Best sources for Windows 7?

[eridani]

I'm trying to upgrade from XP and hate Windows 8.1. I orderd disks for a 32 bit machine from an outfit callec Capitol PC in Arizona. They sent me a 64 bit version and refuse to answer phone messages or emails. I tried to send it back for an exchange, but they refused to accept it. $70 dollars sounded like a good deal, but I noticedf that Fry's Electronics is selling it for $395. Is something automatically suspicious if it is selling for under $100? Noting some Amazon pricing from $8-=$90.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I'm not sure what you're asking for here.

I bought a new laptop with Win 7 from Lenovo over the internet.

[eridani]

5. I mean just the software to upgrade existing computers n/t

[Renew Deal]

2. Install Windows 8 and Classic Shell.

[hobbit709]

3. how old is your machine if it's not a 64 bit cpu?

[eridani]

4. 2005. Also I have a 2006 laptop with XP

I'm waiting on replacing it until we can get our DSL replaced with broadband. Marginal connectivity will slow down a new machine, presumably.

[hobbit709]

6. Just because XP is a 32 bit OS doesn't mean the cpu is 32 bit.

look up what processor your computers are using. I'll bet they are actually 64 bit cpus.

DSL is broadband. My DSL is 6 mbps.

[eridani]

7. It's a connection on my landline

And it's pretty slow, as we're near the limit of getting service at all. Under properties it says I have a Pentium (R) 4 CPU. Can't find anything that says how many bits that is. I have 1.5 GB of RAM.

[hobbit709]

8. Pentium 4 should be 64 bit.

Go to programs, accessories, system tools and system information and it will tell you what processor you have and if it's x64 or not.

[eridani]

9. Nothing under System Information says anything about 64 vs 32

Since the company I ordered from refused to accept the 64 bit disks, what could go wrong if I tried to use them to upgrade from XP?

[hobbit709]

10. for starters you can't just upgrade from XP to 7

you will have to save all your data files to an external drive.
The main drive will wipe and then install 7. After 7 installs you may have to add drivers for some hardware and then you will have to reinstall all your programs.

what is the make and model of your computer

[eridani]

12. It's a homebrew build by a friend who has since died of breast cancer.

Where can I get information about drivers for my peripherals? I've already copied data files and my program files to an external disk. Hope I won't have to upgrade fo the 2010 office. Or will I?

[hobbit709]

13. Motherboard drivers are available from the manufacturer of the board

Any other boards plugged into it you can do the same. Printer drivers available from whoever made the printer. Windows 7 will probably have most of the drivers in its database.
If your older version of office worked fine on XP it should work on 7. Just make sure you have the product key.
The program files won't do you any good, you will have to reinstall all programs from scratch

[gvstn]

11. I would consider having your credit card company reverse the charge

If Capitol PC won't answer your inquiries. At least get your $70 dollars back.

If I remember correctly an XP to Win7 upgrade disc retailed for $99 when Microsoft released them. An upgrade disc is different then a full retail copy of Win7 as the disc has to determine that you have XP installed (or a full XP installation disc available) before the upgrade/installation is allowed. A 64bit disc won't be compatible with a 32bit machine and I doubt a 2005 P4 is 64bit. You could put the 64 bit disc in and it should give you an error straight off about not being compatible with that machine.

I think I have seen some recent threads lamenting the availability of legitimate Win7 discs. I'll see if I can find any references to where some might be available. I usually go to Amazon or Ebay (97% positive feedback sellers) for this type of thing but it may be harder than usual because so many people suddenly want to upgrade.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

14. YIKES!!!!

...Fry's Electronics is selling it for $395...


As my Teabagger "friend" (constantly howling Benghazi! Benghazi!) wrote on my Facebook wall today -- Seriesly?

Had to be a volume (multiple devices) license?

Just did a quick search @Frys.com... 7 Home Premium $99 bucks, Pro $139 & Ultimate $189
Win 8 (hate it too) OEM x64 was a double-sawbuck less than 7 -- $79 bucks LMAO.