Update to Windows 7: 2h30 and our data intact

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Microsoft clearly invites Vista users to update to Windows 7 without formating first. We’ve tested it with success.


We have a Dell Studio 17 Vista 32-bit. We wanted to check the situation out. First however, we carried out a micro-survey here in editorial. Who would format and who would update? The testers replied update. For the developers not even in their dreams: format every time. We didn’t listen.

The operation was longer than expected. After copying the original system and data – we’re not crazy! – we updated our machine: Two and a half hours!

The computer started up no problem. In spite of Microsoft’s reassuring words we were a bit nervous. Who’s never lost their data when updating an OS? This has happened to us so many times, on our own machines and on those of friends, that we didn’t really believe the operation would be a success. It worked however! All the data was there, all the software works. We lost our shortcuts in the task bar – you have to get used to the new superbar and its way of working – but that was all. For the rest the system resembles Vista quite closely (not necessarily an advantage as we like to be abe to SEE the changes when we shell out this much!) so no adaptation needed. As long as it’s more stable with better multitasking! Régis Jehl (our resident tester), who has been working on W7 for months, is reassuring on the subject.