Can I upgrade an HP a6414f to Windows 7?

[cjchr]

Because so much Vista support is ending, I'd like to migrate to Windows 7.  I figure I may need to make some hardware changes, but I'm not sure what they would be.  

Here are the current specs:

Motherboard:  IPIBL-LB (Benicia)
Processor:  Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200
Memory:  4 GB
Video graphics:  NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GS
Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 3100
Sound/Audio
Integrated Audio ALC888S
Networking
LAN: 10-Base-T
Hard drive
640 GB
CD/DVD disc drive
DVD+/-R/RW 16X 12X +/-DL LS 12X RAM SuperMulti SATA drive
Memory Card Reader
15-in-1 multimedia card reader
Computer Case:  Mid-size ATX
Power Supply:  300W

[WAWood]

chchr

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

Basically, to answer your question -- NO.

While there's nothing stopping you from obtaining Win7 media and forcing an installation, the problem is that HP does not provide Win7 drivers for your PC.

So, even if the installation DOES work, you're then stuck with the generic drivers that Microsoft provides.  While much of the hardware will then probably still work, there's no guarantee that any of it WILL work, especially the video.

I would personally advise against doing the upgrade.

[Big_Dave]

@cjchr

I had a HP PC with the same motherboard and it did run Windows 7.:smileyhappy:   However, try this Windows 7 upgrade advisor.

@wb2001 may have some advice for you.

You might want to consider W10 as it has a built in compatiblity checker.

[wb2001]

@Big_Dave,

Your advice is sound.  I will list the steps necessary to complete.

1) As said,  use the steps found here to prepare for the upgrade.  Be sure to plug in all hardware, as the upgrade advisor needs to analyze all hardware, printer, modem, WI-FI, etc.

2) This version includes the upgrade.  You must perform an upgrade.

3) For safety,  file copy all data folders (generally: Favorites, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music) to a thumb drive, or external hard drive (your choice).

4) Remeber to follow the steps, perform an  upgrade.  Do not perform a clean install.  You want WIN 7 to overlay the original Vista.

[cjchr]

Dean, there's a problem with your first link (steps found here).  I got this:

An Unexpected Error has occurred.

• Your request failed. Please contact your system administrator and provide the date and time you received the error and this Exception ID: 76401D3C.

I'm very interested in following up on this.  Thanks.

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

Link is now fixed.    Sorry....Mea Culpa.