Hi David,
Unfortunately you didn't specify the model of the Acer netbook so I can't tell you if the upgrade
makes sense or is feasible.
However ,if you decide to go ahead with this you'll need to do some homework.
First of all check if the netbook will accommodate Win 7 by running the upgrade advisor
http://windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=20
Netbooks are notorious for being underpowered and in a lot of cases can't handle the Aero theme.
That doesn't mean you can't run Win7. I've run Win7 on an old P4 2.4 GHz and 1 GB of Ram,
but it can't handle the Aero Theme very well. If you're ok with that ,fine.
Secondly, you'll need to check with Acer if Win 7 drivers are available for your model.
You didn't specify whether the Win7 upgrade CD (really it's a DVD) contains both, the 32 bit edition
as well as the 64 bit edition.
Depending on what you got and what Acer has ,will decide what you can use. Most likely 32 bit only.
1. " .......can I clone the old drive to the new and have it bebootable? "
Yes ,but why would you want to if you're planning to replace the 160 GB drive
with the 750 GB drive?
2. You gave your own answer in your last paragraph:
"It strikes me that possibly the easiest thing to do is install the new
drive, use my USB CD/DVD external drive and the Win7 disk to partition
the drive and install Win7, and then do a fresh Ubuntu install to the
remaining space. "
(As to Ubuntu you may also try to clone - see links below)
This is what I would do (and have done)
1. Install Win 7 on a newly created partition large enough to accommodate Win7 plus space for future apps,
using PartitionWizard http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html or similar.
To me 50 GB is plenty. Data is preferably kept on another partition or in a folder mounted as another drive.
Be aware of the fact that Win 7 upgrade "cannot be installed" on a bare drive -It's an upgrade to an existing install.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-to-install-windows-7-upgrade-onto-a-new/98007ee1-84d2-47d7-853e-47a5ac598a46 Read 2nd answer. That's a M$ answer of course.
But forget about that nonsense ,just follow the answer below:
To overcome that obstacle ,you have 3 choices:A. Install Win7 over an existing installation, even a minimal copy
or B. Do a 2nd install of Win 7 or C. use SLMGR (Security License Manager after the 1st install) (see links below)
For choice B
Basics are like this: Boot up with the Win7 upgrade DVD. Install Win7 to a prepared partition.
Do NOT enter the license key at this time. Let the install finish.
Reboot. Insert the DVD again (inside Win7) and NOW do the upgrade.
Select the same partition you installed on the 1st time. This time however insert the lic key when prompted.
It's all here : Initial post -amusing to say the least
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/microsoft-mucks-up-windows-7-licensing/
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/clean-install-windows-7-from-the-upgrade-disc/
Some useful links
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/windows-7-upgrade-scenarios-scenario-3-upgrade-a-netbook-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/use-any-version-of-windows-7-free-for-120-days/
http://thewichitacomputerguy.com/blog/how-quietly-run-slmgr-silently-vista-and-windows-7
http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/406809-clarify-can-fresh-install-vista-windows-7-using-upgrade-2.html#post5198870 (post by st0nedpenguin)
After Win 7 is running ,install EasyBCD on it , for the bootmenu . see links below.
I expect that initially you will have created the partition for Ubuntu.
You could use CloneZilla or an Ubuntu live CD and the dd command or any method you prefer to clone
Ubuntu from the 160 GB to the designated partition on the 750 GB HDD.
http://www.clonezilla.org/
http://www.arsgeek.com/2008/01/22/how-to-clone-your-bootable-ubuntu-install-to-another-drive/
I would advice to use EasyBCD to get your boot menu setup ,but if you want to use another method take the easiest one. I find EBCD works great in scenarios like this.
http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Ubuntu Dual-Booting Ubuntu Linux and Windows 7/Windows Vista (with the Windows bootloader)
http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/EasyBCD+Documentation+Home
http://neosmart.net/EasyBCD/
Peter E.
--------------------------------------------------
From: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, 11 March, 2012 3:57 AM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [PCBUILD] Upgrading my netbook ... does my plan make sense?
My (Acer) netbook is just over two years old, and I still love it --
but I want to upgrade it and I'm not sure how straightforward that will
be:
1. It came with a 160GB hard drive, which is getting full. I've got a
750GB drive to replace it, and a USB 2.0-connected unit that will hold
two 2.5" drives. If I use EaseUS's partition utility (or recommended
alternative?) can I clone the old drive to the new and have it be
bootable? (and subsequently adjust the partitions to use the additional
space...)
2. The netbook came with Windows XP Home installed. I partitioned the
drive and added Ubuntu Linux, with Ubuntu's boot manager letting me
choose which I run. Now I want to replace XP Home with Win7 Home
Premium (I got a good deal, so I have the "upgrade" CD already). How do
I do that?
It strikes me that possibly the easiest thing to do is install the new
drive, use my USB CD/DVD external drive and thw Win7 disk to partition
the drive and install Win7, and then do a fresh Ubuntu install to the
remaining space. (This install of Ubuntu should recreate the boot
manager listing Win7 instead of XP...) Any flaws in this plan? Any
simpler suggestions?
David Gillett
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