Will Windows 7 work if Vista did not?

[kyleplum]

I built a PC 13 months ago using Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit. I never got it to work at its full potential and about 6 months ago it began to freeze every time I opened any program. It worked in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking, so I assumed it was not a hardware issue. I recently decided to try it out with Linux (Ubuntu) and so far it seems to be working well, but I would still rather have the perks of using a mainstream operating system.

So, if I purchase Windows 7 can I expect it to work like Ubuntu has or is there any serious risk that it might flop like Vista for me?Should I go 64 bit or 32 bit? I just want the more compatible version, after all this I don't need hardcore power, I just want a working, normal computer.



System:

AMD Phenom 955
XFX HD Radeon 4890
4 GB's DDR3 Ram

 

[dextermat]

Hi Windows 7 should work on your system.

If you have problems it might come from faulty hardware or viruses (but you said it works well in Linux (Ubuntu) )

so that might not be a problem

about 6 months ago it began to freeze every time I opened any program

but it might be that Vista is just a bad written OS and it sucks.

That's where windows 7 is better.

Good luck and keep in touch if you get problems

 

[kyleplum]

That is what I was thinking. Do you know of a program (preferably free) that could test my hardware in Ubuntu. I found some diagnostic programs, but they made it seem like I needed Windows.

 

[ksampanna]

By testing your hardware, I assume you mean checking compatibility with Win 7. Microsoft has a diagnostic tool, check their website.

Or by testing, if you mean checking each component to verify that it's running fine try programs like memtest (which checks the RAM)

 

[kyleplum]

I am literally using Memtest right now. 10% in. What should I use to test the other components, especially the CPU.

I started testing after my computer froze today in Ubuntu.

 

[ksampanna]

Prime95 for CPUs. I do think that it also works in Ubuntu

 

[cassandraf_winteam]

Hi kyleplum,

Yes, the Windows 7 diagnostic tool you are referring to is called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and will only work if you have XP or Vista currently installed. If your computer meets these system requirements, you should be able to run Windows 7:

•1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
•1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
•16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
•DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

For more on system requirements, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements

As far as choosing between 32-bit and 64-bit, the general rule is if your computer has 4 GB of RAM or more, 64-bit is the way to go - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach