Tips for Hardware and Software Compatibility Before Upgrading to Windows 7

Before you make the decision to upgrade to Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 7, you need to make sure you are prepared from both a hardware and software perspective. Use this guide to make sure your computer will be able to smoothly transition to Windows
7 and save you the headache of incompatibilities when you do make the jump to Windows 7.


The first step to consider when making a decision to move to Windows 7 is hardware compatibility. If your hardware isn't compatible with Windows 7, you will be wasting your time even buying a copy of Windows 7 because you will be using it for nothing more than an over-priced coaster.

Thankfully, Microsoft has provided a free tool that will assess your computer's current configuration and tell you which version of Windows 7 is best suitable for your machine. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will perform tests on your system and let you know if your hardware and certain software is compatible for an upgrade to Windows 7. Download and install this tool from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15&displayLang=en.

Before you run the tool, ensure you have all hardware devices connected to your computer. Some often overlooked devices include USB keyboards and mice, digital cameras, MP3 players (iPods, Zunes), printers, scanners, external hard drives, audio devices (mixers, sound boards, recording equipment), and any other peripherals you may use on day to day basis.

Once the tests have been performed, carefully examine the results. Misinterpreting the results will cause nothing but headaches in the long run. The first result you want to examine is the system requirements result. If you pass the minimum system requirements, then you have cleared the first hurdle. If anything in the system requirements results indicates you can't run Windows 7, don't overlook it and feel as though you may be able to squeeze by and run Windows 7.

Next, examine your device results. Again, make sure you have all devices connected before the test is started. If all your devices pass, you are good to go. If the test indicates some of your devices have failed, there are some options you can consider. First, you can go to the
manufacturer's website to see if they have already released a driver for Windows 7, or if they have plans to do so in the near future. If you are stuck with an older device that does not have a Windows 7 driver, you may want to consider purchasing a newer device that is compatible if upgrading to Windows 7 is a must.