I have seen some posts about Windows 7 and the E1705 and I'm wondering if anyone can give me the latest update as to whether I can go for it.
I list exactly what I have below (although I upgraded the RAM to 4gb and it uses something like 3.2 GB, and I am now on Windows Vista Ultimate). I think I'm skepticle that this laptop can't make it to Win 7 because they told me I couldn't get more RAM to work when all I had to do was buy it and it worked perfect. That really got me mad because I had it for a long time without more RAM even though I could do it. So forgive me if I don't trust blanket "can't be done statements." I like to know why and challenge assumptions until I know for sure.
I'm an IT guy so I'm comfortable doing some heavy lifting to get Windows 7 to work; and I've already purchased Win 7 Pro. So despite Dell not listing this PC as Windows 7 compatible, can it be done? If not, what is the detailed technicle reason? Can I go to part manufactures websites and get drivers there if DELL doesn't provide them?
You should have no problems with Win 7 and the E1705. My wife's installed (upgrade from Vista) faster than with my XPS 1530, and I didn't need to uninstall anything. The XPS needed 6 programs uninstalled. You didn't state which flavor you are going with, 32- or 64-bit. As far as I'm concerned, the upgrade, which is a lot easier, is a good way to go if you don't change the flavor.
Nice to hear another successful 4GB RAM installation. I may do that some day, although my wife doesn't like me playing with 1705.
I took the plunge and installed WIN 7 Home Premium 64 bit on my E1705 about a month ago. It is wonderful! My computer has never performed so well!
I previously had XP Pro. I too am an IT pro, but it really went quite smoothly. I still have the original hardware configuration with 2 GB of RAM and that seems adequate. I'm disappointed in Dall for not listing this machine as WIN 7 compatable and putting all of the drivers together for us. Their business model must be to hope customers just buy a new computer. I found that most of the MS drivers work well, or to go ahead and use Vista drivers. I have found WIN 7 to be quite forgiving.
I recommend using the MS migration tools. They make moving quite easy. I did have a small issue trying to delete a user account I decided I no longer wanted after the move. I called Microsoft, and they were glad to help. (They ended up deleting it in the registry for me).
I am so happy with WIN 7, I have ordered it for my husband's 9 year old Dell Dimension 8100 desktop. I think it will only help this machine, as it it is really only used for the Internet now.
kirkd
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Posted February 7th, 2010 22:00
You should have no problems with Win 7 and the E1705. My wife's installed (upgrade from Vista) faster than with my XPS 1530, and I didn't need to uninstall anything. The XPS needed 6 programs uninstalled. You didn't state which flavor you are going with, 32- or 64-bit. As far as I'm concerned, the upgrade, which is a lot easier, is a good way to go if you don't change the flavor.
Nice to hear another successful 4GB RAM installation. I may do that some day, although my wife doesn't like me playing with 1705.