Help for Cable customers

So, what is Windows 7?

Windows 7 is the latest operating system from Microsoft.

When was it released?

It was launched on Thursday 22nd October 2009.

Will Windows 7 work with Virgin Media products and services?

We’ve carried out all kinds of tests, to see what kind of issues we might have with Windows 7 and our products and services. Here’s what we’ve found.

• Affinegy CD for installing Netgear routers
• The Speedtouch 330 modem that used to be supplied to Virgin Media National (ADSL) customers
• Reinstalling modems when purchasing a new Windows 7 PC

Affinegy CD

If you’re an existing customer and you’re either upgrading your PC to Windows 7 or getting a new one, we recommend that you don’t use the Affinegy CD that might have been provided your Netgear router. We’ve done a lot of tests on it and it looks like it’s not compatible with Windows 7. Instead, just follow the written instructions provided in the box with your router. You’ll also find them on our Wireless help page.

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Speedtouch 330

Note that no Windows 7 drivers exist for this modem. The Windows Vista drivers may be able to control the modem on Windows 7, although our technical support team may be unable to assist you if these drivers do not work. We recommend that Windows 7 users connect via a router; take a look at the options in our equipment shop.

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Reinstalling some Motorola modems on new PC’s or if connecting via USB

Customers on some Motorola modems (sb 5100) with a USB connection who have installed Windows 7 will need to reinstall the modem. This can be done in 2 ways:

• By using the original modem driver disk and adding the driver manually on the control panel
• By using the original installation disk and run ‘setup.ex’

Alternatively customer should connect via an Ethernet cable as recommended by Virgin Media. Unlike USB connections, Ethernet is specifically designed for transferring data, making it faster, more reliable and easier to install. USB connections can actually limit your speed.

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What’s the difference between all the Windows 7 editions?

As with other Windows operating systems, there are a few different editions. Here they are:

• Windows 7 Starter
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Ultimate

You can find out more here.

How is it different from previous versions?

Here are a few of the new features Windows 7 has to offer:

• Desktop – improved taskbar previews, bigger icons and creative ways to personalise it
• Home Group – easy home networking, so it's simpler to share files and printers
• Jump Lists – speedy access to your favourite pictures, songs, websites and documents
• Windows Live Essentials – free software for your PC, including Get Mail, Photo Gallery and other favourites.

Just so you know: Windows 7 doesn’t come with an email client. To use your Virgin Media email, just go to Virginmedia.com and click on the Email tab.Check out the Microsoft website for more details.

What does it look like?

Windows 7 does have some similarities to Windows Vista. There are a number of updates, but they're subtle differences — a simplified start menu, My Documents replaced with Libraries, fewer alerts and a new version Windows Media Player, to name just a few.

Have a look at some screenshots here.

How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 7?*

That depends on which version of Windows you have at the moment, which edition of Windows 7 you’d like and where you buy it from. We’ve taken these prices from the Microsoft website:

If you’re upgrading from Vista to Windows 7, it’ll cost £79.99 for the Home Premium edition, £189.99 for the Professional edition, or £199.99 for the Ultimate edition.

If you’re using an earlier system, like Windows XP, you’ll need a full retail copy of Windows 7, which will cost £149.99 for the Home edition, £219.99 for the Professional edition and £229.99 for the Ultimate package.

All copies are single-license, so they can only be installed on one computer. Click here for more details.

What if I just bought a new computer recently, can I get a free Windows 7 upgrade?

Almost definitely, yes! If you bought your machine after 26th June, most major manufacturers will have put you on Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Option programme. Ask your manufacturer or retailer how to claim your free upgrade.

Click here for more details.

How do I install Windows 7?

If you’re using Windows Vista, click here for details.

If you’re using Windows XP, you’ll need to carry out what’s known as a ‘clean install’. That means that previous versions of Windows need to be uninstalled before Windows 7 can be installed. Any files you have will be lost when the install is done, so you’ll need to back those up first.

Click here for details.

Does Windows 7 come with an email programme?

No, Windows 7 doesn’t come with an email client. You can use your Virgin Media email through Virginmedia.com by clicking on the Email tab. This is our gateway for new and existing customers to get to their Virgin Media email.

*Costs based on pricing from Microsoft website on 7th October 2009.