ODBC

ODBC Connection to Great Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows 9.5 and 9.2

Article by Andrew Karasev

This topic is actual for Crystal Reports Designer or IT professional who is trying to export records from legacy Corporate ERP application – Great Plains Accounting for DOS or Windows. GPA was Btrieve based accounting application, and if you are still using it, you may move it to something like Windows 2003 or even 2008 Windows Server (or even Small Business Server), assuming that you understand the restriction – you have to install 32bit version of Windows on the server and the client workstations (where you can enjoy such cool operating systems as Windows7, Vista or Windows XP – all need to be 32bit). If you would like to move yourself into contemporary Corporate ERP environment with such features as Microsoft SQL Server, FRx or Microsoft Management Reporter, Graphical logo printing on your invoices, XML, ecommerce, you have the option to upgrade Great Plains Accounting all the way to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010/11.0 (this is current version on the time of writing – October 2010, I am pretty sure, this version will stay through 2011 with couple of service packs to be released). Great Plains Accounting support expired somewhere around 2001 directly by Microsoft Business Solutions technical support (Customer Source and Partner Source), if you still need support – it is available through Dynamics GP Resellers channels (you may check with Microsoft who is out there supporting Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac, or just find the support provider via Google search)

1. ODBC for GPA, version restrictions. We recommend you to review ODBC manual (on your GPA CD, please open DOCS folder to find the available references). ODBC openness for such historical ERP application as GPA for DOS was considered as very advanced feature in time of the late Clinton era. You should learn that recommended versions are GPA 9.2 and 9.5. Great Plains Accounting version upgrade procedure is not really complex, so if you are a version behind, please consider upgrade (assuming you have registration key for the new version, we could check it for you with Microsoft Business Solutions)

2. Pervasive SQL Driver. ODBC connection could be achieved through Pervasive Software SQL 2000 ODBC driver. As you might know Pervasive Software is successor of Btrieve technology and this software development firm reshaped Btrieve administration interface (by creating such cool features as Pervasive Control Center, graphical interface for Btrieve parameters change). We recommend you to install Pervasive SQL 2000 Service Pack 3 or 2 on your workstation or server which hosts Great Plains Accounting Btrieve database

3. DDF files. Btrieve, at least its older versions works better if you provide Data Definition Files. You can produce these files if you read ODBC Great Plains Accounting manual, where the procedure requires you to have GPA ODBC Diskette 1 of 2. If you do not have floppy drive on your modern server, you can create ISO image via such popular software as Nero, etc. and map ISO file via virtual DVD/CD drive software (Magic Disk, or similar). If you do not have the diskette, call us, we have DDF files for purchase and we are consultants to help you with GPA issues

4. Some recommendations if you are running your business on Great Plains Accounting for DOS or Windows. Each GPA manual recommends you to mage company backup, prior to such procedures as Transactions or Batches posting. In default installation environment you should backup C:\GPS\GPDATA and if you have several GPA companies, these should be also backed up, prior to transaction posting. In bullet proof scenario, you should have USB external drive or tape backup to be ready to backup your C:\GPS folder (in this case system info and all the companies DB are backed up)

5. To request further support, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com We need to discuss your cards in order to recommend you the best solutions, which is not contingent to our preferences. We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/skype conferences). Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

About the Author

Andrew Karasev, http://www.albaspectrum.com Great Plains Dynamics GP and eEnterprise Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and consultant with 10 years and plus experience and expertise. Alba Spectrum, 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com. If you are thinking to implement Dynamics GP in challenging environment, we recommend you to give us a call. Our information portal is http://www.pegasplanet.com Pegas Planet

Url shortener for this page here.

ODBC Connection to Great Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows 9.5 and 9.2

This topic is actual for Crystal Reports Designer or IT professional who is trying to export records from legacy Corporate ERP application – Great Plains Accounting for DOS or Windows.  GPA was Btrieve based accounting application, and if you are still using it, you may move it to something like Windows 2003 or even 2008 Windows Server (or even Small Business Server), assuming that you understand the restriction – you have to install 32bit version of Windows on the server and the client workstations (where you can enjoy such cool operating systems as Windows7, Vista or Windows XP – all need to be 32bit).  If you would like to move yourself into contemporary Corporate ERP environment with such features as Microsoft SQL Server, FRx or Microsoft Management Reporter, Graphical logo printing on your invoices, XML, ecommerce, you have the option to upgrade Great Plains Accounting all the way to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010/11.0 (this is current version on the time of writing – October 2010, I am pretty sure, this version will stay through 2011 with couple of service packs to be released).  Great Plains Accounting support expired somewhere around 2001 directly by Microsoft Business Solutions technical support (Customer Source and Partner Source), if you still need support – it is available through Dynamics GP Resellers channels (you may check with Microsoft who is out there supporting Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac, or just find the support provider via Google search)

1. ODBC for GPA, version restrictions.  We recommend you to review ODBC manual (on your GPA CD, please open DOCS folder to find the available references).  ODBC openness for such historical ERP application as GPA for DOS was considered as very advanced feature in time of the late Clinton era.  You should learn that recommended versions are GPA 9.2 and 9.5.  Great Plains Accounting version upgrade procedure is not really complex, so if you are a version behind, please consider upgrade (assuming you have registration key for the new version, we could check it for you with Microsoft Business Solutions)

2. Pervasive SQL Driver.  ODBC connection could be achieved through Pervasive Software SQL 2000 ODBC driver.  As you might know Pervasive Software is successor of Btrieve technology and this software development firm reshaped Btrieve administration interface (by creating such cool features as Pervasive Control Center, graphical interface for Btrieve parameters change).  We recommend you to install Pervasive SQL 2000 Service Pack 3 or 2 on your workstation or server which hosts Great Plains Accounting Btrieve database

3. DDF files.  Btrieve, at least its older versions works better if you provide Data Definition Files.  You can produce these files if you read ODBC Great Plains Accounting manual, where the procedure requires you to have GPA ODBC Diskette 1 of 2.  If you do not have floppy drive on your modern server, you can create ISO image via such popular software as Nero, etc. and map ISO file via virtual DVD/CD drive software (Magic Disk, or similar).  If you do not have the diskette, call us, we have DDF files for purchase and we are consultants to help you with GPA issues

4. Some recommendations if you are running your business on Great Plains Accounting for DOS or Windows.  Each GPA manual recommends you to mage company backup, prior to such procedures as Transactions or Batches posting.  In default installation environment you should backup C:\GPS\GPDATA and if you have several GPA companies, these should be also backed up, prior to transaction posting.  In bullet proof scenario, you should have USB external drive or tape backup to be ready to backup your C:\GPS folder (in this case system info and all the companies DB are backed up)

5. To request further support, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com We need to discuss your cards in order to recommend you the best solutions, which is not contingent to our preferences.  We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/skype conferences).  Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

Url shortener for this page here.

116 Important Run Commands in Windows XP

These commands are tested only on full versions only i.e., some commands may not work on unattednded editions,third party releases,etc.

Commands:

1. Accessibility Controls – access.cpl
2. Accessibility Wizard – accwiz
3. Add Hardware Wizard – hdwwiz.cpl
4. Add/Remove Programs – appwiz.cpl
5. Administrative Tools – control admintools
6. Automatic Updates – wuaucpl.cpl
7. Bluetooth Transfer Wizard – fsquirt
8. Calculator – calc
9. Certificate Manager – certmgr.msc
10. Character Map – charmap
11. Check Disk Utility – chkdsk
12. Clipboard Viewer – clipbrd
13. Command Prompt – cmd
14. Component Services – dcomcnfg
15. Computer Management – compmgmt.msc
16. Control Panel – control
17. Date and Time Properties – timedate.cpl
18. DDE Shares – ddeshare
19. Device Manager – devmgmt.msc
20. Direct X Troubleshooter – dxdiag
21. Disk Cleanup Utility – cleanmgr
22. Disk Defragment – dfrg.msc
23. Disk Management – diskmgmt.msc
24. Disk Partition Manager – diskpart
25. Display Properties – control desktop
26. Display Properties – desk.cpl
27. Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility – drwtsn32
28. Driver Verifier Utility – verifier
29. Event Viewer – eventvwr.msc
30. Files and Settings Transfer Tool – migwiz
31. File Signature Verification Tool – sigverif
32. Findfast – findfast.cpl
33. Firefox – firefox
34. Folders Properties – control folders
35. Fonts – control fonts
36. Fonts Folder – fonts
37. Free Cell Card Game – freecell
38. Game Controllers – joy.cpl
39. Group Policy Editor (for xp professional) – gpedit.msc
40. Hearts Card Game – mshearts
41. Help and Support – helpctr
42. HyperTerminal – hypertrm
43. Iexpress Wizard – iexpress
44. Indexing Service – ciadv.msc
45. Internet Connection Wizard – icwconn1
46. Internet Explorer – iexplore
47. Internet Properties – inetcpl.cpl
48. Keyboard Properties – control keyboard
49. Local Security Settings – secpol.msc
50. Local Users and Groups – lusrmgr.msc
51. Logs You Out Of Windows – logoff
52. Malicious Software Removal Tool – mrt
53. Microsoft Chat – winchat
54. Microsoft Movie Maker – moviemk
55. Microsoft Paint – mspaint
56. Microsoft Syncronization Tool – mobsync
57. Minesweeper Game – winmine
58. Mouse Properties – control mouse
59. Mouse Properties – main.cpl
60. Netmeeting – conf
61. Network Connections – control netconnections
62. Network Connections – ncpa.cpl
63. Network Setup Wizard – netsetup.cpl
64. Notepad – notepad
65. Object Packager – packager
66. ODBC Data Source Administrator – odbccp32.cpl
67. On Screen Keyboard – osk
68. Outlook Express – msimn
69. Paint – pbrush
70. Password Properties – password.cpl
71. Performance Monitor – perfmon.msc
72. Performance Monitor – perfmon
73. Phone and Modem Options – telephon.cpl
74. Phone Dialer – dialer
75. Pinball Game – pinball
76. Power Configuration – powercfg.cpl
77. Printers and Faxes – control printers
78. Printers Folder – printers
79. Regional Settings – intl.cpl
80. Registry Editor – regedit
81. Registry Editor – regedit32
82. Remote Access Phonebook – rasphone
83. Remote Desktop – mstsc
84. Removable Storage – ntmsmgr.msc
85. Removable Storage Operator Requests – ntmsoprq.msc
86. Resultant Set of Policy (for xp professional) – rsop.msc
87. Scanners and Cameras – sticpl.cpl
88. Scheduled Tasks – control schedtasks
89. Security Center – wscui.cpl
90. Services – services.msc
91. Shared Folders – fsmgmt.msc
92. Shuts Down Windows – shutdown
93. Sounds and Audio – mmsys.cpl
94. Spider Solitare Card Game – spider
95. SQL Client Configuration – cliconfg
96. System Configuration Editor – sysedit
97. System Configuration Utility – msconfig
98. System Information – msinfo32
99. System Properties – sysdm.cpl
100. Task Manager – taskmgr
101. TCP Tester – tcptest
102. Telnet Client – telnet
103. User Account Management – nusrmgr.cpl
104. Utility Manager – utilman
105. Windows Address Book – wab
106. Windows Address Book Import Utility – wabmig
107. Windows Explorer – explorer
108. Windows Firewall – firewall.cpl
109. Windows Magnifier – magnify
110. Windows Management Infrastructure – wmimgmt.msc
111. Windows Media Player – wmplayer
112. Windows Messenger – msmsgs
113. Windows System Security Tool – syskey
114. Windows Update Launches – wupdmgr
115. Windows Version – winver
116. Wordpad – write

* All these commands have been tested on WIn XP SP2 Original and found to be working.

More Odbc Connection In Windows 7 Articles

Url shortener for this page here.

Dynamics GP Custom Coding Project and Issue Management in Sure Step Notes

Article by Andrew Karasev

Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step helps you organize project around the methodology, specially designed to reflect Dynamics ERP and CRM applications implementation specifics. Here you can find document templates, such as Functional Requirements Document (FRD), Technical Requirement Document (TRD), Statement of Work (SOW), Upgrade Questionnaire to give you few popular examples. We already covered in previous publications Sure Step specifics in custom programming oriented projects. Today we would like to address Issue Management:

1. Software Development Nature. This activity, especially when you are undertaking something, that was never done before (exactly the same way as planned) has some uncertainty. Some of the methodologies allow you to minimize the risk and ensure the predictability: technical design, code structuring (in modules, blocks, classes, procedures), independent quality assurance, testing scripts, etc.2. Issues are inevitable and could happen at any phase of the project and they are expected in the Design, Development and Deployment phases. Critical issues may change the timeframe, the budget and the whole current concentration of the project management team. They may need to be communicated to the customer for approving the decision

3. Software Developer as the person who may identify the issue. Please, take into consideration that programmer personality by its nature requires concentration on one specific detail at the time, while the issue management requires communication and collective decision making. Programmer might be responsible to document the issue and then it goes to the project manager for appropriate handling

4. Issue Management Recommendations in Sure Step. These recommendations are for project manager: Identify, Document, List, Analyze the issue, determine its priority, plan and communicate resolution activity, update project plan, allocate and assign technical and other resources, follow up, get reasonable proof of the resolution and finally close it

5. Issues possible impact. You can judge the impact magnitude by its priority level. The issue with high priority typically leads to project time line and plan update and often needs Change Request Form sign off

6. Issue Example in Customization work. Let’s assume that you got Project Profitability Report to be designed in Crystal Reports. Report layout was modeled in Excel worksheet. You reviewed table structure with developer, where the clear understanding was achieved that each project should summarize sales Invoices and Return (SOP module) and Purchase Receipts with Invoice or Invoice Match (if receipt is recorded without invoice). As project was reasonably low magnitude and revenue expectation (and categorized as low priority within your consulting organization) – you assigned new hire developer with minimal to moderate exposure to Crystal Reports design. Developer created nice report with the match to Excel layout. However report produced incorrect result, when it was sent to QA department. Rework activity consumed the remaining portion of the approved budget. However after the review with Software Development department manager, both developer and manager agreed that the data base connection layer should be recreated in SQL Stored Procedure (it was done directly in CR table joins). This example reflect real situation, happened to one of the real Great Plains customers. GP VAR didn’t communicate the issue to the customer in time and customer was so frustrated, that they decided to change Dynamics GP consulting firm

7. Issue Example in Initial Data Conversion. One of the real customers acquired Dynamics GP through one of the resellers. Customer indicated in its Functional Requirements, that initial data conversion should bring previous year GL monthly balances from QuickBooks to Great Plains General Ledger and be posted there. Reseller reassured that this is possible in Integration Manager (according to the specifications and general whitepapers for the IM module). The deal went through, however GP Partner assigned junior level developer to do historical year data conversion. Programmer was not familiar with Advanced ODBC data queries in IM and decided to do the migration via Text Files. In the text files and without ODBC data link you are limited to transactions grouping by month (you can try it in Excel if you are maestro of Excel functions). Project went into limbo situation and customer decided to look for second opinion

8. Brief Excurse to GP Customization Tools. There are traditional tools, such as Great Plains Dexterity (it has Dex.exe application interpreting Dynamics.dic meta base, plus most of the add-ons are also Dexterity customizations, registered in Dynamics.set setup file). Second traditional tool is Modifier with VBA scripting, where you can add new field on the existing form and animate it with VBA script (use Microsoft ADO connection if you need the field to interface with one of the tables in the company database). The third and fourth traditional tools are Integration Manager (with VBA event driven scripts) and Extender (especially we recommend Enterprise version maintained by eOne – Australia based Dynamics GP ISV. In Enterprise version you can deploy Dexterity Sanscript codes, no debugging). New tools: eConnect, Web Services, Microsoft Visual Studio Libraries for Dynamics GP. Please, feel free to try them if you are Microsoft Visual Studio programmer (code samples are available in C#, C++ and VB.Net). eConnect is the foundation technology and other new tools are in fact abstractions from eConnect (where eConnect encrypted stored procedures are called behind the scenes)

9. Reporting Tools and Instruments. With the introduction of the version 2010/11.0 Microsoft Business Solutions recommends Dynamics ERP Management Reporter for financial statements: Balance Sheet, P&L, Statement of Cash Flow (traditionally it was the area of FRx Financial Reporting). Both MMR and FRX have very similar building blocks and methodology, plus there is conversion wizard from FRx to MMR, which moves your catalogs (reports), rows, columns, trees from FRx to Management Reporter. MR has some advantages, such as deployment on the server and report generation directly on the server (FRx was client driven report generation application). Plus MR is available for report generation over the internet, it supports natively 64 bit Windows (most of the computers sold in merchandise stores are Windows 7 64 bit). If you are selecting between Crystal Reports and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), we would recommend you to review the advantages of SSRS: deployment over the web, windows domain security realm

10. Ecommerce Projects observation. There are add-ons available for such popular platforms as Magento (typically on Linux MySQL PHP platform), .Net Store Front (Microsoft Windows .Net ecommerce shopping cart)

11. If you feel that your concerns are not addressed or your question is not answered, please feel free to contact our office. Support domestically in the USA, Canada, Mexico and internationally. This option is possible via Web Sessions, Skype or Phone conferences and direct visits onsite (in the case of the large scale project). Our consulting team speaks English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Filipino. Feel free to call us 1-866-304-3265, 1-269-605-4904, or email help@efaru.com

About the Author

Andrew Karasev is Great Plains Certified Master, MVP, help@efaru.com 1-866-304-3265, 1-269-605-4904. He is also the initiator of eFaru project http://www.efaru.com and founder of Alba Spectrum information space

This video demonstrates how to install and configure the MySQL ODBC driver on a Windows-based PC and then use it to connect either Microsoft Access or Open Office Base to a MySQL database. Part 1 of 2.

Url shortener for this page here.

Useful information about 64 Bit Software

New processors arriving from Apple and Advanced Micro Devices suggest 64-bit computing.  All latest software and data process run against an inherent memory restriction.  A 32-bit software can allocate a maximum of 2GB memory, per running process, irrespective of how much memory is available on the system.  Practically, this means XML files larger than 200MB can never be opened. With a 64-bit, the memory limitation is not the same. Presently, 64-bit interpretations of MS Windows 7 affirm up to 192GB of the installed memory. 

In most cases, the XML file size is restricted only by the physical memory set up.  64-bit systems, process data’s virtually even without enough physical memory, but quiet slowly.  To find out, on what processor your computer system is working, just go to the control panel and click on the switch to classic view. You will now see an icon called system which will give you the details on processor. One major issue underlying to 64-bit software is that its memory requirements. 

It obviously needs a lot of memory than a 32-bit application, because the memory size, pointer and other structures reflexively become bigger. The memory consumption grows by 50% when a 64-bit software is used and hence the user should have a minimum of 4GB memory installed before proceeding with 64 bit software. Generally, 64 bit application needs a 64 bit driver for database connection. Some important concerns are 

ODBC – Only 64-bit variants of ODBC can be used with 64-bit applications.
Microsoft Access – It cannot exist together with a 32-bit version of MS Office. Users need to install a 64-bit ACE driver to open access database.
Other database – They do not have any drivers and even if a driver is installed it pops up with an installation error message.
Browser Plug-ins – Currently only Internet explorer is available in both versions.

Related Odbc 32 Bit Articles

Url shortener for this page here.

Great Plains Integration Manager Advanced Techniques: ODBC, Scheduling

Article by Andrew Karasev

Here we assume that you are looking for end user integration or initial data conversion and you do not carry eConnect programmers in your IT staff, all you probably have is Database Administrator, who is comfortable programming SQL queries And you know the kind of integration that you need: Sales Order Processing ecommerce invoices and credit card payments, for example. Current version of GP is 10.0 and with this version you have eConnect connectors for good portion of objects and transactions, we recommend you to deploy eConnect based integrations for version 10.0, for earlier versions our method should also work:

1. Advanced ODBC query. This source query is the most flexible: you can work with all ODBC compliant data sources, such as text files, SQL linked servers, MS Access, Excel, Oracle, MySQL. Advanced ODBC allows you to use union clause in select statement (maximum what text ODBC driver can do for you). The most dramatic result could be achieved if you expose SQL Server custom tables or views via Advanced ODBC query in IM. If so – you are potentially moving all selection logic from very simple ODBC to unlimited SQL Server View. In SQL View you can deploy heterogeneous or cross-platform queries (where you are joining Microsoft SQL Server table with Oracle table, for example)

2. VBA Scripts. You can alter data source in Before integration (where you can calculate date, time or parameter available for the whole integration), before document commit and other events. VBA scripting manual could be found in IM documentation area

3. Data Translation. This methodic is helpful when you need to translate the name of one object from integration source file to new name as it should be integrated with Great Plains. We usually import name translation table from Excel

4. Running integration from command line. This method is based on GP macros, and it is very useful if you plan to schedule Integration, say, overnight or every several hours. If you find Macro technique too complex, try to deploy macros on Windows OS level, there are several free tools on the market to facilitate this method. Or, if you think you need more help, call Microsoft Business Solutions or your Dynamics GP VAR to order special module for scheduling GP Integration Manager integrations

About the Author

Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum http://www.albaspectrum.com help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577 info portal http://www.pegasplanet.com – Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains Partner, serving corporate customers in the following industries: Aerospace & Defense, Medical & Healthcare, Distribution & Logistics, Hospitality

Url shortener for this page here.

AMD Catalyst 1012: View the latest graphics card drivers with additional features

Article by Oliver

AMD has made available for download the Catalyst 10:12. The new graphics card driver is waiting for it a fresh user interface for Windows Vista and Windows 7 with even more advanced features.

AMD Catalyst 10:12 posted for download. The update now supports AMD Open GL 4.1. In addition, changes were made to the UI. Sun AMD is now for the Cataclys Control Center on Microsoft’s. NET Framework in version 3.51. Who still uses Windows XP,wowgold but must be content with the old view. Only Windows Vista and Windows 7 users will benefit from the innovations.

AMD has released a changelog in English, in which the changes will be 10:12 by Catalyst explained again in detail. To download the Catalyst 10:12 related accustomed to the homepage of AMD.

AMD Catalyst 10:12 Preview – Featuring the New Catalyst Control Center

2-Port USB 3.0 PCI-E Express NEC Interface Card

Article by Www.onThesource.com

USB 3.0 is here! This 2-port PCI Express USB 3.0 card adds two USB 3.0 ports to a desktop for SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity! Featuring an NEC host controller chipset, the card supports transfer rates up to 5Gbps, while still providing connectivity and support for USB 2.0 (480Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12Mbps) devices. Bus power is provided via the two ports for maximum compatibility with USB 2.0 and 3.0 portable devices.

Specifications:Supports the following speed data rates as follows:Low-speed (1.5Mbps) / Full-speed (12Mbps) / High-speed(480Mbps) / Super-speed (5Gbps)Supports 2 downstream ports for all speedsBuilt-in 4-pin power connector for receiving extra power supply from systemHot-swapping feature allows you to connect/disconnect devices without powering down the systemSupport Windows

Getting Started with Windows 7

Article by Jose Climent

Whether you’re buying a new PC or upgrading your current PC to Windows 7, you probably want to get through the setup process as quickly as possible. Windows 7 is designed to get you up and running fast.

Windows 7 includes a new Getting Started experience that points you in the right direction by highlighting some common tasks associated with setting up your new PC. You’ll see Getting Started on the Start menu when you first use Windows 7. Use it to explore new features, transfer files from your old PC, add user accounts, and more. Getting Started is there when you need it and stays out of your way when you’re doing other things.

Upgrading a PC to Windows 7

They realize that upgrading to a newer version of Windows can sometimes be a challenge, depending on what operating system you are currently running, your familiarity with PCs in general, and your current system configuration. With that in mind, They have designed Windows 7 for a smooth upgrade from Windows Vista and have improved several tools that can aid you in the upgrade process.

Because Windows 7 is built on the same architectural platform as Windows Vista, the transition to Windows 7 should be fairly smooth whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit system, although you will need to ensure that your PC has the latest service pack first.* If your upgrade gets blocked due to incompatible or missing drivers, you may be able to load a new or updated driver from the Compatibility Center and continue with the upgrade.

*Note: Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released in April 2008. Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) was released in May 2009. While you can upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 with SP1, Microsoft recommends that you install both Service Packs before upgrading.

Migrating from Windows XP

Windows 7 is best experienced on a new PC with the latest hardware, but if your computer meets the minimum specifications, you can install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP. Windows 7 must be “custom” installed (also known as a “clean” installation) over Windows XP. Before beginning the installation, you’ll need to copy your files and settings to an external drive. After Windows 7 has been installed you will need to re-install all of your programs using the original installation media and then copy over the files and settings you backed up to your external drive. Because Windows 7 requires a custom installation, we strongly recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you’re not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there’s an easy way to check. Just use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. You’ll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs or hardware, like printers or scanners. If there’s a fix, you’ll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it will let you know if you need an updated driver for your printer and show you where to get it.

Windows Compatibility Center

You may want to know if your devices and software will work with your computer, and that you have all the latest updates so your stuff works the way it’s supposed to. First introduced with Windows Vista, the Windows Compatibility Center is a single location where you can quickly and easily verify that your existing devices and applications will work—and double-check to make sure that your new purchases work too. The Compatibility Center is updated frequently so you can find the most current software and drivers to make things run perfectly. You can even share feedback with Microsoft to help improve the Compatibility Center or get help from the Windows community.

Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer helps you move files, folders, program settings, and system settings from your old PC to your new one. With the newest version of Windows Easy Transfer, you can leave the transfer unattended. If Windows encounters a file or setting that it can’t transfer, it will complete the rest of the migration and then show you any items that failed to transfer and give you the option to try again.

Windows Easy Transfer also works well if you’re adding a second PC. With the new Windows Easy Transfer file explorer, you can see files on other PCs and choose the ones you want to copy to your new PC. If you’re not sure what you want to transfer, you can use the new Selective Restore feature to save all the files and settings on your old PC to removable media. You can then choose the files and settings you want to transfer. Everything else remains safely stored in your Windows Easy Transfer archive, in case you want to access it later.

You’ll need the same version of Windows Easy Transfer on all PCs to transfer files, folders, program settings, and system settings. For PCs running Windows 7, Windows Easy Transfer automatically copies the latest version of Windows Easy Transfer to other PCs running Windows 7 after you’ve connected them. If you’re running Windows Vista or Windows XP, however, you will need to manually install the Windows 7 version of Windows Easy Transfer on your PC from the installation media in Windows 7 before you can begin transferring data.

About the Author

Jose Climent is a computer programmer since 1984. You can find more articles on computer training in your blog.

More Vista 64 Bit Articles

Url shortener for this page here.

Few things To Know Before Buying Windows 7

Article by Naval Gogia

Promising to deliver the next-generation of desktop computing, the latest version of Windows offers numerous improvements over its predecessors. Released on October 2009, Microsoft Windows 7 gives Microsoft the knack to enlarge its market share by catering to new and existing users with spectacularly improved usability. The requirements for running Microsoft Windows 7 are modest, enabling it to run competently on most of today’s hardware. Many computer users intend to buy Windows 7; however, it comes in no less than six different editions, upgrade and full packs, and on top of that there is a 32-bit and 64-bit version. This can be actually confusing and many people have been asking the same question: Which Windows 7 should I buy?Out of the six available editions, one should know that only three are sold retail: Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate.

Windows 7 Ultimate has the most features, so it can be considered