Insomneac

Are these apps compatible with Windows 7? Have you tried compatibility mode?

I've never tried three O/S's, but it can be done. You should always install the oldest O/S first, so start with XP, then install Vista, then 7. Not really sure why you want Vista and 7, there's not that much difference between them. I'd probably just go for XP and 7, but it's up to you. Also, keep in mind that some Windows 7 versions also have XP Mode if you have the appropriate hardware (If you have a particular program that won't run on Vista/7).

The driver version for Catalyst 9.11 should be v8.671.0.0. Try a driver cleaner program and completely remove the display driver and all ATI files, reboot and reinstall CCC 9.1, then go through the settings in CCC.

If you've ruled out a virus or similar, try disabling IE add-ons one by one, or temporarily kill any background programs running. Also, try setting all IE options to defaults and see if that helps. If that fails, re-download and install IE8 again. Before you do any of that, make absolutely certain you don't have an infection of any sort.

Out of curiousity, does anyone know what the command prompt executable at "\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-commandprompt_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_e701b864340d9016\" is for? I'm using an Intel CPU and Windows 7 x64. That cmd.exe allows you to Run as Administrator in the Compatibility tab. I'm not suggesting to anyone to use it, and I don't need it, I'm just curious as to it's purpose and why changing settings is allowed on this one?

It doesn't exist because you need to create it. I suggest you create a restore point before hand, and backup any registry keys you change just in case.

Nope, I have a very simple setup with one user. If anything, it should work on mine.

Yes there is a registry method, but that's not as easy to reverse as disabling a service. The key is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFWARE\Microsoft\Wind ows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\ The sub-folder to delete is {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}. The value of the default item should be "Other users". I still don't get why disabling the services works for some and not others?

Because it doesn't remove HomeGroup, and it clutters the sidebar even more, especially if you have desktop folders. BTW, on my system, stopping the two services doesn't remove HomeGroup, it's still there. The site linked says you don't need to log off or reboot (which I haven't tried yet). EDIT: I've logged off, and even rebooted, and HomeGroup is still there!

I've had an upgrade from Vista to 7, on a modern PC, take well over 6 hrs. It might have been longer, as I got sick of waiting and went to bed.

I've also noticed that the file sizes make a huge difference, and there is a large discrepency between reading and writing (not applicable when installing an OS) to a USB flash drive. My Corsair Flash Voyager 64 GB will read at over 24 Mbit/s via USB 2.0, yet I can only write to it at a measly 3-5 Mbit/s.

Windows 7 is less tolerant of hardware issues than Vista or XP. If it blue screens again, check Event Viewer, or debug the memory dump. To check it's set up correctly, right-click Computer (Start Menu), Properties then Advanced System Settings. Then click Settings under StartUp and Recovery. Make sure under System Failure that "Write an event to system log" is checked, automatically restart is unchecked, Kernel Memory Dump is selected in the drop-down box, and uncheck Overwrite existing file.

If you're still having problems, and you know for certain that the drive is OK, the only thing I can think of is a corrupt registry entry. This is usually caused by burning programs when they're installed. Try the following solution from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929461 (It works for Windows 7, as I've used it when fixing PC's for friends) Before you touch the registry, create a restore point first, then make a backup of the keys you change. There's no guarantee this will work, but I don't know what else you can try. Installing a DVD drive is fairly straight forward if you have the correct motherboard drivers installed.

Did you manage to install the nForce software for your chipset from nVidia?

@bolus14, try the Windows 2000 driver. I used it for Windows 7 on a 9200SE, and it ran OK, BUT I didn't really test it thoroughly or run any 3D applications. It rebooted and ran Windows, and there was no problem with the resolution. It's either that, or try installing the XP driver in compatibility mode, or use the dll method. As you stated, an upgrade is really the best thing. A decent card will also give you the best Windows 7 experience.