Do I need to format my computer to instal windows 7?

I have a vista computer right now, I REALLY don't wanna delete everything on it to get windows 7. Do you know if it's possible for me to keep all my stuff and switch over to windows 7?

Also, if I go and "acquire" windows 7. What should I be looking for in the title of what I need?

 

You can upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 without loosing data as long as you keep the same version. There's a chart that I posted in another thread that is more specific.

http://forums.afterdawn.com/t.cfm/f-165/upgrading_from_vista_to_windows_7_ultimate-808358/

As for what you're looking for when buying the software, you'll want to buy Windows 7 Upgrade. You'll also want to purchase the same version, unless you want to upgrade to a higher version (such as Home Premium to Ultimate). Finally, make sure you keep the same 32 bit to 32 bit or 64 bit to 64 bit, otherwise you'll have to perform a clean install.

 

Ok, just confirming incase I missed something. After looking at your chart, it seems that I will be able to keep all my files on my windows vista Home Premium 64-bit and upgrade to windows 7 ultimate 64-bit without losing my data. Is that correct?

 

That is correct.

 

If I do a clean install, does this mean all my drivers and such need to be reinstalled? Or only software ect?

 

Windows 7 does a pretty good job of finding most drivers. Most likely you'll only need to install your software.

 

what's the best way to lookup all the drivers that I currently have on my pc?

 

If you bought your computer retail, then visit the manufacturer's website. If you built your computer, then you'll have to check each vendor's website for the latest drivers (chipset, video, audio, network, etc...). Finally, you should run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

 

I have a computer...It has an Intel i7 processor, an ATI HD 4700 videocard, 6Gb DDR3 RAM, etc.. It runs OK on Vista Ultimate 32Bit. It is slow when booting up but is fairly fast afterwards. It is just a really awkward bird with pretty feathers but unpredictable manners.

I started an Upgrade to Win7 Ultimate last night, hoping for a more elegant and pleasant 'Computer Experience'. After 3 hours of 'gathering', 'transferring', and various other obscure activities, it announced that the process had failed and within 15-20 minutes, I was back with good old Vista... My previous attempt to improve matters had involved a 64 bit Vista try-out. The world of software wasn't ready for that either.

Now, if my Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade had cost me $19.95, I might not be complaining much. Now all my wasted time and money makes me feel a bit abused. And it isn't the first time either. The question is really: How stupid am I to continue with this insanity... Windows8, that should be exciting! Cannot wait!