operating system

[mclean811]

After reading "build your own PC,, I choose windows XP rather than Vista.

Soon, Win 7 will be out. How do I change the operating system?
i.e Will I have to reformat the hard drive, or do I just buy the Win 7 and install.

Thank you

Moria

[The Wise Monkey]

You will have several options:

1. Do a clean install - this will format your hard drive and give you just the new Operating System (OS)

2. Do an upgrade - this will upgrade the OS without wiping any of your data or programs, but you might encounter compatability issues with some applications

3. Dual-boot - this option will resize the partition of your original OS and allow you to install another one on the same hard drive without them affecting each other. You will then be able to choose which OS to boot into after the POST screen has come up


I would recommend doing a fresh install, as this guarantees that all your drivers will work and you won't encounter any issues with program compatability. It wouldn't be so bad doing an upgrade from Vista to Windows 7, but you might encounter problems upgrading from XP.