Windows 7... what a load of, err.... garbage !!

After reading many reports about the wonders of Windows 7, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and install the copy of Windows 7 Professional that has been sitting around on my dest for quite some time.

Well, I've never seen an operating system fall apart in such a short space of time !

My first issues were that IE8 would not load links in new tabs or windows, but would load links in the same window. This was a real bind when using Google and some other web pages. So, I reluctantly loaded Firefox (not my preferred browser), and I don't like this because it doesn't display some web pages properly, and has issues handling cookies, so I'm often asked to log back into web sites that I've already logged into.

Then, a while later, a new problem occurred. When trying to open a zipped file, or view an mp4 file, I get the message "Windows Explorer has unexpectedly closed" and "Windows Explorer is restarting" (the mp4 file does open and display, incidentally).

Now, the latest one "Your desktop widgets have unexpectedly stopped working". Now, I only have 2 desktop widgets - one puts an analogue clock face on the desktop, and one puts the local weather up there.

My system has also been plagued with network problems on both the LAN and WAN, with slow local file transfers, and WAN routing problems.

I think a major re-install may be required - but which OS ? I'm certainly not impressed with W7 - it certainly doesn't seem to be as robust as XP.

And, oh, before anyone suggests it, I've not got any trojans or malware - the system has always been protected by Eset Smart Security 4, and checked with more than one malware program.

Edited by deleted (Fri 09-Jul-10 08:30:59)

I don't use IE8 much because I got fed up waiting for new tabs to come ready. Anyway all you have to do to open a link in a new tab is right click a link and select 'Open in New Tab'. Alternatively hold down Ctrl while left clicking a link and the page opens in a new tab. In both cases the current tab stays active.

As for Win7 I can only say that your experience is far from typical. I don't know why you are having problems but it's not the OS. Most likely hardware by the sound of it. I have heard a few mutterings about it's legacy h/w support. Some manufacturers have been tardy about updating their drivers. I know that my generic laptop still has issues with the latest RealTec audio drivers.

Edited by Andrue (Fri 09-Jul-10 08:50:46)

It certainly seems more sensible to default to opening links in the current window. As you say, it's easy enough to override it when there is a need to.

I agree that this sounds like a hardware issue. Windows 7 has been rock solid for me, far more so than earlier incarnations of Windows.

In reply to a post by Andrue:

.......As for Win7 I can only say that your experience is far from typical. I don't know why you are having problems but it's not the OS.......

I have Windows 7 Ultimate on my main desktop and Windows 7 Home Premium on my laptop. My daughter also has Windows 7 Home Premium on her laptop.

Never had a moments trouble from any of them.

When I think back to the days of Windows 95 and 98 and the BSOD's on a very regular basis, I shudder and break out in a cold sweat. Now they were duff OS's.

As others have said this is certainly not a typical Windows 7 experience. Did you do a clean install or an upgrade?

Regards,
Steve

In reply to a post by zebedeee:

I think a major re-install may be required - but which OS ? I'm certainly not impressed with W7 - it certainly doesn't seem to be as robust as XP.

I too have win 7 pro, but as others have said, your experience does not seem to be the norm, are they legit copies (dont need to answer that) is that an issue? were all the drivers loaded for win 7 for your particular hardwear (if avail?) Windows update will load what it can but its not perfect, whereas your hardwear manufacturer will or should have a specific driver for it etc.

anyway as for suggested OS's to use, why not go back to XP, you seem to be implying you had no issues before on that so go back to what you know?

In reply to a post by zebedeee:

After reading many reports about the wonders of Windows 7, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and install the copy of Windows 7 Professional that has been sitting around on my dest for quite some time.

Well, I've never seen an operating system fall apart in such a short space of time !

My first issues were that IE8 would not load links in new tabs or windows, but would load links in the same window. This was a real bind when using Google and some other web pages. So, I reluctantly loaded Firefox (not my preferred browser), and I don't like this because it doesn't display some web pages properly, and has issues handling cookies, so I'm often asked to log back into web sites that I've already logged into.

go to control panels > internet options and click the tabs button and adjust the bottom section.

Then, a while later, a new problem occurred. When trying to open a zipped file, or view an mp4 file, I get the message "Windows Explorer has unexpectedly closed" and "Windows Explorer is restarting" (the mp4 file does open and display, incidentally).

Sounds like you did an upgrade installl

I have to say like everyone else this isn't typical of windows 7.

I've found windows 7 to be absolutely brilliant, unlike XP it doesn't slowdown after 3 months - if anything it seems faster. There's no need for them regular reformats like before.

Also I haven't seen a blue screen once whereas XP used to get a fair few.

I've also never had a single issue with program compatability, everything works perfectly and I'm using 64 bit!

It definitely sounds like you did an 'upgrade' not a clean install. Without a doubt 7 is more stable than xp though. You've just had a bad experience!

I also find my tabs load as soon as I click new tab on IE 8 - there's no waiting :/ Try disabling addons if you're having this issues.

Also Eset Smart Security 4 has some issues with networking on windows 7. Your other malware programs may also have some compatability issues.

In reply to a post by ukhardy07:

I've also never had a single issue with program compatability, everything works perfectly and I'm using 64 bit!

me too, and you know there was even surprises on the compatability front for me, i use xnews for newsgroup reading and it still works right out the bat, on x64 as well, no mucking about, out of all my programs i used, this was the one i was SURE would cause me grief, but no!!!

In reply to a post by ukhardy07:

I've also never had a single issue with program compatability, everything works perfectly and I'm using 64 bit!

I too run the 64bit version of Ultimate and forgot to mention that I've had no programme compatibilty issues with 'old' programmes.

In fact the reverse applies to one I use frequently; Microsoft Money 2000; mainly because I cannot find anything better for my needs.
This was designed for Win98SE and it would not run on Vista 32 or 64 except in 'XP compatibility mode'

Installed on Windows 7 (32bit & 64bit) as if it was made for the OS. No fiddling about using compatibility mode.

I must say I was very suprised when it did but I reckon this is a good indicator of the flexibility of Windows 7 that it will run a 10 year old porgramme straight 'out of the box' as it were.

Edited by deleted (Sat 10-Jul-10 15:16:06)