Guide: Common Questions regarding Windows 7 (Version 1.5)

Greetings Everyone! I've put together a few of the common questions I see a lot here in the Windows 7 section and the answers to go along with them. I was hoping to use this thread as a reference to other posters who are asking any of the questions below, figuring it would be better than answering the same questions over and over again. Of course, any input is welcome for corrections, and/or additions to the 8 I started out with below.

Common Questions regarding Windows 7: Version 1.5

1. I purchased an upgrade copy of Windows 7 but I formatted my hard drive and now my serial isn’t being accepted! Help!
A: Your upgrade copy of Windows 7 relies on a previous copy of Windows being installed on the hard drive. If you have formatted the hard drive, that existing copy of Windows is no longer present. In order to properly use your upgrade copy of Windows 7, you must first reinstall your previous copy of Windows XP or Windows Vista, and attempt the upgrade again. There are other, easier ways around this method, but that would be for Google to provide, as other methods are not technically supported by Microsoft.

2. I have 32 bit Windows (XP or Vista) and want to upgrade to 64 bit Windows 7.
A: This is not possible. Due to the difference in architecture between 32 and 64 bit Windows kernels, you cannot upgrade a 32 bit version of Windows to a 64 bit version. You will need to back up your data, wipe out your hard drive and do a clean install of Windows.

3. I previously downloaded and installed the RC (Release Cadidate) version of Windows 7, installed and used it on my PC, and now want to upgrade the RC to the RTM (Release to Manufacturing). Can I do this?
A: Yes, technically you can do this, but it is not recommended. Doing upgrade installs of any kind, whether it be from a previous version of Windows (Vista or XP), or from a previous build of Windows 7 itself (Beta or RC), always carries a risk with it that the upgrade will fail and data loss could be the result. There are many resources online which detail how to perform an RC to RTM upgrade. You are more than welcome to try doing this, as it can be (and quite often is) done successfully, but be sure to back up any critical data first!

4. What do RC and RTM stand for?
A: RC stands for Release Candidate. A Release Candidate is a build of a program which is found to be stable enough during internal testing that it is considered for release as the final build of the product. Companies can go through several Release Candidate builds before shipping the product, if a major bug (commonly referred to as a “show-stopper”) is discovered. Likewise, RTM stands for Release to Manufacturing. This is the final shipping version of the product that customers will buy in a store, or online. RTM is also commonly used to distinguish between this final shipping version, with no service packs applied, and those which are re-released to consumers with service packs pre-applied to aid in the deployment process, to nullify critical security issues, or to include additional features right out of the box.

5. Windows 7 keeps blue screening on me! What can I do to stop it?
A: The error code ultimately determines what specific course of action to take when resolving a blue screen of death. Before attempting to dive in to the root cause of the STOP error, the two things one should attempt first are:
1. Update all of the major drivers on your system. Video, Sound, Network, and chipset are the 4 major devices and typically the most common source of several commonly occurring blue screens. Check the websites of your video card, motherboard and (if necessary) sound card manufacturers to obtain the most up to date drivers for Windows 7. If the manufacturer does not yet offer drivers built specifically for Windows 7, in most cases, the Windows Vista drivers will work in their place.
2. Run a diagnostic on your computer’s RAM to ensure it is still functioning properly. One very good diagnostic tool to use is MemTest86+. If your RAM is found to be faulty, replace as needed.

6. I’m afraid that a few applications I use in Windows Vista (or Windows XP) won’t work under Windows 7. Should I risk moving to Windows 7?
A: There is always a possibility that a specific application won’t function properly under Windows 7. Before moving to Windows 7, you can always download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. This is a free tool from Microsoft designed to assist users who are attempting in-place upgrades to Windows 7 from Windows Vista determine whether their applications will function once the upgrade to Windows 7 is complete, but it also warns users of any existing hardware incompatibilities and issues as well. This tool, however, is not exclusively for those wanting to do an in-place upgrade to Windows 7. Users who are planning to back up their data and do a clean install of Windows 7 are welcome to use the tool too.

7. I’m planning to move to Windows 7 in the near future, but I’m not sure which edition is right for me. How can I tell?
A: There are 2 versions (SKU’s) of Windows 7 that most people will want to check out. Windows 7 Home Premium, and Windows 7 Professional. Windows 7 Ultimate is the highest end edition of Windows 7, but most users won’t need the extra features it offers. Paul Thurrott has produced an in-depth chart detailing the differences between each Windows 7 product edition. Have a look over it and decide for yourself whether you will need certain features or if you can live without them. Ultimately (no pun intended) only you can decide which edition is right for you.

8. What is the difference between the OEM (also known as the System Builder Pack), and the Retail version of Windows 7?
A: There are 3 major differences between these 2 items. The physical DVD disks themselves contain exactly the same content.
1. OEM copies of Windows 7 come in either 32, or 64 bit flavors. You must decide which version you want, and make sure you purchase that copy. With a retail copy, you get both 32 and 64 bit Windows 7 DVD’s in the same box.
2. OEM copies cannot be transferred from one PC to another. Once you install an OEM copy of Windows 7 on a PC it must remain with that PC forever, unless upgraded to a newer version of Windows in the future. Retail versions can be moved from PC to PC, but your retail copy of Windows 7 cannot be installed on more than one PC at any given time.
3. OEM copies do not come with any support from Microsoft. If you need to call Microsoft for support with Windows 7, you must pay a fee to do so. Retail copies come with a phone support incident included in the price.

9. - Contributed by scotteq -

How to upgrade from the RC to RTM version:
http://viral-stuff.blogspot.com/20 [...] o-rtm.html

How to Dual Boot Win 7 and XP:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] -7-xp.html

How to Dual Boot Win 7 and Vista
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] vista.html

How to change OS Name in Boot Mgr:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] nager.html

How to use Easy Transfer to move your files:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] uters.html

XP Mode – How to Install
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] setup.html

Internet Troubleshooting Guide
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] guide.html

Repair Installation
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] stall.html

Show Services running under svchost
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] t-exe.html

Startup Repair
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] epair.html

System Recovery Options
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tions.html

Resource Monitor – Troubleshoot Problem Program
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ogram.html

Reliability Monitor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] nitor.html

Advanced Boot Options (start in Safe Mode)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tions.html

Troubleshooting Tool
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] oting.html

Troublehooting History
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] story.html

How to run Check Disc
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] check.html

How to Run as Administrator
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] rator.html

Problem reports and Solutions
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tails.html

List of Run Commands:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] s-7-a.html

Upgrade Advisor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] visor.html

Compatibility Mode
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] -mode.html

How to Administer User Access Controls
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tings.html

How to use BCD Edit
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] w-use.html

Change Default OS in Dual Boot
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ot-os.html

Performance Tips for Win 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] s-7-a.html

Enable or Disable Win 7 Features
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] sable.html

How to Turn Windows 7 Features On or Off
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] n-off.html

How to Administer User Accounts
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ounts.html

10. I have a 64 bit version of Windows 7 installed, but Windows keeps reporting that only 3.25GB of my installed ram is usable! I thought this only affected 32 bit versions of Windows?
A: 1. If you're *sure* you're running the 64 bit version of the OS, from here I see two possibilities. The first is your motherboard may have a limitation - either by design or by BIOS setting. Check that.
2. Click the start orb, and type in msconfig. Right click the msconfig app to run it as Administrator. That brings up the configuration utility. Click the Boot tab, and then click the Advanced Options button. In that window, there is a setting for Maximum Memory - Make sure the checkbox for it is clear (not checked).

11. I just installed Windows 7 and I'm missing one (or more) driver(s). Could you find them and send the link to (my email address)?
A: First, please don't post your email address on this forum. You're only asking to get spammed. Second, we will not hunt down drivers for you. Check the device manufacturer's website first. Failing that, check Windows Update. These 2 steps should eliminate 99% of all "missing" drivers from Windows 7.

12. I am attempting to install Windows 7, but when it comes to the last reboot in the install process, my computer hangs when displaying the "Verifying DMI Pool Data" message after the POST occurs.
A: Several threads have been created about this issue thus far. The most common problem seems to be a failing hard drive. Download the Ultimate Boot CD, and use the included hard drive diagnostic tools. One other alternate solution is to try placing your hard drive at the front of the boot sequence, so it is checked first by the BIOS. At the initial time of writing, there is no definitive solution to this issue.

13. I'm looking for drivers for (name of device) to use under Windows 7. Can you find them for me?
A: No, but you can find them for yourself. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers for the device in question. If no Windows 7 specific drivers are available, try using the Windows Vista drivers instead. Generally, Vista drivers can be successfully substituted in place of 7 drivers if necessary. If neither Vista or 7 is listed when it comes to downloading drivers, you're probably out of luck and will have to buy a more recent piece of hardware.

1.1: Added number 9. Thanks to scotteq for the list of tutorials and how-to links!

1.2: Added question 10. Answer copied (and then slightly modified) from scotteq's first post in this thread.

1.3: Added Question 11.

1.4: Added Question 12.

1.5: Added Question 13.

In the hopes of a sticky thread, I'll add a listing of Tutorials for common tasks:



How to upgrade from the RTM to the GA version:
http://viral-stuff.blogspot.com/20 [...] o-rtm.html

How to Dual Boot Win 7 and XP:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] -7-xp.html

How to Dual Boot Win 7 and Vista
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] vista.html

How to change OS Name in Boot Mgr:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] nager.html

How to use Easy Transfer to move your files:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] uters.html

XP Mode – How to Install
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] setup.html

Internet Troubleshooting Guide
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] guide.html

Repair Installation
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] stall.html

Show Services running under svchost
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] t-exe.html

Startup Repair
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] epair.html

System Recovery Options
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tions.html

Resource Monitor – Troubleshoot Problem Program
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ogram.html

Reliability Monitor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] nitor.html

Advanced Boot Options (start in Safe Mode)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tions.html

Troubleshooting Tool
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] oting.html

Troublehooting History
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] story.html

How to run Check Disc
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] check.html

How to Run as Administrator
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] rator.html

Problem reports and Solutions
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tails.html

List of Run Commands:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] s-7-a.html

Upgrade Advisor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] visor.html

Compatibility Mode
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] -mode.html

How to Administer User Access Controls
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] tings.html

How to use BCD Edit
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] w-use.html

Change Default OS in Dual Boot
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ot-os.html

Performance Tips for Win 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] s-7-a.html

Enable or Disable Win 7 Features
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] sable.html

How to Turn Windows 7 Features On or Off
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] n-off.html

How to Administer User Accounts
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutoria [...] ounts.html

You're most welcome.