We're loving Windows 7: it looks great, performs well and is packed with so many small improvements that we'll soon forget Vista ever existed. But at the same time, it's important not to get carried away by the hype.
Windows 7 isn't perfect. In fact, it's not even close. Look closely and you'll find it has security problems, interface issues and gaps in functionality, as well as faithfully reproducing common Windows annoyances that have been around for a long time.
Of course, every operating system has its irritations, and you shouldn't let Windows 7's selection put you off upgrading. The key is to understand them. And that's why we've spent weeks with Windows 7, not only uncovering the problems it still contains, but also finding out exactly how to resolve each one.
The results will help enhance any Windows 7 installation – so make sure you follow our guide before you do anything else.
Installation issues
Your first problem with Windows 7 will appear before you've even installed it, especially if you're trying to upgrade a version of the Windows 7 beta. Microsoft won't allow this by default, apparently to ensure that the set-up process runs smoothly and no dubious beta code is left behind afterwards.
If you're willing to take a risk, though, there is an easy solution that works well for most people. Take your installation DVD and copy its contents to a folder on your hard drive, or perhaps a bootable flash drive.
Open the file 'Sources\cversion.ini' in Notepad and you'll see the line 'MinClient=7100'. This defines the lowest build number that will be accepted for the upgrade. Change this to the build number for your Windows 7 installation – MinClient=7000, say – and then save the file. Now, when you start the setup for your installation, it should work fine.
Unfortunately, you may immediately run into another problem: Windows 7 no longer displays a list of the editions that you can install. So if you currently have the Professional edition, there's no way to switch to anything else during the upgrade – unless you try another tweak, that is.
Return to your custom installation folders, browse to the Sources folder and this time look for the file 'ei.cfg'. Rename this to ei.cfg.old, or edit it and change the [EditionID] value to the version you'd like to install, and the upgrade will run accordingly (see here for more information).
That's the theory, anyway, although some have reported that this doesn't work for them. And of course you will still need a legitimate product key for your version to be able to activate it.
Customising the Windows 7 interface
Now Windows 7 is installed and loading for the first time. Unimpressed by the log-in screen? Then try something else. It's fairly easy once you know how.
Launch Regedit, and browse to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background'.
Doubleclick the dword key called 'OEM Background' (not there? Just create it) and set its value to 1. Next, locate the log-in background image you'd like to use. It must be a JPG file that's less than 245kB in size, and it should ideally match the aspect ratio of your screen, or it'll be stretched to fit.
Drag and drop that image into the '%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds' folder (if the info or backgrounds folders don't exist then you'll need to create them yourself). Rename it to backgroundDefault.jpg and reboot your PC to check that the log-in screen is now working.
Alternatively, use a free tweaking utility to do all the hard work for you. Logon Changer will resize a copy of your chosen image to ensure it fits, then display a preview so you can see how it looks without restarting.
The Logon Screen Rotator lets you choose multiple images, and will display a different one each time the log-in screen is displayed. Once you've finished customising the log-in screen, address your display by downloading a fresh Windows theme.
DeviantArt, I Think Different and Windows 7 Themes and have some excellent examples to help you get started.
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spydercanopus
December 18th 2009
1. AlwaysKeepMemoryDump... is that 32 or 64-bit.. i'm running 64-bit but don't fully understand the registry.
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