Upgrade from XP to win 7 on a Inspiron 6400

[redbaron_snoopy]

Hi, I plan to upgrade the OS in a dell Inspiron 6400 from XP to win 7. Have already added ram (3Gb) and a new harddisk.

Pls advice if my approach below is sound and if I missed any important steps pls let me know
- install win 7 (32bit)
- update drivers found by win 7
- check for yellow flags in device manager and if there is, apply vista drivers
- install vista-based apps for those hot keys

One thing - what about chipset drivers ?

Thanks

[jdeb]

That is a pretty old laptop. What is the service tag#? You could also check yourself in the link below. If there are no drivers for Windows 7, I would not bother with it.

http://www.dell.com/support/troubles...roductSelector

[EzyStvy]

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Find out if your PC can run Windows 7

To see if your PC is ready for Windows 7, download the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It scans your PC for potential issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs, and recommends what to do before you upgrade. (If you’re already running Windows 7, you can add premium features online with a Windows 7 upgrade.)
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Find out if your PC can run Windows 7 To see if your PC is ready for Windows 7, download the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It scans your PC for potential issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs, and recommends what to do before you upgrade. (If you’re already running Windows 7, you can add premium features online with a Windows 7 upgrade.) Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows

I always forget about that, thanks.

[redbaron_snoopy]

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, I used Win 7 advisor and it reports a custom install.
Regarding drivers, it refer me back to Dell website.
At the Dell website, it has only vista drivers, no win 7 drivers. Yes, its a pretty old laptop but its running well (on XP pro) and previous owner has replaced some parts over the years so its still in pretty good shape.

I think its still good for at least a couple of years more and as I have an OEM win 7 lying around unused, I thought of upgrading it.

Just not sure whats the risk of problems with drivers thereafter so hoping someone here has similar experience.

[EzyStvy]

The similar experience is that maybe some parts of the lappy won't work properly if you don't have the correct drivers... And there's only one fool proof way to find out.

[jdeb]

Stick with XP. You will more than likely run into an issue with some part of the hardware.