Questions from a future Windows 7 user

Howdy, I pre-ordered Windows 7 for my Vista (Home Premium 32-bit) PC because it sounds like a much better OS, and the price was reasonable...$44.88 from Sam's Club. I would appreciate any advice and opinions about my installation concerns. Thanks.

1) Should I install the 32 or 64-bit version? (using Intel Q6600 64-bit capable). I'm a home user running typical programs, nothing too intensive.

2) If I install the 32-bit version, should I overwrite Vista or do a clean install?

2) Is there a recommended HD partitioning, like the OS on it's own partition? How much HD space would I allocate for Windows 7? I have a 500GB HD, which currently has 2 partitions, one is 9.99GB for Recovery.

 

Thanks Arie...I filled out my system details.

 

Since you're already in for the new OS, you will want to look at the software compatibility lists. See what versions of your software are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the OS. If you can use the 64-bit edition, then do it, because it's the future of the next generation of software that you buy. Don't do it if your software just won't work and you can't afford replacements. Maybe, since the OS is so new, you will be better off if you install it on a new hard disk drive. Spend at bout $89.00 on a 1 terabyte hard disk drive for installing the new OS and then keep your current vista installation intact. If the new OS takes you a month or two to get up and running with your favorite programs, you can just pop back in your vista drive and "poof" your email and all the good stuff you now enjoy will be waitng at your finger tips!

Leave the recovery partition on your current hard drive. It should contain files specific to your PC's hardware. Even though these hardware drivers may not be compatible with your new OS, you never know. Better yet, just use a new hard drive for the new OS, or risk hearing me say, "I told you so. "

Finally, there's nothing like making your own hard disk partition. I make a small partition and use it to keep downloaded software updates from the program manufactures' web sites. It's also a good place to keep updated driver for video cards, sound cards, etc., that you may find in the future on the internet. Software drivers that match your computer's hardware. Then, I keep one more back up of these on a CD or DVD.