INFO: Installing Windows 7 On Older Systems
(Article: 1370)

Summary

This article provides the best information for installing Windows 7 on an older system or notebook.

Resolution

We will post Windows 7 drivers for older systems wherever possible. If you put your serial number in and do not find any Windows 7 drivers, it may mean that Vista drivers will work for you or your hardware may be natively supported by Windows 7.

Pre-Installation help

Before moving to Windows 7, download and run the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if you will have any issues with your hardware or software. You can find that here (will open in a new window): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15&displayLang=en
Microsoft will make every attempt to provide useful information about updated software and drivers from the Upgrade Advisor.

Microsoft maintains a list of Windows 7 system requirements here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

Older hardware

If you need a driver, always use the Windows 7 driver if one is available. If a Windows 7 driver is not available, there is a good chance the hardware's Vista driver will work just fine. There is also a lot of older hardware that is natively supported by Windows 7 and additional drivers will not be needed.

Older software

Software that was included with your system may not function with Windows 7. This includes anti-virus and disc burning software. We do not have upgrades available for software that was included with your system. There are many applications available for free on the Internet. You should have no problem replacing software that is not compatible.




Published: 11/6/2009
Last Updated: 11/6/2009
Article Type: INFO