Returning to Vista for a 7 upgrade

Good Day all

So its been 3 or 4 years Ive had this machine and have never been able to use it to do what I bought it for. Check my specs please. I converted to XP so the machine would operate with stability and speed... so it does but I can not process video files. There are also a host of software and hardware issues that seem to be unresolvable due to my hardware not being backed by XP. I am considering installing the original software and OS, Vista with media direct. Then upgrading to the new windows 7.

There was once a thread here that had step by step instructions on how to do a complete OS re installation on this machine with the factory discs (i guess) as I have them... but I can't find that post.

Can anyone remember where this post is?
I'd install 7 right away but I would have to research the heck out of every component my machine has to see if 7 supports. Heck Id stick with Vista if the patches were decent even.

Thanks, Ken

 

I wouldn't worry about your system and Windows 7. If your machine can run Vista, it can run 7. I'm also a bit shocked that you had so much trouble with XP, usually that only happens on newer machines that were designed just for Vista. (the 6400 AKA. E1505 initially came with XP)

With that said, Vista got a lot of flack at launch due to the device makers not supporting it correctly, but now it's a very nice OS that was only tainted by word of mouth reputation.

The guide you need is here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell/157838-dell-vista-laptop-reformat-bloatware-removal-guide.html

Good Luck

 

You don't need to install Vista to upgrade to Windows 7. There's a way around that. PM sent.

 

I agree that with the updates Vista will be better than it was when I got the machine. When I got the machine there were compatibility issues with hardware and software that came with the machine. I did not modify anything. I hope I can use this laptop to its fullest with vista and all its updates.

XP was awesome and stable however there are still devices like my DVD burner, sound and 3D that have hardware which was not offered with XP even on this machine. It used to display 3D on programs like Google Earth but for some reason any program I use that has any 3D capability now comes back saying there are no 3D devices on my machine.

I did the Windows 7 compatibility scan at dells website and the only thing they came up with is that 7 may not work well with just a few minor programs like Sigma Tell sound. They did however state that I would have to do a custom install.

I think for now the best bet is to return the machine back to original with Vista and hope the updates have solved all the original issues. In doing so, my plan is to first download and install the correct Bios. Then on with the media direct disc. I remember when I installed XP I had to do a chip set driver change too. Is this something that should be on my Dell discs or do I do that separate? I am aware that after this machine is up and running again I can always go to Dell and download the latest driver for that too so maybe I just answered my own question.

Any install tips are welcome.

Thanks for your time, Ken