Windows 7 64-Bit Install Gotcha

The release of a new version of Windows always brings a frenzy of tech activity. Windows 7 seems even more buzz worthy than a usual Windows release, partly because many people avoided upgrading to Windows Vista and are overdue for an operating system upgrade. Within the SU IT community several people have commented favorably after installing the new OS.

But as with every computing upgrade there is a potential for trouble. Nationwide some students have had difficulty upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. The specific problem occurs when people who have the 32-bit Windows XP try to upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Switching from a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit operating system adds a level of complexity: the Windows 7 64-bit installer needs to run in a 64-bit environment - thus, you can't run it from within 32-bit Windows XP. To solve the issue, boot from the Windows 7 DVD or purchase the 32-bit version of Windows 7 when upgrading from XP. For more details, see this Computer World article.