Upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista

[FAN17]

I just ran Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and it is suggesting I update some Programs/Software.  The three that are reccommended that I upgrade are ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection version 3.10.1.7,  HP MediaSmart Webcam version 2.0.0926 and HP Photosmart Essential 2.5.  (They were all highlighted by a yellow caution triangle with exclamation point in center symbol).   How crucial is it to update these before upgrade to Windows 7?  And if they are crucial, where can I find them to update?  Already checked this on HP.com support and could not find any update information.  Also, any general advice or caveats regarding upgrade to Windows 7?   Thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I would uninstall those programs now, and reinstall the W7 versions after you upgrade to W7.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-Pavilion-dv5-1200-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-serie...

This package provides the HP MediaSmart Webcam Software for supported non-touch notebook models that are running a supported operating system. The HP MediaSmart Webcam Software is a webcam application that enables users to capture images and video from a web camera and apply visual effects to captured images and video.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp50001-50500/sp50497.exe

You can get the photosmart essential software at the link below if you use it.

http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/free/software/adlanding_dd.html

I can't think of any issues you will face offhand.

If you need any help finding drivers after you upgrade to W7, just let me know.

[FAN17]

Thank you for your help with my last question.  I am still working on the Upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista;  did uninstall of items in previous post plus a few others that were suggested on the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Report.

Now I have two more items to ask about.  On the Advisor Report, it is recommending that before installing Windows 7, I download the latest driver for the following: Realtek RTL8102E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.0),  then after installing Windows 7 I install the new driver.  My question is twofold - What is this driver/device?  and How do I find the latest one to download and install?   I have gone to the Realtek website, but found it a bit overwhelming as far as choices and not sure which one was correct.  Sent inquiry to them about a week or so ago but have not received a response.  Any help with this will be appreciated.

The second item is the Microsoft Intellipoint 6.3 program.   I can find it in programs and uninstall it as the Advisor Report is recommending, however,  I am a bit apprehensive about doing this.  I am wondering why I must uninstall before the upgrade and what consequences there would be if I do not?  Also, if I do uninstall, not sure which version to update to after the Windows 7 upgrade.  I did find it on the microsoft site, but wasn't sure about which one best to install.  Thank you so much.

I did ask about this Intellipoint program on the microsoft site, but to be honest, I find the answers to questions there a bit, well, circular, meaning I just seem to end up back where I started.

The answer I received here was very helpful and moved the process of doing this upgrade forward.  Again, thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to be of assistance.

It seems to me that you can uninstall the Microsoft Intellipoint 6.3 program now, and restart the PC, because here is the link to install the Microsoft IntelliPoint 8.2 Mouse Software for Windows - 64 bit software, which works on Vista and W7.

So, after you uninstall the older version, you can install this version and it should carry over during the upgrade.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26948

For the ethernet driver (RTL8102E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC), here is the link to the latest Vista driver for that model...You want the file next to the last on the list under the Windows section (Vista auto install).

You can see that ethernet adapter listed at the top of the page.

Download, unzip, and run the setup application.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/Downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=7&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTy...