did you just upgrade or did you do a full wipe clean of vista and then install windows 7? the most problems I have seen are on ones that did not do a full wipe clean and install.

There are a few glitches with Win7. For instance, Adobe Flash Player will not work on IE 64 bit browser (they havent made one yet), so you have to use a 32 bit browser on a 64 bit system in order for it to work. Just one annoying thing I ran across. As for compatability issues with printers, you will have to go to the printer manufacturer homesite to see if they have any Win7 drivers for that model (maybe, maybe not)

Did you run the Microsoft compatibility test to see what would and would not run under Windows 7 before installing it?

My son installed Win7 for me, and he wiped the computer clean first. The computer was only a few months old, so everything had been installed on it relatively recently.

I don't know if he ran the Microsoft compatibility test, but if it's standard procedure it's likely he he. He has an IST bachelor's degree (and is a good guy to have around!).

He got my printer working, but now has to address the card reader(s) issue. This is a real nuisance for me because I do a lot with photography.

Good to know about Flash, Genes.

Did your son go inside the computer case, probably not but... The card reader is normally attached to a USB header on the motherboard.

Click Start
click Control panel
click System and Security
click Device manager in the System grouping
Now look down for the USB ports, possibly the last item listed. Click the plus sign beside that for the drop down and look for yellow exclamation or question marks indicating a problem. Hopefully one will be listed for the card reader if not double click on each and see if they report they are working properly or not.

Thanks, Owbist! I found one, and opened this message:

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

My son assembled the computer from components we bought individually. The internal card reader worked fine with Vista (as did everything else), but it was a cheap model and therefore easy to blame. But my external card reader has worked well with both of my computers. Win7 seemed to recognize it, but not the camera card it held. I kept getting messages that there was no disk in the drive.

OK so if you go back to the Device manager and run the Troubleshooter it may help fix the issue. Troubleshooter can be a little aggravating but stick with it and you may win.

The other option perhaps is to have your son move the internal connection to another USB header on the motherboard if there is a spare to use.

Regarding the memory card not being recognised in the reader, are you inserting in the right one? Not suggesting you are stupid here but these days they make everything black and almost impossible to see without a flashlight. I have popped mine into the wrong slot on my printer too often.

Thanks, I'll give the Troubleshooter a try.

It would be easy to put the card in the wrong slot on the internal reader, which is black and in the dark. But the external one sits on my desk in the light. Nope, definitely in the right slot. :-)

I forgot to mention another minor Win7 annoyance: I used to put my computer in Sleep mode before bed. But every time I did that with Win7, it took the computer offline. When I revived the computer in the morning, I'd have to reconnect. (I have DSL.) Now I just turn off my monitors at night.

Now I just turn off my monitors at night.

When you arrive in the morning what do you find regarding fan activity or lights?

Here is a good tutorial regarding hibernation on Win7 and here is one on adjusting the settings if you wish to do so.

Have you finally gotten your problems straightened out? I have been sitting here with my Win 7 disc but afraid of problems. I have only been using Vista since I bought the computer in Nov and do not like it but it came with the free upgrade.

It is truly unfortunate that you or any member have concerns with their systems, particularly after upgrading the O/S. However, this happens time and time again where the euphoria of anticipation is doused by the rain of reality when a new O/S is released and user upgrades follow.

Not all systems, all software or all peripherals will work as we know it, if at all, when an O/S upgrade is completed. For those who did the double jump from XP to W7 the trepidation is even greater. I personally have been recommending Vista users not to upgrade as I feel it is a waste of money due to the major duplicity of Vista and W7.

If members are thinking that compatibility issues have been "fun" in the past wait until the release of W8. It will be a 128-bit O/S.

DA

I think you will like windows 7. Vista is not for everyone. One of the most annoying operating systems I have ever encountered. Although it is the second most used operating system XP being first. Thinking that will change soon.

I installed windows 7 RC Version just to try it and never booted back to Vista. I will do a clean install of 7 in June when the RC version runs it's course.

Two points I failed to include.

When determining the quality of a new O/S users must differentiate between a factory OEM install and a user upgrade. In the case of both XP and Vista the vast majority of complaints were with upgrades.

Also, users must remember that W7 is reported to be upwards to 85% the same as Vista. The remaining 15% could be very important to the individual user with each user being the factor.

DA

Eandhl do not be afraid of Windows 7, however why not take the precaution of running the compatibility test from Microsoft linked below. That way you will almost know for sure about all your current programs and hardware set up.

Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft compatibility test

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is of course an excellent suggestion. Just be advised so you don't worry that the Advisor is actually an application which will be downloaded and installed onto your system with an entry on the Start Menu. Also, it will develop a report which will be saved on board in the Documents folder.

The Advisor can be removed via the Add/Remove utility.

It is a good idea to run.

DA

I have been using it since October 2007. No more problems than anything else I have. I use XP.

Nancy

owbist,I will do the Microsoft compatibility test when I get the nerve to install the Windows 7. Are you saying on the machines sold that got the free upgrade there may be non compatible hardware? I just opened the package and there are 2 CD's. Upgrade manager and Windows 7 Home premium upgrade Media to use for 64 bit software.

Eandhl I had not realised your computer was one that came with the free upgrade to W7. So you should be good to go without running the test. Yes there is a 64 bit and 32 bit version included with mine also.

owbist, thanks for information. I still have to get up the nerve to do the change. I have never upgraded an operating system before.