Windows 7 installation problem

[tomshardware1987]

I tried to install Windows7 64bit, to my 64 bit computer, but I couldn't even run the auto play. every time i get this annoying message that says "This installation disc isn't compatible with your version of Windows. To upgrade, you need the correct installation disc. For more information, check your computer's system information. To install a mew copy of Windows, restart (boot) your computer using the installation disc, and then select Custom (advanced)." I'm currently using Windows XP sp3, running on an AMD Phenom X2 550 black processor..... Please help......
Sunith

 

[Jonmor68]

You can't do an inplace upgrade from XP, a clean instalation is required.
As the message you received stated, boot in with the instalation disk. Why have you failed to follow the instructions given?
For full instructions on upgrading from XP to W7 go to Microsoft:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

 

[sminlal]

To add to Jonmor's post: You can't do the installation with your current OS up and running. You have to shut down the system and boot from the Windows 7 installation disk itself.

Note that you are going to install a new copy of Windows, NOT upgrade your existing copy. This means that you'll need to re-install all of your software. Make sure you have all your install disks and license keys before you start. Some programs (Photoshop, for example) limit the number of copies you can activate at once - you should deactivate those on your old XP system before you start the installation.

Personally, when I do this sort of thing I buy a new disk drive (cheaper than the OS itself!) and install the new OS on it. That way I know I'm not going to accidentally delete anything important, and I still have the old system to go back to if things don't work out.

 

[geofelt]

You can not do a 64 bit install under the control of a 32 bit OS. That is the meaning of the message you got.
You also can not upgrade from XP, only from vista, and then only with the same 32 or 64 bit selection.

I assume you have a windows-7 upgrade dvd. You need to do a clean install, which is better anyway. Backup any user data that you don't want to lose first.

Upgrade is a retail version which gives you support from microsoft, unlike OEM(AKA system builder),
and allows a more hassel-free ability to transfer the os to a different pc(motherboard).
You get both 32 bit and 64 bit DVD's.

There is a legitimate two step instalation process to install an upgrade version
You install windows-7 from the cd. You will have to overwrite/format your old drive.
Do not initially enter the product code or activate.
After it installs, you have a fully functional OS for 30 days.
Step 2 is to insert the dvd again, while running Windows and then do an upgrade.
This time, enter your product code, and activate.
After activation. you may delete the initial version which is named windows.old.