Changing operating systems

[mel3986]

Hello there,
I don't know if it's the right forum post this. But here goes. I have a Dell Inspiron 531 Vista operating system. It has been working well for my use. But I believe by the end of this month I will be vulnerable because I can't get any updates.

My question is can I change the operating system in order to get the updates needed on this computer, to give it a longer life.

The security that I have on this computer is what comes with the Windows Vista security and through my cable company. Is the security from the cable company sufficient? Providing they keep up-to-date.

Anything you have to say would be greatly appreciated.

[SpywareDr]

Upgrade Options for Windows Vista as Support Expires in 2017

[IPR512]

As far as installing a new operating system on your computer I think you would run into problems in finding drivers for it. Dell has drivers for XP and Vista for it, and doesn't mention Windows 7 for that computer.

[mel3986]

Thank you for answering so quickly.

I ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor, and it told me I have an upgrade option available, but I can't seem to get Windows 7 to install. Maybe I'm going about it wrong.

[renegade600]

Originally Posted by mel3986

Thank you for answering so quickly.

I ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor, and it told me I have an upgrade option available, but I can't seem to get Windows 7 to install. Maybe I'm going about it wrong.

the upgrade advisor is worthless for most older computers. it only checks some specs not all specs or if drivers are available. that is what you really need to look at. as previously stated, if the manufacturers do not have drivers, it is usually best not to upgrade.

as far as vista not being supported anymore, as long as you practice save surfin, keep your antiviruses uptodate, you can continue to run vista.

if you are bound and determined to upgrade to win7. make sure you have a copy of vista or a good backup or clone of it in case win 7 does not work. you want to make sure you have something to go back to.

as far as the problem of not getting win7 to install. you need to provide more detail. at what point are you having problems with. any error messages. is it a legit copy of win7. you are only eligible for an upgrade version. you cannot use one from another computer.

[mel3986]

Thank you again for answering so quickly.

I think I tried to install Windows 7 from the file I have on file. I think I was supposed to use or reboot from a disk with Windows 7 on it.

I try to surf safely and keep my antivirus up-to-date through my cable server.

Maybe I will hold out to the very last before I try to install Windows 7

Thank you for all the information I will put it to good use. Thank you again

[IPR512]

You will need a Windows 7 CD to install it, and you need to boot your computer from it.
It's your computer, but as I told you Dell doesn't show any drivers for Windows 7 for it.

[Appzalien]

Here is some reading for you:
http://en.community.dell.com/support...514/t/19299756
and
http://en.community.dell.com/support...514/t/19357374

[mel3986]

Thank you all for your response I have done the upgrade which I accidentally did a wipe and install . There was a few problems but they all got worked out. Problems I had worked out I believe in software forum.I have been up and running for on Windows 7 professional about 5 to 6 weeks, some problems which Are a work in progress.I am getting comfortable with it.Now the fight is between which browser do I use each one has its problems ,right now I'm settled on Internet Explorer browser. Thank you again you guys are the greatest.

[SpywareDr]

You're about two years late with a reply there mino40.

[renegade600]

Originally Posted by SpywareDr

You're about two years late with a reply there mino40.

you replying to a ghost ;-P

[smurfy]

spam magnet thread closed.