any internet connection.

There are lots of discussion on what is the best and so on... but you have to start somewhere and Ubuntu is not wrong although the "nose up people" think it is too easy...

Most of the software included in a GNU/Linux distribution are reached via a package manager which make it very easy to install the programs you need, but usually there are very little you need to add. Most of the things you need are installed from the CD and is ready to use right after the installation is finished.

Software delivered like this is usually licensed under a free license like GPL...

Due to a very strong security model and security enhancing additions like app-armor and selinux it is quite difficult to write malware that works. Due to a very direct and open development model bugfixes goes very quickly.

The result is that, even though database- and web-servers on the internet contains data that is valuable to the bad guys, there are no successful viruses/malware out there attacking GNU/Linux based operating systems.

For the GNU/Linux user it means you don't have any problems with viruses/malware etc. It doesn't mean you should be careless... don't forward anything that you don't know what is is... Although it doesn't infect you computer it can still infect others...

If GNU/Linux is right for you is up to you to decide. If you don't try you don't know. You can also ask yourself if MS Windows is right for you...

Keep in mind that things works a little different, and there are some things that you need to do differently.

Martin

[corkman]

I am 100% clueless as to what "Gnu/Linux distro " is? This definitely sounds like it is beyond my abilties but yes I agree that PC ownership is an endless string of self perpetuating frustrations ....... half of which is no doubt by design intention (afterall, if machines were built to last, problem free, then sales would plumit, right?!?!?). but it seems like I get a maximum of 12-18 months out of my pc/laptop hardware and then it's time to either get a new one or get it "wiped". You see, back in farang land a good buddy of mine is an IT Engineer, so whenever I had issues I used to dump it on him and he'd sort it out for me....... so now I;ve gotta start learning how to do it all myself.

It is never too late to learn. That is the problem with letting a friend do everything, when they aren't there and you have a problem you have to start learning.

.

.

True...

GNU/Linux is a base that is used to build operating systems for various purposes like desktop and laptop/netbook computers, servers, mobile devices, routers etc.

I guess this website probably runs on Gnu/Linux server... maybe 80% or more of all websites are hosted on Gnu/Linux based servers. How many percent of the Desktop/Laptop?Netbook users is using GNU/Linux we don't know... I think it is realistic to say maybe 2-3% but many people say it is more...

GNU is a project to create a Unix like operating system but they never made a kernel that worked well (named "Herd" and it's fun but still have some issues).

Linux is a kernel that was distributed for free and the project leader Linus Torvalds and thousand of other people maintain it. The Linux people were looking for program to use with their kernel and they found a lot of programs from the GNU project. It turned out that most of the Linux users didn't even know about the GNU project and just used whatever other recommended them. While Linux is a great kernel and a huge projects, the GNU project is still the larger contributor... Therefore we shall encourage people to use the full name GNU/Linux instead of just Linux.

In order for making the GNU/Linux more approachable for mere mortals there are a large number of projects to package Gnu/Linux and applications so that it is easy to install and use.

Ubuntu is one of them and it is built on another one called Debian. Mint is a third one built on Ubuntu and do on... so the inheritance are complicated. Luckily you don't need to care.

You can go to http://www.ubuntu.com and download or you can find a large number of GNU/Linux distributions from http://distrowatch.com where you also can buy ready made CDs... for what ever reason. Good if you don't have any internet connection.

There are lots of discussion on what is the best and so on... but you have to start somewhere and Ubuntu is not wrong although the "nose up people" think it is too easy...

Most of the software included in a GNU/Linux distribution are reached via a package manager which make it very easy to install the programs you need, but usually there are very little you need to add. Most of the things you need are installed from the CD and is ready to use right after the installation is finished.

Software delivered like this is usually licensed under a free license like GPL...

Due to a very strong security model and security enhancing additions like app-armor and selinux it is quite difficult to write malware that works. Due to a very direct and open development model bugfixes goes very quickly.

The result is that, even though database- and web-servers on the internet contains data that is valuable to the bad guys, there are no successful viruses/malware out there attacking GNU/Linux based operating systems.

For the GNU/Linux user it means you don't have any problems with viruses/malware etc. It doesn't mean you should be careless... don't forward anything that you don't know what is is... Although it doesn't infect you computer it can still infect others...

If GNU/Linux is right for you is up to you to decide. If you don't try you don't know. You can also ask yourself if MS Windows is right for you...

Keep in mind that things works a little different, and there are some things that you need to do differently.

Martin

Martin,

Thanks for the detailed info.

I actualyl have an old laptop, that I rarely use, but still works reasonably well, except that it is full with files and applications that are no longer used. I was going to spend a few hours retrieving what info I needed then wiping the hard drive (I have the toshiba recovery disk for this machine). What I might do instead, is try this GNU/Linux thing and see how it works out. If I absolutely hate it, then nothing lost - and if its great, then I'll try it out on my main machine. Would you be willing to help if I get into any difficulties?

Thanks,

CM

[david555]

Yes, Windows 7 works very well on a Intel Duo Core CPU with 4 Gig of memory. The only limitation would be the graphics adapter which you did not mention. Since you mentioned it's a 18 month old Acer, the graphics adapter should be sufficient for non-gaming applications.

I highly recommend that you upgrade to Windows 7! It's well worth the effort.

When you upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP, it does require a "clean install", meaning everything is wiped clean and all applications have to be reinstalled.

Usually shops that sell Windows 7 will only charge you only for the cost of Windows 7. I think a legitimate copy of Windows 7 Home Premium runs about 3,000 baht.

After Windows 7 is installed, it will be in an "as new" condition.

My windows7 is installed from XP and i had the choice to keep it as a multiboot WIN7 / XP mensioned as "former Windows version "

all works fine in multiboot (win 7 has a bootmanager )

[corkman]

Situation Update

Okay guys - here's the situation update.

So last night, I tried backing up everything on my removable hard drive thingy, and about 3/4 the way through, even safe mode started going a bit nuts. Meanwhile I had googled "factory restore Aspire 7730" and among the gibberish I came across a comment that holding "Alt+F10" during re-boot, when the "Acer" symbol comes up would auto-restore the laptop to factory settings / condition. So, I was so pi$$ed off with messing around with the bloody thing I made the call that the data was not worth any more of the precious little family time I have these days - and so I did it...... and it worked.

I am still going to upgrade to Windows 7 ...... I jsut gotta decide (a) do I was to take the chance and go for the 64 bit version, and ( b ) do I want to go for home premium, professional, or ultimate. On the latter, I;d really apreciate the opinions of all you good helpful people ..... regarding the 32 - 64 bit choice, well I think there is a downloadable microsoft windows 7 compatability tool, from the MS website..... so I'll try that first and see what it says.

Many thanks to all,

CM

[Supernova]

Could I ask, what essentailyl is the (non microsoft marketing speak) difference between Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate?

Windows 7 Edition comparison chart

[siamect]

Martin,

Thanks for the detailed info.

I actually have an old laptop, that I rarely use, but still works reasonably well, except that it is full with files and applications that are no longer used. I was going to spend a few hours retrieving what info I needed then wiping the hard drive (I have the toshiba recovery disk for this machine). What I might do instead, is try this GNU/Linux thing and see how it works out. If I absolutely hate it, then nothing lost - and if its great, then I'll try it out on my main machine. Would you be willing to help if I get into any difficulties?

Thanks,

CM

Of course I will try to help...

What is the spec of the old computer?

Martin

[BB1950]

My windows7 is installed from XP and i had the choice to keep it as a multiboot WIN7 / XP mensioned as "former Windows version "

all works fine in multiboot (win 7 has a bootmanager )

It's a neat idea, but it has a serious known issue, When you boot Windows XP, you will lose all restore points when you reboot back to Windows 7. Microsoft doesn't appear to be wanting to fix this issue. Instead, they have published a work around.

No restore points are available when you use Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008-based operating systems in a dual-boot configuration together with an earlier Windows operating system

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926185

[corkman]

At the moment I am running:

Windows Vista Home Basic

6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002

Acer Aspire 7730

X86- Based PC

Intel® Core 2 Duo CPU T5800 @ 2.0GHz, 1995 MHz 2 Core(s) 2 Logical processors

Installed physical memory 4.00GB

Total physical memory 2.93GB

Available physical memory 2.38GB

Total virtual memory 6.06GB

Available virtual memory 5.69GB

Page file space 3.22GB

Between life and work I haven't gotten around to upgrading to Windows 7 yet, but think I will do it over the next few days.

Just to recap - I want to upgrade from my vista to win 7 64 bit. I am going to go for the Home Premium version.

So, if I walk into the Acer shop, with the laptop in hand, they should be unable to uninstall my vista home basic and install win 7 64 bit, and then the machine should be good as (better than) new?

Are there any other upgrade options I should consider while I am at it?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

At the moment I am running:

Windows Vista Home Basic

6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002

Acer Aspire 7730

X86- Based PC

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU T5800 @ 2.0GHz, 1995 MHz 2 Core(s) 2 Logical processors

Installed physical memory 4.00GB

Total physical memory 2.93GB

Available physical memory 2.38GB

Total virtual memory 6.06GB

Available virtual memory 5.69GB

Page file space 3.22GB

Between life and work I haven't gotten around to upgrading to Windows 7 yet, but think I will do it over the next few days.

Just to recap - I want to upgrade from my vista to win 7 64 bit. I am going to go for the Home Premium version.

So, if I walk into the Acer shop, with the laptop in hand, they should be unable to uninstall my vista home basic and install win 7 64 bit, and then the machine should be good as (better than) new?

Are there any other upgrade options I should consider while I am at it?

Have you already saved your important data to another location? 'Uninstalling' Vista will cause you to lose all of your data. Do you have the Drivers disc for the ACER?

Even though Windows 7 is definitely a better OS than Windows Vista, a clean install of Windows Vista will cost you nothing and bring the speed back to your machine.

You can install Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate 64 bit for free in order to evaluate the operating system. You'll get more function and will be able to fully utilise your RAM.

I can talk you through the installation if you wish to attempt it yourself.