Windows 7 forum: Windows 7 beta testers, how do you like it and why?

Well, I dual boot Windows 7 with Windows XP home on my Compaq Presario V4000 laptop.
Since after first boot, Windows 7 makes the machine switch off within 5 minutes. Every time. I tried using all the options, safe mode, safe mode with networking etc. No use.
I am thinking to remove it and install Ubuntu Linux within next week!

Cheers,
Nirav

I'm gonna start off by saying I couldn't get any wireless drivers so my expirience was cripled. Now for the pro's it's very resource friendly (start up took a bit longer then Vista and I'm running both on one system), The task bar improvements and UI improvments are great except Vista taskbar looked alot better to me (It's easier to ready everything when it's not transparent and I couldn't find a way to change that without turning aero off.). There were alot more pros with it being fast and responsive and nicely thrown together. My cons are not having wireless drivers which isn't microsofts problem, the task bar's appearence, and it's default set up (which I never like in any windows version) and it's start up speed.

I run Vista and am happy with it (shocking I know) so if Microsoft doesn't really woo me with the full release I probaby wont switch right away. I'm happy that I can keep my curent computer and run it though.

I have found that reading a updates and visiting Tech sites dedicated to Windows 7 Beta edition, that they keep refering to trying compatibility mode, sense the core construction of Windows 7 is based on Vista's drivers. I gave this a try to some success. At first it worked great, until I restarted my system and some programs reverted back to inoperatible or limited functionality. This I expected, but overall, most programs migrated to their original performance quite nicely. Still a dramatic improvement over Vista!

Did a clean install on a Motion Computing Tablet PC, 1.1Ghz Celeron, 1GB PC2100 RAM, 120GB Samsung 5400 2.5in drive. Runs as well as XP Pro, maybe even a little better, even on this older hardware. Tablet functions work outstanding, no additional drivers needed. Seems to have better power management. Only challenge, no drivers in Win7 beta to enable the Wifi hardware. Nice interface, smooth operation. If I could get drivers to enable the internal Wifi hardware, this would be the perfect OS for tablet PCs ... as well as for laptops or desktops.

I have been running the beta for about 2 weeks now and let me just say it's far superior to vista, the graphics are smooth, the cpu and memory handling is fantastic. I tested vista, way back when, and compared to the early stages of vista this is a godsend. I have windows & set up in a quad boot with XP, Vista home premium 64bit, and Ubuntu. I use windows 7 the most out of them, it has the fastest boot and shutdown I've seen since windows 95. It handled all of my hardware easily and even though its the 64bit edition, it runs flawlessly with all of my hardware and software. When compared to Vista 64bit's early stages this is a walk in the park. Can't wait to see the final project, and I will continue to follow this through the beta stages.

That would be you're best bet maybe do a quick backup first to store any really important files, to play it safe. then after youll have to sun you're windows cd for the previous windows to write in the boot file, just run the CD/dvd. once its loaded to the install part hit R to repair, then repair the boot files, you'll see the option, if its vista its practically explains itself.

I have 3 sets of Double Layer DVD's, but there are only 2 DLs I did not do it with DVDs. I read the instructions, They gave me one set after I made one and a disk copy because they thought my restore partition was corrupted. So I am good, all my stuff is on my serve-style shared PC. I use one out of three on my home network to keep everything, I also rebuilt another PC like new with a 1T drive. I think I am good, yes?

You are wrong my friend. HP Tech Support sent them to me AFTER I had already made my own that they allow you fromn the restore partition.
The program to make the discs is for DVD or DVD DL The DL configuration is only 2 discs. They sent them to me from HP.com. DL is twice the space as a regular DVD 8.5 Gig instead of 4.7 Ghz. Are you with me?

Franc and jamepie. Lets all get along together in this world. I do not think either of you are idiots, mater of fact, it is refreshing to read your answers and learn from both of your experiences and your vast knowledge of computers and their inherited problems. Keep the information coming. I am sure learning a thing or two from both of you...

1. Start Windows XP.
2. Insert Windows 7 ISO DVD into DVD drive.
3. Press Win + R to open Run command prompt.
4. Type [DVD Drive Letter]:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 ALL /force and click on OK.

Note: Add the name of your DVD drive in [DVD Drive Letter] field.

5. Remove DVD from your drive and reboot the system.
6. Your computer will boot up with Windows XP installation.
7. Now you can either format the drive containing Windows 7 or manually remove files of Windows 7.
8. Finally remove Boot.BAK and BootSect.BAK from root system folder of Windows XP. Dont delete these files if you have another operating system installed other than Windows XP.

This will hopefully uninstall windows 7 on your system. Note: this guide only works if you are uninstalling windows 7 on a dual-boot pc (Installed with windows xp)

This is how I uninstalled Windows 7 successfully. I got the information from a tech site. I do not remember the name of the site.

I installed VISAT on an old Pentium 4 with a 1.7 Ghz and 512 MB of RAM and a 64MB video card and it did not install aero.

I have to admit that I am starting to really like Windows 7. Not because it's the Vista we should have gotten from the get go; but because it's faster, easier to use with most of my programs. Yes, it has quite a few glitches that you have to find a work around for but for the most part; I've not encountered too many stumbling blocks.Can't wait to see what the final outcome is.They were tight when they said there was a learning curve to Windows 7. Patience is what I've learned the most of!!!!!!! Cynthia

Your problems you are experience, are like riding on someones shoulders. Remember, Windows7 Beta is riding on top of the Vista format, and as such there will be problems or illusions, so to speak that you will be seeing until updates are finally release to check those problems your having. As for the blue to amber light condition, I would consult the product manufacturer. that seems like a code signal you are witness. Your wording about the anti virus is a little fuzzy. W7 still shares some of Vista's Drivers, so there might be conflict with your present virus software. Check online to get any updates for those programs. Other than that, "Keep riding on towards the Sun set " W7 is a great remarkable improvement over Vista. Last, but lease, the classic view issue is addressed in the display properties and you must take a little time in finding the exact phrase that associate itself to that function. You sometimes have to place yourself into being mister webster with W7 in respects to, example. you may read the word "blue" in Vista and now the word is changed to "lite blue" in W7, The classic feature is there, it's just hiding under another name or feature. Good luck and keep sending in your findings to the Boys downtown at Microsoft.

Brief and straight to the point.....Go to Start/Control panel/all control panel items....Each time you view this window it will display all items until you want to revert back by looking in the upper left corner of the window pane and clicking onto that small icon. Glad to be of service to you, my friend

Let me see if we are on the same page! First, have you downloaded the new Beta Windows 7? Second, If not, then go to the Windows Beta Facts page via www.microsoft.com and click on Windows 7 to review all it's performance features. You will find the information you request.