Windows 7 has had some problems during installation
Windows 7, like any other operating system launches, has had some initial birthing pains. A week ago, Windows 7 was launched to much acclaimed and high expectations. Many of its features and enhancements were welcome changes over the problems faced by users of Vista.
Several main problems have been experienced by more than a few users. One problem has been with system reboots. Some users have experienced reboots when upgrading from Windows Vista. According to Greg Keizer from CIO magazine, the installation process stops and the system mysteriously reboots for no reason. Microsoft Engineers have suggested that unspecficied backgroud proccess or programs might be conflicting with the installation process. Others have suggested the possibility of antivirus program conflicts.
Another problem has been found by students using the digital upgrade version of Windows 7. Users found that their downloads were unable to be activitated and recieved error messages. Another article by Greg Kizier discussed problems found by users with digital distrbitutions of Windows 7 that would not install when users were upgrading from Windows Vista. Microsoft detailed a workaround that involved basically performing a clean install of the operating system when upgrading from a 32bit version of Windows Vista to a 64 bit version of Windows 7. Some users had to convert the digital download version into burnable iso images in order to install the operating system.
A third problem experienced involved the serial keys used for the installation process. Some users are finding that the supplied serial or product keys, that come with Windows 7 upgrade versions, were not beging accepted. Users were being asked to retype the key code with no success. Microsoft has stated that some users may be trying to install upgrade versions on machines that may not have qualified versions of Windows installed.
Many of these initial problems may be caused by software conflicts or product incompatibilities that may not be forseen. Other problems may be caused by manfucuring or software problems caused by defects or errors in coding. Regardless, the complex nature of Windows dynamically increases the possiblity that some users will have some type problems installing or running the operating system. To deal with installation problems, users should take several preliminary strategies.
Suggested Strategies
These strategies can help ensure a successful installation of a new operating system. One strategy is to read the requirements including any upgrade processes that need to verify a prior installation of Windows. This can help ensure that any obvious problems such as incompatible hardware or software are dealt with before hand. Running Windows 7 upgrade advisor can be a good way to verify compatiblity of existing hardware or software.
A second stradegy is to read about the problems faced by other users. A great place to read about problems faced by others is on the Microsoft Answers Forum. Many questions and answers are posted to help users with different installation issues that may not be covered in articles or press releases. Other similiar forums include Windows 7 Forum, Microsoft Technet Forum, and Neowin. Forums are probably one of the best resources for technical support and often users will answers not found elsewhere.
Each version of Windows has had their share of initial problems including hardware and software incompabilties. Windows 95 and Windows XP both had numerous problems upon their launch. Even enteprise level system such as Windows Server 2003 or 2008 have had their share of launch difficulties. However, the majority of Windows 7 users should have limited problems in installing the new operating system. Hopefully many of the these initial problems will be worked out.
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