General opinion Beta 7

[redvette]

Hi gang

So what is the general opinion on the new 7 beta, as far as the dual boot it or put on a separate HD.?

I have it down loaded on a disk so far, and intend to install it on a extra computer, it has a single HD but I can install another one, no problem. Now would it be better to do the dual boot, or install it on its own HD.? The extra computer has XP Pro installed now.

So if I go the 2 HD's should I unplug the main HD during the install of the Beta 7.? I know it is best being this is a Beta version to not fool around with it on your main computer. So this is why I am using this extra one. It has a Intel board and CPU.

Want any and all opinions. I value all of them.

Thanx.....Gunny

[glc]

Moved to the appropriate forum.

[not important]

I installed it on a clean HDD. There is a lot of info about installation here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stall/threads/

[Force Flow]

I installed it on a test machine, but haven't played with it a whole lot. But, from what little I've played with it, it seems to have some decent improvements over vista (especially where the UI is concerned).

As for installation, yes, if you want to install it, install it in a manner so that it won't interfere with anything else.

Just for the heck of it, I did a dual boot with XP (after reparitioning with a GParted LiveCD). I can boot to both, but in Windows 7, I can't see the XP partition, and win 7 thinks it's on C:.

[redvette]

Hi gang

Thanx for all the info and the opinions. Seems there are more with out having problems then having problems.

GLC...ooooppppppppss did I do a bo bo, where did you put me.? I decided to put it here because of the XP talk too.

Thanx....Gunny

[doubledragon5]

Was running for a few days, then constant BSOD. Windows debugger with Beta symbols would not run even thou the symbols were for Wind 7 Beta so I finally uninstalled it and went back to XP Pro..

[patrickt]

It's a beta1 so a few glitches are expected. I've found a few problems in the beta but most of the problems I have encountered have been mine. Some people have a real aversion to change, too. Whining that it isn't like what you're used to is silly.

I've been using it since it came out Saturday and I think it's great. Of course, I don't have the ability some have to use a new OS for a few hours and pronounce it a service pack or a failure. I'm still learning. I laughed when I learned tonight how to go to desktop when the monitor is cluttered with windows.

EDIT: Two problems I've found deal with short-term memory. When I open a file of photos they're displayed as tiny icons no matter how many times I change them to extra-large. I also run dual-monitors. Windows7 remembers which screen gets which window but IE8 doesn't.

[mikeL]

One problem I ran across, besides not being able to see my XP drive is Disk Management will not load. I started it let it run about 10 - 15 minutes and nothing showed, something to look at this weekend. Looks like they taskbar is borrowed from linux, that is one area I like about Windows7.

[rjfvillarosa]

I installed Windows 7 beta to a spare harddrive in my test rig.

Specs:
Compaq Presario SR1309RS
AMD Sempron 3100+
1.5gig of Ram
160gig Seagate Barracuda

Windows 7 beta
AVG 8
Malwarebytes
CCleaner
Foxit pdf reader
Direct-X 9
I used the motherboard XP drivers from the HP site.

So far I have been running beta7 for about four or five days without a single problem, at first it was a bit laggy but it seems to have improved over the last few days.
I was never much of a fan of Vista and to me this feels more like a less obtrusive version of Vista and I must be honest I like it.
So far it has been perfectly stable and I hope it stays that way, I'll post back here with any issues I see.

[not important]

I find it to be a vast improvement over Vista. I had some issues with a few drivers but after looking around a bit I found everything I needed. The interface is just as disorganized and illogical as Vista but it is considerably faster and a lot better to look at.

[redvette]

Hi gang

Hey this is great, I really value your opinions. Sounds like it is a typical Beta thing, some having real problems and some running smoothly. I guess if you have in your mind before you even think of downloading this, that this might not be great, or work very well, then if it don't you won't be surprised, and if it does run good then you will be happily surprised. :-)

I am going to be putting the extra HD in my other Computer today and go to install the version I put on a disk. I will also let you all know how it goes. What did we all do before having a spare computer around, to do this sort of thing with out risking messing up your main computer. :-)

Sorry GLC for starting my post in the wrong place.

Thanx and take care......Gunny

[redvette]

Hi gang

Well not going so good. I am trying to install it on a newly formatted HD. It starts off ok but then it comes up with cant find the drivers. I tried both methods they give you, if you are trying the install on a HD that has an operating system on it, and the other one on a clean HD. Both come up with the same thing no drivers found. any ideas.?

Thanx...Gunny

[redvette]

Excuse me I just remembered I have not portioned the HD yet. What tool is that they recommend to portion it with.?

Thanx...Gunny

[draceena01]

@redvette : I would use the drive manufacturers partitioning tool (but that's just me)

For my test of Win 7 (32 bit), I installed it in Virtual Box (HD - 10gig, RAM - 1000M, Video - 125M). So far, I've only had issues trying out the 2 "suggested" anti-virus (AVG and Kasperski) so ended up going with Avira (installed in Vista Compatibility Mode).

Also, I had to install the Guest Addition in Vista Compatibility Mode before the Win 7 would see the Virtual Network Connection and actually allow internet connectivity. Audio was also not working but once connected the Microsoft Update saw the VBox audio controller and downloaded & installed the drivers! Audo now working, have not tested mp3 yet so will be getting the fix first.

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by redvette Want any and all opinions. I value all of them. Thanx.....Gunny

Google... "Windows 7" reviews

Here's a few to look at...

Windows 7: Opps Microsoft Did it again!
http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterpri...cgd=2008-10-29

Windows 7 review
Is Windows 7 the answer to all the questions that Windows Vista poses? We've tried out the public beta to find out. Updated January 2009.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/i...eviewid=106237

Windows 7 Review Consensus: It's A Faster Vista (MSFT)
Eric Krangel | January 13, 2009
http://www.alleyinsider.com/2009/1/w...ter-vista-msft


Overall, from my own beta testing and reading the reviews,
Windows 7 is like Vista 2nd Edition. It's improved in some
respects, but for those who prefer XP over Vista, they will
probably NOT jump for joy on Windows 7.

---pete---

[rjfvillarosa]

Yesterday I had my first chance to get my hands dirty with this new OS.
I have a Promise Raid card fitted to my test rig so I can easily add in harddrives when I need to test one. I installed 7 to a harddrive connected to channel 1 on the raid card, this proved to be a real plus. If I press Esc during boot I can select the boot device and both IDE and Channel 1 show up, so no dual boot or cable swapping for me and I still have easy access to my test rig install.

Two things I have found so far just tinkering about:
1. The preinstalled Windows games like Freecell and MineSweeper don't work they cause the machine to freeze.
2. The version of Messenger that "Live Essentials" installs appears to be another beta version and again causes the machine to freeze and that was without attempting to start Messenger, just installing it screwed things up.
I downloaded one of the slightly earlier non-beta versions and that is working fine.

Internet Explorer works fine, the Control Panel is laid out clearly and is easy to navigate as is the Document Library.
Tomorrow when I have some spare time I am going to install JetAudio and a pile of music and see what that does to it.

So far so good................

[telegramsam]

I got it installed on an external drive in my work machine, with a dual boot. (Build 7000)

I love the beta. Not a single problem yet. All of my 3rd party software worked, and most downloaded programs (like Adobe Reader 8), seem to work on the Vista build. Office 2003 runs flawlessly on it as well.

No issues so far.

The most notable thing about it is the performance boost over Vista--vastly improved.

[Prew]

Concerning Video drivers- can you install the ATI drivers for VISTA- or do you need to use the driver that came with Windows 7- does the catalyst control panel work?

[EzyStvy]

I have it running on a monster machine...Socket A/Barton 2500....1 gig of ram and a 15 dollar video card. So far so good

[amdalex]

I just installed it and everything works other than it won't install some drivers but apparently it found some that work.

[ConLog]

I've been trying it for the last few days and I have to say that I'm quite impressed.

Here is some of the things I've noticed...

(1) Elements of the OS have clearly been taken from Linux
(2) Everything (software) that works in Vista, seems to work in 7
(3) For a Beta version, driver support is excellent
(4) Improvements to some of the included Windows programs are most welcome
(5) No crashes or issues whatsoever yet
(6) It seems a lot faster than Vista
(7) All included games, accessories, applications etc work flawlessly without exception

[pc master]

i'm testing the 64-bit version of windows 7. I am duel booting it on my main computer

Q6600
4gb ram

From what I have seen so far, it just works. It even installed my network printer. Driver support is really good.

Performance wise I like it. Boot times are really short and it is just fast overall!

[mikeL]

One problem I ran across, besides not being able to see my XP drive

Simple fix was to assign the drive a drive letter.

[Prew]

Installed a new Mobo- Windows 7 booted right up and installed all of the new Mobo drivers (no need for disc)- I did not have to reinstall anything.

[Kubie]

Just finished installing it on an older HP laptop. It has a P4 1.7gig cpu and 1gig memory.
Installed without a problem. All drivers loaded. It seems to be just as fast as my Vista laptop.
I installed AVG Free 8.0 as Win 7 nags you about installing an anti virus til you do.
Whether I'd buy the O/S or not remains to be seen.

[pally01]

My experience installing Windows 7 has been a little rougher than some of you, I think.

- 32 bit and 64 bit versions both went into an endless reboot cycle during installation. After reading some of the threads on the M$ site, it seems the video drivers for evga aren't up to the task and are causing lots of failed installs. I switched from a DVI to VGA monitor and was able to get both versions to boot.

- neither the 32 bit or 64 bit versions recognize my ethernet controller. I found packaged installers from EVGA that included an ethernet driver, but neither version seemed to make Windows 7 happy. Even after updating the ethernet driver, my controller is not found. EVGA's site says that Windows 7 drivers are available from Windows Update, but I can't get onto the 'net with the affected p.c. to find them. I am stuck here at the moment.

I'm using: EVGA 630i mainboard, Seagate 7200.11 500 gb hard drive (firmware fixed), 2x2gb ocz gold ram, LG DVD burner, Dell 1705 vga monitor,

[jester8562]

If I understand correctly, when installing drivers for my mobo/graphics card, etc. I should use the vista drivers? I'm planing on dual booting xp pro and 7 on a new harddrive b/c it crashed and I'm about to replace it. I am currently using my laptop but look forward to having my desktop running again.

Any tips on how I should go about installing both OS's. I imagine I should create two partitions on the drive, when installing xp and format both of the partitions to NTFS. Install XP pro first and then install 7.

Also, any tips on managing 3 OS's? My laptop is a mac which I'm using primarily at the moment. My problem is keeping everything updated. I'm still in school and so I work on things at school on my laptop but also use my desktop at home. Is there any program that can look at both computers and keep certain folders updated. Like, if i modify or create a new file on my mac, when I get home and run said program, the corresponding file on my desktop will be updated.

Thanks for the help.

[pally01]

Originally Posted by pally01 neither the 32 bit or 64 bit versions recognize my ethernet controller. I found packaged installers from EVGA that included an ethernet driver, but neither version seemed to make Windows 7 happy. Even after updating the ethernet driver, my controller is not found.

Installed a Linksys wireless card I forgot I had and overcame the driver issues. Windows 7 32-bit is up-and-running. First thing I notice is the boot time is way, way quicker than Vista. I also have less than 40 processes running which is substantially less than my Vista p.c.

So far, I like Windows 7.

[erucader]

I've been liking the Beta, it feels like what Vista should have been. I installed the 64-bit and it runs really fast. It installed fine, but I put it on the second partition of my xp drive. The only problem I've been having is the Beta crashes when coming out of standby (seems like a hardware issue), otherwise works great!