Instead, this article has been written to help you understand the hidden costs that can be associated with upgrading to Windows 7.
What Windows XP Users Need to Know
If you are currently using Windows XP, you cannot upgrade directly to Windows 7.If you (like the majority of Windows users) shunned Windows Vista, you will need to do a fresh installation.
Microsoft made many significant changes involving drivers and registry functions. Most tech gurus would recommend anytime you move to a new operating system, including upgrading from XP to Windows 7, you do an entirely "from scratch" installation.
I have already read on a few blogs about users employing a work around by upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista. They take a copy of Windows Vista, upgrade but don't register it. (They don't be using Vista anyhow.) Then, they upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.
Potential Hidden Costs: If you are not willing or able to do the installation yourself, expect to pay $50 to $150 for a professional to do it for you (not including backing up your data before the installation.)
Potential hidden costs if you try a work around and screw it up and lose all your data: Catastrophic.
What Frugal People Still Using Older Devices Need to Know
If you are using older printers, an old graphics card, or other out-of-date devices they may not work with Windows 7.
Before you upgrade to Windows 7 check to see if there are drivers available that can support your devices. If your printer is more than a few years old, you may not be able to use it when you upgrade.
If you are not sure if your graphics card, devices, etc. will be compatible with Windows 7, that's okay. Microsoft thoughtfully created a free online tool, the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Tool, that can scan your computer for potential incompatibility issues.
Potential Hidden Costs: Fortunately, printers are now fairly cheap. You can get a semi-decent printer for home and light-office use for less than $100.00. Of course, you may need to toss in the cost of a new graphics card, too.
Costs of Data Transfer
Before you upgrade to Windows 7 you need to back up your entire hard drive. And, I do mean entire hard drive.Multiple bloggers and forum posters are now reporting they were unable to get accounts settings to transfer. If you have to go in and manually transfer data or set up accounts again, factor in the cost of your own very valuable time.
Potential Hidden Costs: Depending on whether or not you already have devices to dump your data onto (or are currently using a service like iDrive.com to perform entire system backups) you need to factor in the cost of purchasing DVDs, a mighty jump drive, or a portable hard drive onto which you can back up all your data.
The potential costs associated with losing data in an upgrade are unthinkable for most business owners.
Security Software
Your current XP-friendly applications for antivirus, antispyware, and personal firewall will probably not run in Windows 7.Microsoft has kicked up their security in Windows 7 and offers Windows Defender for free, but but if you are determined to stay with your old security software, forget it. At least for now, you will most likely need to use Microsoft Security Essentials.
How Much Does Windows 7 Upgrade Cost?
It depends on your shopping skills and which upgrade you need to purchase. Look for special deals at Staples and on Amazon.com (both have cut their prices to be more competitive.)Before sales or discounts, the Home Premium Upgrade lists for $119.99, the Professional Upgrade lists for about $199.99, and the Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade lists for about $225.00.
