Will this system run Windows 7?

I have a laptop with Celeron M 380 1,6 GHz, 512 MB RAM DDR2 and 60 GB HDD. I'm wondering if I could run Windows 7 on it, with the classic theme like this one? Will it work? I'm going to use it for uTorrent + Y!M + Firefox and foobar2000, and sometimes an HD movie. I won't play any games on it. I would like to run smooth, I'm not going to use the Aero theme anyway. So, what do you think?

 

How many memory slots are available, and what is your current memory configuration (for example, 2x256mb slots)? I bet you can upgrade it to 1.5gb for less than 50 bucks, if you do that than it should run Windows 7 just fine.

 

It would run, but I think the limiting factor here is the 512MB RAM. What graphics chipset is on that laptop? You'll have to consider also that the graphics chipset will also use up part of that 512 MB if it's integrated. An HD movie might have some problems with playback, again because of the RAM and also the Celeron processor.

 

Oh yeah, and run the Windows 7 upgrade adviser to make sure all your drivers are compatible.

 

I think the 60 gb hd is kind of limiting, unless you don't expect to fill it up quickly. Windows will definitely take a good amount of the space already; meaning close to 1/3.

 

It will run but I h don't think you will have a smooth experience, and won't be able to play HD movies.. I don't even think your video card is capable of this either way. If your system can run Vista, it can run Win7.
Also, remember that you need your system to have Win7 (or Vista) drivers, for the best experience based on your specs.

Also, note that many features will be disabled when not using Aero.

 

Here's a useful thread about running W7 with 512MB: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=340971

Bottom line: W7 will probably run a little slower than XP and depending on your hardware, drivers may be a problem.

 

If this laptop currently has XP, I'd stick with that.

Chances are a PC with those specs (mainly 60GB HDD) is a telltale sign the laptop must be several years old. Windows 7 is impressive with older hardware, but it won't perform miracles. Your CPU and GPU (assuming integrated and probably GMA x3100 at best) will be your limited factor for HD movies. Actually, your screen is probably 1280x800 if not 1024x768, and I'd stick with DVD quality movies for that resolution anyhow. By HD movies, I am assuming you mean by an HD movie file (which would consume your precious 60GB in no time) because surely that machine doesn't include a BR drive. If so, the drive is worth more than that entire laptop.

FWIW, your best bet is to buy 1GB DDR as other's have suggested, stick with XP and that would be about your only and best upgrade path.

 

You can use this free tool from Microsoft, to know if your system can run Win7. It will also tell you what is wrong, including if you will have the drivers:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/upgrade-advisor.aspx

 

I don't think he is talking about hd movies on a blueray disk. In that case, the laptop will handle most 720P and 1080P blueray-rips perfectly if you know how to set it up. GPU will not be a factor because your CPU can do all the decoding without any GPU acceleration at all. Just make sure the hd video's bitrate is below 15Mbps as a safe bet.

On my intel atom netbook with intel GMA 950, it can play 1080P content up to 7.5mbps and 720P content at 10mbps. I used the integrated windows media player or media center to play those videos. Since your laptop is a bit more powerful than my netbook, I'm sure those hd-videos that you download from the internet will play just fine.