Microsoft is looking into reports that some Windows 7 upgrades cause a continuous loop upon installation, among other problems.
On Microsoft's Answers forum, a growing number of users are complaining that Windows 7 reaches a certain point in the upgrade from Windows Vista, and then reboots over and over. Other users report that the installation process hangs partway through.
It appears that the errors stem from the downloadable version of Microsoft's newest operating system, acquired either through the Microsoft Store or from Digital River, the group handling discounted upgrades for students. Microsoft says it's investigating the problem, but downplayed it as "a series of isolated issues that are often related to the user's Internet provider or installed third-party software," according to Computerworld.
For now, Microsoft recommends burning a disk image at the slowest speed possible to avoid corruption.
Another problem for students, reported by CNet, is the inability to upgrade from 32-bit Windows Vista to 64-bit Windows 7 without getting an error message. These students must contact Digital River to request a 64-bit installation file that performs a clean install, wiping the user's hard drive in the process. Microsoft is also offering refunds to those who purchased the 64-bit upgrade but would rather get the 32-bit version and keep their stuff.
Provided they can get past the headaches, students have arguably the best incentive to upgrade from Windows Vista, as Windows 7 only costs them $30, a $90 discount. I'm not surprised to see some installation problems pop up, but I feel the pain of users who were hoping Windows 7 would provide beautiful simplicity. "Can't we just fix up Windows 95 and re-release it?" asked Microsoft Answers forum-goer Chimaera717. "It's the only decent operating system made in my lifetime."
