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Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Save $80 on your Windows 7 purchase - the Upgrade does full installs, too

Windowsby Sebastian Anthony Oct 23rd 2009

Paul Thurott and a friend over at the SuperSite Blog have worked out how to perform a clean Windows 7 install using the upgrade disc. Come again?

That's right: save $80 and buy the Windows 7 Upgrade disc, because you can use it to perform a clean, full-featured installation. Awesome!

The instructions are as follows:

1. Perform a clean installation using the Upgrade disc -- this should work without a hitch.

2. Make sure there are no Windows Updates pending -- if there's an orange shield icon next to the Shutdown button in the Start Menu, that means you need to reboot before attempting the next steps.

3. Open 'regedit.exe' from the Start Menu -- just type it in there, where it says: Search programs and files. Accept the User Account Control dialogue that pops up to give yourself Windows 7 superpowers.

4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/

5. Change MediaBootInstall from '1' to '0'

6. Open the Start Menu again and type 'cmd' -- use ctrl+shift+enter to run it as an elevated-permissions user

7. Finally, type slmgr /rearm -- and press enter.

Your computer will now reboot and run the Activate Windows utility. Type in your product key aaaaaaand, as the SuperSite Blog says: voila! Much love, Paul.

Tags: cheap, tricks, upgrade, windows 7, windows-7, windows7

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Buy a PC recently? Make sure to register for your Windows 7 upgrade

Windowsby Brad Linder Oct 22nd 2009

Dell Windows 7 Upgrade
There are plenty of ways to get your hands on Windows 7 starting today. You can buy a new PC that comes preloaded with the operating system, or pick up a retail or OEM copy. But there's another way that you might be able to snag a free or cheap copy: if you've purchased a computer running Windows Vista in the last few months, there's a pretty good chance it qualifies for the PC maker's Windows 7 Upgrade program.

Here's how it works. If you buy a qualifying PC between June 26th, 2009 and January 31st, 2010, you can register for an upgrade to Windows 7 and your PC maker will ship an upgrade DVD to your door. Most netbooks, nettops, and other low cost PCs running Windows XP don't qualify for these upgrade programs and other restrictions may apply. Some companies may send you an upgrade disc for free of while others may charge a small fee and/or charge for shipping.

Here's a roundup of Windows 7 upgrade programs from most of the major PC manufacturers. If you purchased a computer from any of these companies on or after June 26th and haven't already registered for an upgrade you might want to click the links below to register now.
For the most part you should be able to upgrade to the Windows 7 equivalent of the operating system you're using. In other words, if you purchased a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium you'll probably be able to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium for free.Know of a PC maker with an upgrade program that we missed? Let us know about it in the comments!

Tags: free-upgrade, microsoft, upgrade, windows-7, windows-7-upgrade-program

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Filed under: OS Updates, Microsoft

Ask DLS: shouldn't we be able to download our Vista-to-Windows 7 upgrade?

by Lee Mathews Oct 21st 2009


The Windows 7 beta was downloadable. The release candidate was downloadable. But the Vista-to-Windows 7 offer upgrade shipping with most retail computer systems? Not so much.

It says so right on the Upgrade Option site's landing page: "Upgrades for qualifying orders will be shipped on DVD, beginning on the Windows 7 general availability date of 22 October 2009." Boo.

Why can't we have a download, Microsoft? Apart from the fact that it's one less DVD that needs to be pressed, one less case, one less insert, mailer, and so on - it's also a needless waste of time. If you let me generate a product code like you do on TechNet or did with the previous downloads, my customer could have a fully activated Windows 7 install right now.

I'm not willing to gamble that Canada Post will get his copy here before the activation grace period expires. For now, he's leaving with a Vista laptop which he'll have to bring back later so I can migrate him to Windows 7 once his disc arrives.

What do you think about the lack of a download option? Take the poll, and leave your comments after the break!

Read more →

Tags: download, opinion, upgrade, windows-7, windows7

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows

Windows 7 upgrade could take 20+ hours (reasons to do a clean install)

Windowsby Brad Linder Sep 12th 2009

Windows 7 upgrade times
There are generally two ways to upgrade a computer from one Windows operating system to a newer version. You can either backup all of your data, do a clean install, and then reinstall all of your programs and copy all of your data back to the hard drive, or you can do an "upgrade" which should keep your files, settings, and all compatible programs intact.

Now, reading those two descriptions, you would think that the latter would be faster and easier. And indeed, for many users, it is easier. But it's rarely faster.

In fact, in recent tests, it turned out that it could take more than 20 hours to upgrade a system from Windows Vista SP1 to Windows 7. To be fair, it could also take as little as 27 minutes. But if you've got a ton of data and applications loaded on your computer, you might be better off backing up your data and/or partitioning your hard drive and doing a clean install.

The test systems that had the fastest upgrade times had 20 applications installed and about 70GB of data stored on the hard drive. On these systems, it doesn't take much longer to upgrade from Windows Vista than it does to do a clean install, even on a relatively slow computer.

But if you want to check the test results and see if you can spend 20 hours upgrading your system all you'll need is a computer with 650Gb of data, 40 applications installed, a 2.6GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 5200+ CPU, 2Gb of RAM, a 7200RPM hard drive, and the 32-bit version of Windows Vista SP1.

[via Engadget]

Tags: clean-install, upgrade, windows-7

Filed under: Security, News, Blogging

Wordpress under attack, upgrade your blog now

by Jay Hathaway Sep 6th 2009

Several sites are reporting that a major attack on Wordpress blogs started yesterday. The latest version of Wordpress, 2.8.4, is not vulnerable to this particular worm, so upgrading now could save you a lot of headaches. The worm creates a new, hidden administrator account on your blog, allowing whoever's behind this thing to access the guts of your blog, databases and all.

How do you know if your site has been affected? Lorelle on Wordpress offers two possible ways to find out:

There are strange additions to the pretty permalinks, such as example.com/category/post-title/%&(%7B$%7Beval(base64_decode($_SERVER%5BHTTP_REFERER%5D))%7D%7D|.+)&%/. The keywords are "eval" and "base64_decode."

The second clue is that a "back door" was created by a "hidden" Administrator. Check your site users for "Administrator (2)" or a name you do not recognize.

Wordpress has acknowledged the attacks and encouraged users to upgrade their sites. Wordpress.com users aren't affected, as the whole system has already been updated to 2.8.4. If you've already been afflicted by the attack, start on the steps in Wordpress' FAQ.

[via Mashable]

Tags: exploit, security, upgrade, wordpress, worm

Filed under: Browsers, Humor

One big reason people didn't upgrade from Firefox 2 to 3? Hiding porn bookmarks.

by Lee Mathews Aug 26th 2009

Generally, improvements in software are a good thing. Improving something means making it better, right? In the case of Firefox 3's enhanced Awesome Bar, maybe not so much.

The Firefox security team has been analyzing data collected from users who declined to upgrade from version 2 to 3 back in May when Mozilla issued a friendly nudge. Those users were given the chance to fill out a questionnaire to explain their decision. One big sticking point: the suped-up address bar's ability to match text you enter with your bookmarks.

Here's how the Firefox crew describes a common scenario:
"In some cases users had intentionally hidden these bookmarks in deep hierarchies of folders, somewhat similar to how one might hide a physical object. Having something from your previous browsing displayed to someone else who is using your computer (or even worse) to a large audience of people as you are giving a presentation, is really one of the most embarrassing things that Firefox can do to you."
Translation: I hid all my bookmarks to NSFW cosplay sites in My Bookmarks\Harmless\Totally Harmless\No Really\Why are you still drilling down\Nothing to see here\Get out of my chair already\Sandwiches and I don't want them popping up accidentally when I start typing.

Having hot-girls-in-panda-costumes.org pop up when you start typing a URL during a demonstration could definitely make things slightly uncomfortable.

You could, of course, just upgrade and follow Digital Inspiration's tips for disabling this behavior. You'll also be able to use dirty old man private browsing mode in your new Firefox 3.5 install.

[via PC Pro]

Tags: awesome-bar, bookmarks, firefox, porn, survey, upgrade, upgrading

Filed under: OS Updates, Features, Windows, Microsoft

Windows 7 upgraders guide: The simple version

Windowsby Lee Mathews Aug 7th 2009

Microsoft released a nice, big chart the other day which details the many possible ways of moving from your existing Windows OS to Windows 7. It's got a slight case of information overload, however, so let's simplify things a bit. After all, not everyone reading Download Squad is an IT director with years of experience.

First, let's spell out the important terms.

In-Place Upgrade: means one you can run from your current Windows desktop. If f you currently own a laptop or desktop with Windows Vista Home Premium you will be able to boot up your computer as normal, pop in your Windows 7 Home Premium disk, and upgrade Windows. Your existing data (music, pictures, etc.) and programs are automatically moved.

Custom Install: "Custom" here really means "new," "fresh," or "clean." When you finish installing Windows your new desktop will be pretty bare - none of your old programs of data will be there, so you'll need to back them up first. Custom installs can't be performed from your existing Windows desktop. You have to force your system to boot from the Windows 7 DVD instead.

We'll take a thorough look at doing just that in an upcoming DLS 101 post.

Read more →

Tags: install, installation, upgrade, upgrading, vista, windows-7-rtm, xp

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Filed under: OS Updates, Microsoft

Windows 7 upgrade coupons coming, could be monkey's paw for XP netbooks

by Lee Mathews Jun 12th 2009

With the drop date quickly approaching, the big OEMs are gearing up for Windows 7.

Acer, Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and Shuttle have all announced their plans to begin shipping upgrade coupons with systems that are preloaded with Windows Vista. Coupons will be valid from June 26th until January 31, 2010. The conversation with your local shopkeeper will go something like this:

"The Windows Vista laptop is cursed"

"That's bad."

"But it comes with a free upgrade coupon for Windows 7."

"That's good!"

"The coupon is also cursed."

"Can I go now?"

While it's certainly good news for consumers, it could be a punch in the face for netbook sales. We've been told that WIndows 7 runs great on netbooks - heck, my MSI Wind was running the version that published Downloadsquad's first hands-on with the new OS.

What's the big deal? No upgrade coupon for Windows XP to 7, of course. And not many netbook makers have been stupid ballsy enough to ship Vista on the diminutive machines.

Since we've also been told that Windows 7 netbooks are right around the corner, this could definitely cause sales to slow significantly.

[via PC World]

Tags: coupon, upgrade, windows-7

Filed under: Internet, OS Updates, Troubleshooting

What are your updating habits?

by Victor Agreda, Jr. Feb 4th 2009

I use Firefox for work. I interface with Blogsmith, our CMS, using Firefox. I use my primary email in Firefox. I eschew multiple plugins and add-ons because I want to squeeze as much performance as possible out of the "main window" to my work world. Today I see that there's a 3.0.6 update -- but I'm not updating yet.

Why? Because I don't trust it. Until I poke around and see that my (few) additions to the browser work, and that something serious didn't crop up, I'm not sold. And why is that? Let's just paraphrase: "burned a thousand times, now shy." This is true of OS updates, sadly. My primary work machine is a Mac, and there have been times when Apple has pushed updates that make things worse. Just recently I updated Safari, and now rendering is much slower than before. I have no idea why, nor will I ever, because by the next time I update, it might be fixed. Or it might get worse.

The question of web apps updating themselves automatically is another debate (which we'll get to soon enough). But my question is: how often do YOU update? Every point update? Do you investigate the update first, or do you just click and do it? Plus, are you less skeptical of paid updates to software? And is there an app that you've let sit, un-updated, for years because you happen to dislike the current features or interface? Sound off in the comments.

Tags: firefox, question, software, update, upgrade

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Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

No easy upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7

Windowsby Brad Linder Jan 30th 2009

Windows 7
If you're running Windows 7 beta, you probably know that when you first load operating system it asks if you want to upgrade an existing Windows installation or do a fresh install. But as Business Week's Stephen Wildstrom points out, that upgrade feature only works for Windows Vista users. If you want to upgrade from Windows XP you're out of luck.

Now, that doesn't mean that Microsoft won't offer a lower priced version of Windows 7 for Windows XP users who want to upgrade. What it does mean is that you probably won't be able to load Windows 7 on a computer running XP without losing your personal data, programs, and settings. But Windows 7 is enough like Windows Vista that Vista users will be able to install the newer operating system while leaving many files intact.

[via Eee PC.net]

Tags: upgrade, windows-7, windows-xp

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows Mobile, Microsoft

No Windows Mobile 6.1 love for current generation HP iPaq models

by Brad Linder Apr 10th 2008

winmo61Microsoft may be rolling out an incremental upgrade to its Windows Mobile operating system for PDAs and cellphones, but it's up to device manufacturers and wireless carriers to decide whether to offer Windows Mobile 6.1 to existing customers. And it looks like HP has decided that customers who have already bought current generation iPaq devices can live without the update.

One of the things that has long set mobile operating systems apart from desktop OSes is the fact that users can't just walk into the store, but a software upgrade and apply it themselves. In the olden days, OS upgrades came on ROM chips and you literally had to update a device's hardware in order to update the OS. Now most Windows Mobile devices can be upgraded via a software-only update process. But because the OS is typically customized to run on various devices, it's up to the device makers to decide whether to release an update.

HP apparently has decided to offer Windows Mobile 6.1 on new units, but will not be offering an upgrade option for current iPaq owners. Of course, when hardware makers don't step up, we've often seen that 3rd party developers will come up with their own solutions. Will we eventually see an unofficial upgrade path for iPaq users? Only time will tell.

Tags: hp, ipaq, upgrade, windows-mobile-6.1

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, Commercial

Is Microsoft supporting Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition pirates?

Windowsby Danny Mendez Apr 3rd 2008

windows vista install license terms box
Experts such as Brian Livingston, editorial director of the Windows Secrets newsletter, say Microsoft is intentionally allowing a loop-hole to exist, which enables more advanced users of Microsoft's operating systems to upgrade to Vista SP1 without having the necessary previous versions of Windows.

The loop-hole exists in the Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition, which requires a previous install of Windows 2000, XP, or Vista but the upgrade edition will install even if they're absent. The Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition retails for about $110 less than the full version of Vista SP1, which means users can save money on upgrading to Vista by purchasing the cheaper upgrade box.

Livingston believes Microsoft supports the hole since the upgrade edition installs over itself in Vista SP1. Although it may seem absurd at first, Microsoft may benefit from such software pirates -- if they can be called that anymore.

The theory behind this is already at play and has been at play for many years. As more and more users install some version of Windows, others will see it as "the standard", and then they will buy it -- or they'll pirate it and indirectly influence others to buy it.

Read more →

Tags: cheat, hack, install, save, sp1, upgrade, vista

Filed under: Business, Games, Apple, Commercial

Buy a new iPod, pay to download the games you already own

by Brad Linder Sep 19th 2007

iPod Tetris
You already know that Apple wants you to buy a new iPod or two pretty much every year. That's why the company keeps coming out with skinnier/cleaner looking devices that have more and more storage. Since 98.9% of the US population already owns an iPod, the company needs to keep pushing out products that make your MP3 player look like a Sony Walkman so that you'll be ashamed to walk around with your ancient technology.

But there's a price to upgrading (beside the hundreds of dollars you spend to, you know, buy a new product). It turns out that if you've purchased games designed for playing on previous versions of the iPod, you'll have to buy the same games again to play them on the latest generation.

On the upside, you get some minor improvements in the new versions of the games. They've been "reformatted" for the new devices. Updated games include Tetris, Soduku, and Ms. Pac-Man. The games will all run on the new iPod Classic and Nano. 15 more games will be added soon. Games cost $5, and may be obsolete next time you buy a new device.

[via Engadget]

Tags: iPod, iPod-games, iTunes, upgrade

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows Mobile

Unofficial Windows Mobile 6 update for Dell Axim X51v

by Brad Linder Aug 20th 2007

Dell Axim X51v WM6
Earlier this month the hackers at the XDA-developers forum managed to port Windows Mobile 6 to the discontinued but still popular Dell Axim X50v PDA. But anyone who had gone out and bought the newer (but also discontinued) Dell Axim X51v were out of luck. Until this weekend that is. Another hacker has released an unofficial version of Windows Mobile 6 for the X51v.

This update is only for early adopters who are willing to void their warranty. There appear to be several issues, including:
As with the X50v, there are ways to downgrade your X51v after installing Windows Mobile 6. You'll want to make sure you have an X51v ROM and bootloader loaded onto a FAT32 formatted SD card. Then you press the wireless, power, and reset buttons simultaneously.

Check out the XDA-developers forum to find a ROM you might want to use. Remember, the ROM has to be for the X51v, not the X51, or X50v.

Tags: upgrade, windows mobile 6, WindowsMobile6, x51v, xda-developers

Filed under: Business, Internet, Photo, Web services

Flickr grows in the multilingual marketplace

by Chris Gilmer Jun 12th 2007

flickr launguagesWhat do some US based company's lack? Versions made especially for other markets, especially countries where they are getting large amounts of traffic from. Of course it takes time and a team of dedicated experts in the geographic location to pull it off in a reasonable amount of time, but it is expected from larger companies like Google or Yahoo.

Flickr has managed to pump out an additional seven languages for its user base today. French, Germany, UK and Hong Kong Chinese. Flickr's current user base consists of 55% that are actually residing outside of the US. This is a hot global product, and Flickr has recognized this with this massive upgrade. This new language entry will surely see Flickr's 525 million photos grow substantially over the next little while.

Tags: flickr, images, launguage, photos, upgrade, yahoo

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