Windows 7 on Inspiron 1720

No software is warrantied by the manufacturer after a short initial period--30 days or so. Only the hardware is covered by the warranty and Dell will support that. Dell doesn't make the software or operating systems. There will be plenty of self help tools and Internet support from MS and in forums like this and elsewhere. And from my experience with Win7, it doesn't need much support. Runs great on my 2 desktops.

If you are running Vista, your computer will run Win 7. If you want to check, download the Win 7 beta version of Upgrade Advisor. Most  utility software like anti virus still is not ready for Win 7 but that will change by the time it comes out. Win 7 even runs OK on some computers that couldn't run vista.

There's nothing that will stop you from running 7 on the 1720 - but don't expect Dell to support it.  The system went end of life some time ago, and end of life systems do not get future OS support.

You will see more drivers available once 7 ships in late-October.

There was a time when notebooks sold for $2,500 on average and manufacturers could afford to test new OSes on older models and release full support.  That time passed when the average selling price dropped to under $1,000 - no one could possibly afford the cost of supporting older systems on new OSes any longer.  The margins on new systems have dropped markedly and the money just isn't there to spend on testing any longer.

Thanks, Mary.  Do you have any specific suggestions?  It sounds like I could start with the Vista drivers and then go from there.  I'm not needing to go to Win7 right away, but I'd be interested in doing it before the end of the year.

BTW, is there a way to get email notifications on postings to these threads.  I'm looking around and not seeing it, but maybe I'm just missing it.

Thanks, ejn63.  I guess they won't support it.  That certainly helps them sell more hardware (in their minds, at least).  However, if they were customer focused, then they'd realize the value in doing this.  As it is, what they are saying is "forget about upgrading to the new OS - just buy another machine with it pre-installed."  In other words, don't get real value from your computer, just use it for a short period and buy another one from us.  I buy a new computer every two years, but I still make use of the old one for another two years or so.  I'd like it to run the latest OS, however.  Perhaps it won't be too tough to install and run Win7, but Dell's refusal to help in this matter doesn't make me want to get another Dell.

On another point, what do you do with 62,000 points?  What does that get you?  Discounts, freebies, anything?  Just curious.

I have been running Windows 7 64bit on my 1720 since Feb. of this year and it works great. Have it plugged into your network so that it sees the internet while you are doing the install and it will install almost every driver you need all by itself. I did have to use a few Vista 64 drivers that I found on Dell.com and it has worked without any problems in both Beta and the RC. When the RTM is released in Oct. I will be installing that and have full confidence that it will work just as well.

I am trying to install Windows 7 64-bit version on my 1720.  I have everything working except the video driver for the GeForce 8600.  I noticed you said you found drivers and I was hoping you could point me in the same direction as I have been unable to find 64-bit drivers.

I would appreciate any assistance.

Windows 7 installed the correct driver for the 8600. Like I said, when I installed Windows 7 I had it plugged into the network and it connected to Microsoft and found almost every driver for me. But if for some reason it did not then you can try running windows update or just installing the Vista 64 driver from Dell for the card. Alot of the Vista drivers will install just fine for Windows 7.

Hi that's good news as I have the same configuration. Are there any step by step details as how to upgrade to Win 7 with a fresh install.

I am going to install it on a brand new hard drive. Thanks.

I have the same problem with the BIOS when attempting to install Win 7 Premium on my Inspiron 1720 :-(

Well I have A09 installed on my 1720 running Windows 7 RC 64bit. I am still waiting for my RTM copy and plan to install that as soon as I have it.

Hello dcgtls,

What kind of setup did you use, a clean install of windows 7 x64 or a upgrade install?

If possible, I like to know what drivers you used.

Have a nice day,

zx81

I did a clean install, but like I said it was the Release Candidate and not the final release. I am waiting for my copy still. As for the drivers I let windows install everything that it could. I would have to go and check but I think the only thing that did not install was the Dell Bluetooth 355 and I just found a Vista 64 driver for it and that worked.