Computers & Networking

[dtown91]

Thinking about upgrading to Windows 7 and wondered if anyone had an opinion on if my machine can handle it?

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 purchased in 2003 . . .

• Intel Pentium Processor, 80532, 2.8GHz, 512K, 800 Front Side Bus, Socket N
• Hard Drive, 40G, IDE 7.2K, 80G/P, MXT-APOLLO - already planning to upgrade this.
• Modem, V92, Internal, Data Fax, Softvoice, Don Julio, AMF
• CD/DVD+RW..., 4.7, Teac, 8X, DVD+R, CHASSIS 2001...
• CD/DVD - 7G, 16X, I, 5.25" FORM FACTOR..., Liteon Chassis 2001, V5
• Card, Graphics, 512MB, NVidia GForce
• NEC Floppy Drive, 1.44M, 3.5"
• Dimm, 3GB (2x512MB and 2x1GB), 400M, 64X64, 8K, 184

Also, will my kids computer (running Windows XP) still be able to connect to the router through the network on this machine?

[dtown91]

Should have mentioned that I am currently running Windows XP SP3 and have been having what appears to be driver issues - I think related to the video driver. That is why I am considering the upgrade.

[Neihn Valued Contributor]

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dtown91 wrote:

Thinking about upgrading to Windows 7 and wondered if anyone had an opinion on if my machine can handle it?

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 purchased in 2003 . . .

• Intel Pentium Processor, 80532, 2.8GHz, 512K, 800 Front Side Bus, Socket N
• Hard Drive, 40G, IDE 7.2K, 80G/P, MXT-APOLLO - already planning to upgrade this.
• Modem, V92, Internal, Data Fax, Softvoice, Don Julio, AMF
• CD/DVD+RW..., 4.7, Teac, 8X, DVD+R, CHASSIS 2001...
• CD/DVD - 7G, 16X, I, 5.25" FORM FACTOR..., Liteon Chassis 2001, V5
• Card, Graphics, 512MB, NVidia GForce
• NEC Floppy Drive, 1.44M, 3.5"
• Dimm, 3GB (2x512MB and 2x1GB), 400M, 64X64, 8K, 184

Also, will my kids computer (running Windows XP) still be able to connect to the router through the network on this machine?

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That PC is not compatible with Vista or Windows 7. You can confirm this if you want though by downloading the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15&displa...

[dtown91]

What about it is the issue? If it is something other than the processor/motherboard, I'd probably be willing to upgrade.

[Neihn Valued Contributor]

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dtown91 wrote:
What about it is the issue? If it is something other than the processor/motherboard, I'd probably be willing to upgrade.

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Download and run that software from microsoft I linked you. it will tell you exactly what is wrong. You would also be looking at potential driver issues since Dell does not support OS for the 8300 Dimensions beyond Windows XP so you would be at the mercy of Microsoft to include at least generic drivers for some stuff.

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade  $119.99

HP - Pavilion Slimline Desktop / AMD Athlon™ II Processor / 4GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive  $399.99 (With Windows 7 already installed)

Spending a little more to get what you actually need: Priceless.

[Neihn Valued Contributor]

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JakeTalahan wrote:

Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade  $119.99

HP - Pavilion Slimline Desktop / AMD Athlon™ II Processor / 4GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive  $399.99 (With Windows 7 already installed)

Spending a little more to get what you actually need: Priceless.

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That was actually what I was thinking. 119.99 for the Windows 7 upgrade say 79.99 for a Seagate 1TB Hard drive, and say 50 for a new video card you are already up to 250 dollars. IMHO even if that thing could run Windows 7 it would not be worth the upgrade.

[dtown91]

Is my current video card (which I upgraded about 18 months ago from a GForce 128MB) not compatable with Windows 7?

Reason I am asking is perhaps it is not 100% compatable with XP SP3 either and maybe that is why I am having the driver issues. I know that a machine that is 7 years old is a dinosaur but it was clicking along fine until recently when I started having the assumed driver issues.

I am not opposed to buying a new machine - that is why I was wondering about the ability of my current one to run 7 anyway.

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

Always download the driver from the manufactuer, not Windows Update or the machine's website. If you have a Logitec mouse that came with your computer, for instance, you would go to Logitec's website, not Dell's, or Compaq's.

That might be your issue.

Honestly, I would take your existing machine and put it aside as a spare after updating the drivers. Then buy a new machine with Windows 7 as your primary. Everyone needs a spare in case something goes wrong with the primary (or your wife is on it and won't get off *grumble grumble*)

[RealGeorgeW Valued Expert]

Personal problem there Jake? LOL.