Missing in the discussion seems a bit lacking which Win7 to install. I changed fron WinXP to Win7 Ultimate 64bit about 3 years ago. First made a dual boot configuration with XP to be sure. Of course you'll run into some issues, but i must say 7 is pretty stable. Running 64bit and BIAB also works OK. Running 64bit DAW applications like Cubase 7 and up you will need Jbridge, currently 1.75, if you have older 32bit VST plugins. 64bit seems recommendable these days, software vendors abandon 32bit stuff more and more it seems, f.i. Cubase 9 is 64bit only.

But what's most important if you want to go for 64bit is that a lot of older hardware needs 64bit drivers. So if you have an older computer Mainboard better check this first, or maybe stick to 32bit. F.i. check your Mainboard's BIOS version and especially the chipset drivers available too before you start.

TIP: using something like Acronis True image to make occasional backups during the installation procedures of your boot sector. This can save your day timewise if something goes wrong and you can revert to a healthy version. Sixchannel, please note this: move your BIAB off the boot partition: i installed my programs on a separate partition, especially BIAB. You can address it f.i from XP and Win7 in your case there.

Windows Repair (free tool) can also save the day with Win7. Most problems with Win7 i had was the frigging permissions thing, "Take Ownership" can be a tremendous time and annoyance saver too. Stay clear of al those registry editors and cleaners unless you know what you do. CCleaner is a great help there, never had problems with that. - F

a PS:
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
[quote=sixchannel] .... I had that happen when I went from Win 95 to whatever came after that. My sound card driver didn't work and the company said they weren't supporting that driver/soundcard, that I'd have to buy a new card ....
I have 64bit non official drivers for my beloved but now abandoned (no PCI on my new Mainboard) and thus for sale Soundblaster Audigy ZS with breakoutbox, Programmable GM synth, Headphone Jack, Optical DIGI. Drivers were not available from Creative Labs. And call me biassed, but i never regretted buying M-Audio stuff, and RME now. They keep their older hardware driverwise supported and updated a lot longer than companies like MOTU, Steinberg and too many others. Also provide quick support if you need help.

PS 2: Windows 10, if you don't like Big Brother spying too much on you, Windows 7 is better for ptivacy. Unless you switch off all sorts of pre-activated spyware-like functions. There are tools to do that for you ...

Last edited by fiddler2007; 03/07/17 01:58 AM. Reason: added information