Which version of Win7?

[macgyver22]

I have 3 PCs that desperately need a new OS. 2 run XP and one runs (horribly I might add) Vista.

My question is, what is the real difference between the 3 version of Win7? I plan on fresh installs, so I will get the OEM kits at newegg, not upgrades. There is very little info I have seen from MS on what the 'real' difference is on the different versions. I'm leaning towards the business (or middle one). The top end system just seems to have multiple language support - am I right on that?

Thanks for enduring my babbling...

[proxops-pete]

For gamers, Win 7 Prem. is the only one... the XP Mode (or whatever it is called) works only for 2-D... so forget the Pro version unless you REALLY want some of the network-specific stuff...

[Loser-P]

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp

If you see anything in the Professional edition that you need then get that, however for most home users and gamers Windows 7 Home Premium is the way to go.

[James]

Newegg's OEM prices have leaked. $99 for Home Premium $139 for Professional.

I'll probably get Professional for my main rig (I'm always hopeful to have more than 16GB in it soon, which is the limit for Home Premium). The rest of the systems, including my HTPC will get Home Premium. Both HP and Pro support 4 tuners of each type, so that Ceton Quad tuner MCARD adapter is looking pretty nice.

[ua549]

I pre purchased several Professional licenses when they were deeply discounted.

[OpStar]

Just buy the family version if you need it for 3 pcs.

[Dark Sonic]

All depends on what you need. I had access to Professional so it's what I installed. So far I love it! It's nice knowing that if I ever come across a program that doesn't quite work I can just install it under XP and have it work perfectly.

[dimmy32]

You guys think there's any diff in performance between premium and professional ?

[James]

A few of the remote access features, and XP Mode.

[Dark Sonic]

You guys think there's any diff in performance between premium and professional ?

Uhh, I doubt it. Aside from missing features I believe it's the same OS.

[vrao81]

I've got some questions...

1) If I install Windows 7, do programs and games designed for XP still work? Like Crysis?

2) If I have a secondary, non boot hard drive under XP that is full of games, videos, mp3's, etc...and move it to Windows 7, will that drive still be accessible with all the files, without having to format it?

[Ubon94]

I've got some questions...

1) If I install Windows 7, do programs and games designed for XP still work? Like Crysis?

2) If I have a secondary, non boot hard drive under XP that is full of games, videos, mp3's, etc...and move it to Windows 7, will that drive still be accessible with all the files, without having to format it?

That would be great if it's let u do that... i hate having to reload everything when u installed a new OS


I do have a game was made in 1997.. 16bit i think not sure if it will work with win7..but it does work with xp and vista..so im assuming win7 has xp mode it musta work eh?

[Hadsus]

Is 64 bit the way to go here? I'll be installing it on a new system.

[rimmerchant]

I've got some questions...

1) If I install Windows 7, do programs and games designed for XP still work? Like Crysis?

2) If I have a secondary, non boot hard drive under XP that is full of games, videos, mp3's, etc...and move it to Windows 7, will that drive still be accessible with all the files, without having to format it?

1) not sure about programs since I didn't get around to trying it out on Win 7 ultimate. (I use that win 7 machine for gaming only so far) but most games I tried when I had it installed under XP works in Win 7. I have gone through like close to 30 out of 50ish games and only about 3 or 4 won't run for one eason or another.

The trick is to: (at least for games, but it should work for programs too)
a) check your "user application data and local" (inside document and settings folder) and "My doucument" for folders that are created by your game. and make a backup of those folders

b) check your registry for entries created by your games. and make backup of it. thought I don't do this and it works fine..

c) have a "no cd" to crack the games.

What I did is just copy the game directory and associated app data/local setting/my document directories to another drive prior to installing Win7

once Win 7 is installed.

when I want to run a game, I just copy the associated app data/local setting/ my docu directories back to the associated locations on the new win 7 drive. You just need to do this once for each game (you probably don't even need to do this generally they are just stored save games/keybinding/video settings.)

I then goto the directory in the harddrive where I copied the game folder and click on the executable (ex. CRYSIS.EXE) The game would start up and run fine.
If it crash to desktop or anything else just right click on the EXE file and goto properties -> compatibilty and choose Run in Windows XP sp3 mode. (roughtly about 40% of the games I have need to have this done, you only need to do it once anyway)

btw: alot of games have some kind of protection that is why you should have the games cracked first.

yes, crysis runs perfectly it do look alittle bit nicer running under DX10.

I'll be damned if I have to unbox my games and start pulling out all these CD/DVDs to reinstall my games all over again this method is faster and easier.

2) I don't see reasony why if you have another HD that is just storage it wouldn't work. you sound be able to see the HD and all it's file perfectly. I got 2 other HD and after installing win 7 it sees it no problem.

[gkline]

I installed Windows 7 Pro on my main rig because I had ordered a copy way back when the discounts were good. A lot of work yesterday but well worth it. Re-installing games today. I'll post about Crysis, COD4 and CODWAW. More later. At this stage, Windows 7 is WAY smoother than Vista.