One of the biggest issues with Windows Vista was the lack of compatibility with existing hardware and software. Microsoft released a Windows Vista Compatibility Center to help address the issue and inform users of what works with Vista and what does not (although a compatibility center did not solve the core issue of how Windows Vista pre-SP1 was horrible and mostly incompatible with just about everything). Windows 7, just released 3 days ago, does not suffer, for the most part, from similar incompatibility issues. However a wise consumer will want to be 100% sure their computer, hardware and software wise, will work on Windows 7 before they shell out money to upgrade. So, for that reason Microsoft provides two tools: Windows 7 Compatibility Center and Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
Windows 7 Compatibility Center
The Windows 7 Compatibility Center allows users to search for specific hardware and software and see if it is compatible with Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit):
As per Microsoft, each software/hardware will be marked with a specific icon indicating its Windows 7 Compatibility status:
Now the Windows 7 Compatibility Center is far from a complete database; it is not a "know-all-be-all" place yet:
However, the Windows 7 Compatibility Center is a good place to start if you are unsure if your software or hardware will work with Windows 7.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Image by Microsoft.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is an 8.3 MB download Windows XP and Windows Vista users can get to see if their current computer configuration (all hardware and software) will work with Windows 7. You simply need to download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and let it scan your computer. It will then report back what it finds and even give you tips, if applicable, to what you can do to fix any possible issues.
Two things to note before using the Upgrade Advisor:
- Information about your PC will be sent to Microsoft, but no information will be used to identify or contact you. For more information, read the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor privacy statement.
- Before scanning your PC with the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in and power on any USB devices or other devices, such as printers, external hard disks, and scanners, that you regularly use with the PC you're checking.
You may access both the Compatibility Center and the Upgrade Advisor from the following links:
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>>jv16 PowerTools - The Ultimate System Cleaning and Error Fixing Utility Suite
SKYC
Hi Ashraf,
I recently used win7advisor, Found out I’m not in too bad a shape.
Sound, video, and printer drivers need updated.
What I didn’t like ’bout the experience was that the win7adv program installs itself, and after it does it’s job, (’bout 5-6″) it just sits there occupying 8.8mb of hard-drive.
Needless to say, it’s gone now.
Quro@75
Win7? Oh no..no..
Although this utility gonna yell (I think..) ” Hey, all of your softwares and hardwares are 100% working with me, come on, grab your wallet and buy this awesome win7 today!”
Look at the prices of Win7 in all versions, dang! Absolutely out of the reach…
Mike
Windows 7 upgrade for students with a .edu email address: $30. Also, Windows 7 upgrades were available for pre-sale during the summer, at $50 for the Home Premium version. You may want to check out at eBay, for people selling theirs.
Ashraf
@SKYC: I agree it would be better being portable.
@Quro@75: I got mine (non-upgrade) for $15. It was Win7 Pro.
@Mike: I thought it was $20?
Mike
@Ashraf– Many thanks for coordinating and presenting this information! A good reminder (and I just purchased a PC USB TV tuner that I need to check–great timing!).
Ashraf
@Mike: You are welcome =).
Samuel
Ashrad, no its 30 for students.
Ashraf
@Samuel: Oh okay. Thanks.
Quro@75
@Ashraf
$15? Are U kidding? No? Could you please tell me where did you buy that? In my country that Win7 gonna cost you almost $150 via reseller.
Could you please give me the link, I’ll check it out please…
Thanks.
jumbi
Thanks once again for your clear instructions.
(I had found out only the 2ndt tool before reading)