John McClelland's Blog

Moving to Windows 7 RC1 – Upgrade or Clean Install?

As the very positive reviews for Windows 7 keep rolling in I’m finding more people wanting to test the waters by moving to Windows RC1 today.  The very first question I get is should I upgrade or should I do a clean install.  Here the official word form the the Windows 7 web site:

• Windows XP (or any other operating system)

We recommend that you experience Windows 7 on a new PC. Here are some featured PCs that can run Windows 7.

While we don't recommend it, you can opt to upgrade your current PC from Windows XP or another operating system to Windows 7. We recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider. You'll need to back up your current files and settings, perform a custom (clean) installation, and then reinstall your files, settings, and programs.

With any version of Windows, including Beta or Release Candidate (RC) versions, I almost always follow a regiment of doing a full back up and then a clean install (wipe the disk).  Though a well managed system should not experience problems during an RC upgrade, the meaning of “well managed” varies from one user to the next.  For example, I consider my system to be well managed by exercising a few simple maintenance rules:

• Install a good anti-virus program and keep the signature file up-to-date (i.e. enable auto-update of the signature file)
• Schedule and run Windows Update (automatically) in the background
• Avoid installing programs from un-trusted sites

Because of the role I play at Microsoft, I often run and test Beta/RC versions of Microsoft and non-Microsoft software on my system.  Consequently, they may have residual effects on my system that are not completely eradicated during an upgrade.  So for me, I always elect to do a clean install; it just feels better this way since it wipes away any issues I may have introduced under the old system.  I suspect many others feel the same as I do.

Also, note that anytime you work with Beta/RC software, you assume some risk since the software is not yet ready for prime time.  A RC product is close to being finished, a Beta version is not.  That is why it is imperative that you back-up your files and settings before performing an upgrade or clean install of the this type of software.  Remember, backing up your files is THE most important step.  You can easily rebuild a system, but seldom can you ever recover lost files.  So be sure you have a reliable back-up plan, one in which you have a high level of confidence in.

Lately, I’ve been using Microsoft Windows Easy Transfer (WET) to backup and restore my files and settings when moving from XP/Vista to Windows 7 and it has worked exceptionally well for me.  If you choose to use WET, take and perform a couple of trial back-up runs to get yourself acquainted with the tool.  For step-by-step instructions visit http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674(WS.10).aspx.

Now the downside of a clean install of Beta/RC software is that you may run into a hardware compatibility issue that requires a driver update (e.g. graphics, video, printer, etc).  Many Windows compliant drivers will install as part of the clean install of Windows 7.  Other driver updates will install when running Windows Update.  But, you may still find yourself with a hardware component that fails to install correctly after a clean install of the new operating system.  This may be due to one of the following factors:

• The hardware is no longer supported by the vendor under the new operating system and therefore a new driver will not be provided
• The vendor has not yet developed a Windows compliant driver for the new system, therefore a new driver is not installed

Now Windows has gone a long way to insure compatibility, but if you do find yourself with hardware problems after a clean install, you have a couple of options:

• Visit your hardware manufacturer’s website to locate, download and install the latest version of the driver, preferable a Windows 7 compliant driver
• Upgrade your hardware

Truth of the matter is an upgrade (vs. clean install) could still lead to the same outcome, i.e. hardware that doesn’t work well.  However, with an upgrade, the old drivers may still be present on the system making easier for you to reinstall and test the old hardware drivers under the new operating system.

Here’s my 10-step approach to a clean install of Windows 7:

1. Verify that your PC can run Windows 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/upgrade
2. Back-up your current files and settings.
3. Make a note of any programs you wish to reinstall after installing Windows 7
4. Perform a custom (clean install) of Windows 7
5. Install your antivirus software and update the signature file
6. Run Windows Update to verify that all available updates have been installed on your machine
7. Restore your files and settings
8. Restore your programs noted above in step 3.
9. Verify that your hardware installed successfully.
10. Explore the features of Windows 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/what-is?os=other

In closing, I came across this posting today that you may find of interest.

Experts Find Windows 7 to Be a Smooth PC Upgrade

http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/technology/101543/experts-find-windows-7-to-be-a-smooth-pc-upgrade/Default.aspx?ap=1&Flash

IMO, the word upgrade is used literally here, i.e. to exchange something for another of better quality.  Not in the context of an install option as discussed above.  But the good reviews do keep coming in :>

Cloud Camp DC Commercial and the Azure Lightning Talk

Last week Microsoft had the opportunity to attend and participate in Cloud Camp DC Commercial in Reston, VA.  This was a great opportunity to hear and learn from others in the community about their level of interest and early efforts to embrace cloud computing.  Positioned as a platform agnostic gathering for cloud enthusiast, the event attracted more than 90 people from a variety of technology professions.

You may be wondering what exactly is a Cloud Camp?  To answer this question, I pulled the following directly from the Cloud Camp website at http://www.cloudcamp.com.

It’s free and it’s an unconference where early adopter and industry leaders of Cloud Computing technologies exchange ideas. With the rapid change occurring in the industry we need a place where we can meet to share our experiences, challenges and solutions. At Cloud Camp, you are encouraged you to share your thoughts in several open discussions as we strive for the advancement of Cloud Computing. End users, IT professionals and vendors are all encouraged to participate.

So what is an unconference?  Wikipedia states that an unconference is “a facilitated, participant-driven conference centered around a theme or purpose.”  Based on our most recent experience, we have to agree.

The DC event was made possible by the organizing committee at Information Concepts and its 6 sponsors.  Dave Nielsen, a Cloud Camp co-founder, facilitated the DC event, his 29th on record.  The event started at 3:30pm and wrapped up a little over 5 hours later.  Much to my surprise, most attendees, despite having worked all-day, stayed for the entire event.  Awesome!

We found the unconference format to be quite interesting and productive.  The agenda is comprised of 4 main activities

• Lightning Talks – each event sponsor delivers a 5 minute presentation on their cloud computing initiatives
• Panel Discussion – the facilitator solicits 6-8 questions from the audience and then recruits a panel of volunteers to share their answers/opinions
• Breakouts – the facilitator identifies 4 or more breakouts topics during the panel discussion.  A breakout topic usually manifests itself by the level of interest in the topic or subject currently under discussion. A breakout session lasts 45-60 minutes.
• Networking Social – Attendees meet 1:1 with their peers and event sponsors to explore areas of additional interest and opportunity in cloud computing

As an event sponsor, Microsoft was afforded the opportunity to participate in the Lightning Talk.  Scott Zimmerman, a Solutions Architect in the Mid-Atlantic States District, delivered an excellent summary presentation on our Azure platform initiative.  Take 5-minutes now to listen to Scott presentation:

Video: The Azure Lightning Round

Customers need your help understanding Microsoft’s strategic direction in cloud computing.  This video and the accompanying slides should be of tremendous help in this regard.  If you are a member of a Microsoft Partner organization, including anyone on the sales, marketing or consulting teams, your ability to deliver a lightning round perspective on Microsoft’s Azure platform will help you build credibility among your customer base.

The video is also posted  here on Channel 9 and the slides are posted here.

Windows 7: Be first. Save half.

Pre-order Windows 7 beginning at 9pm PST tonight, at Microsoft Store. You'll get it for at least half off and be one of the first to get it. Hurry, quantities are limited.*  

It's pretty simple 

Windows 7 is coming on October 22, 2009. Here's an easy way to get it fast and save a bundle: Pre-order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49 or a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99 at Microsoft Store.   That's about half off the estimated retail prices.

Want more info? 

Go to the Windows team blog and find out all the details. 

* The offer begins on June 26, 2009 and will continue while supplies last, or until July 11, 2009, whichever comes first.

Developer Excerpts from The Learning Curve Newsletter for Partners – 22Jun09

Ramp Up: New Training Tracks for Developers

Announcing four new learning tracks for developers that can help you increase your skills to make you and your company more marketable: Web Development with ASP.NET, Move from ASP to ASP.NET, Move from PHP to ASP.NET, and Develop Windows Mobile 6 Applications.

Featured Training

Windows 7

Microsoft BizTalk Server 2009

Still on the Windows 7 Beta?

Still on the Windows 7 Beta?  You need to move to the RC and fast. Starting July 1^st, the Beta will start to reboot every 2 hrs and expire Aug 1^st. 

Want to download the RC? . The RC download program closes August 15th. After that, you won’t be able to get the download, but you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one. (To get a key, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.)

If you’re using the Windows 7 Release Candidate, we hope you like what you see. Let us know -- go to http://input.microsoft.com and tell us what you think. You’ll be able to give feedback on various aspects of the operating system.

For more information visit:  http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/springboard/default.aspx

Partner Training, Offers and Promotions – June 17

TRAINING RESOURCES: With a lot of new releases on their way, be sure you stay in the training loop this summer!

Partner Learning Blog

Follow the Partner Learning Team as they talk about what’s new in training and dialogue with partners about their training feedback and experiences.

Partner Training & Events RSS Feed

Receive recommended training picks, events taking place in your area and updates on training resources delivered instantly to your RSS reader.

PARTNER ACTION REQUIRED: Get Associated!

Did you know that if you or your coworkers haven’t associated your email addresses to your organization’s Microsoft Partner Program membership, you’re missing out on tons of free resources and benefits? You can view a comprehensive list of those items here, but let us tell you about one benefit we are particularly excited about - training!

As a benefit of MSPP membership you have access to thousands of free and deeply discounted trainings and a subscription to The Learning Curve, our twice-monthly training newsletter that gives you top recommended training picks by product and other updates on training resources. If you or your co-workers haven’t yet associated, ASSOCIATE NOW!

OFFERS & PROMOTIONS: Take advantage before time runs out!

Build Your Business in Tough Times Promotion (ends June 22, 2009)

Gain expert guidance on marketing and selling Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Microsoft Office 2007 solutions by attending the Business Builder Sales Clinic series and be entered to win a Flip Mino Camcorder. In addition, each attendee will earn a 50% reduced rate for a SharePoint Microsoft Official Curriculum Certification Exam.

Windows 7 Partner Video Contest (ends June 26, 2009)

Create a short video that tells your Windows 7 story and compete with other Microsoft partners for a chance to win a laptop computer and prominent display of your video at WPC.

The Big Easy Offer 3.0 (ends July 3, 2009)

The Big Easy Offer 3.0 gives your customers a choice when purchasing Microsoft products and solutions that fit their needs. Help them find the right solution for their organization while earning money back in the form of partner subsidy funds. They can use for these funds for the implementation of their Microsoft solution including software, hardware and services.

View ALL AVAILABLE Offers & Promotions

4 New MSDN "How Do I" Video Series on Windows Azure and Live Services

4 new “How Do I” (HDI) videos are available for your online viewing.  These short 10- to 15-minute videos are designed to get you up to speed quickly by focusing on a specific task, topic or product.  If you are new to the “How Do I” series and wish to stay informed of new content visit the Azure HDI landing page and subscribe to the RSS feed.

Solution	Topic: How Do I…	Description
	Leverage Concurrency in Windows Azure Table Storage?	Windows Azure table storage is designed to support many users at the same time. In this session, you’ll learn how Windows Azure table storage supports concurrency, and you’ll learn a few strategies to help you deal with any concurrency violations.
	Use Paging in Windows Azure Tables?	To improve application usability, many applications need to support viewing data page-by-page. In this screencast, you'll learn how Windows Azure table storage provides a built-in mechanism that allows you to efficiently page through query results.
	Sync Between Devices and the Cloud with FeedSync?	Syncing the cloud and a growing world of devices is a fundamental need in today’s world. In this video, you will learn how to use FeedSync feeds to synchronize Live Framework data between a device and the cloud.
	Get Started with the Messenger Web Toolkit?	Making your application sociable is easy. In this screencast, Chris Parker uses simple code to add instant messaging to his Web site. In minutes he connects his Web site to 320 million Instant Messenger (IM) users on PCs, Macs, mobile devices and Xbox 360. These efforts can help bring new users to his application and retain them for a longer period of time through the use of cool features like chat, presence, contacts and profile information.

Looking for more on Azure?  Consider the following:

· Webcasts – http://wwwmicrosoft.com/events/series/azure.aspx 

· Training kit – http://www.microsoft.com/azure/trainingkit.mspx

· Azure SDK - http://www.microsoft.com/azure/sdk.mspx

· Sample projects to review – http://codeplex.com, search “azure”

· Azure user groups – http://www.azureusergroup.com

ARCast.TV – RDA’s Greg Galipeau on Customizing SharePoint Solutions

In this interview, Greg Galipeau, Project Manager and senior consultant of RDA, discusses with Zhiming Xue about customizing Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) based solutions. With demos Greg walks through each of the three customization options -- using the SharePoint Designer tool, using the site templaadmin function inside a SharePoint site, and creating custom site definitions with Visual Studio and other tools. He further talks about what developers can do with web parts, asp.net web applications and workflow activities while customizing SharePoint solutions. Through his consulting experience he shares his thoughts on how to address potential SharePoint customization issues that customers often run into.

For more ARCast sessions tune into Channel9.

Configure IE8 to Get the Total Bing Experience

Now that Bing has launched, you may wish to update your browser experience to fully take advantage of this awesome new search experience.

Make Bing your default search provider

To determine your current default provider select the drop down box located in the upper right corner of your IE browser window.

To update to Bing, browse to http://www.ieaddons.com/en/searchproviders or select “Find More Providers” in the drop down box.

Locate the Bing Search add-on and select “Add to Internet Explorer”

To make Bing your default search provider be sure to check the box and then hit the Add button.

That’s it. Bing is now your default search provider.

Make Bing your default home page

Browse to http://www.bing.com

Select Make Bing your homepage

Set your Bing preferences

To change your Bing preferences, go to http://www.bing.com/settings.aspx

The User Experience Just Keeps Getting Better

A few posts pack, I wrote an opinion piece titled “Who are you calling Dull!?!”.  The motivation for this piece stemmed from a money article I read online shortly after earnings were announced where it was stated that, “Microsoft can't point to anything in their mix of products that excites people right now”.  In the short 2 weeks since I posted this article, Microsoft has made several key product and technology announcements that has caught the attention of the industry further reinforcing my position that I believe this to be COOLEST, HIPPEST, SEXIEST time in our history to be working with technology and more specifically the technology Microsoft is creating to take our customers and partners to the next level.

When you get a chance check out these new and exciting products and technologies:

• Zune HD - Next version of the Zune device with touchscreen HD radio, HD video out, wireless and web browser.  Coming to a store near you this fall!

• Bing – An entirely new search experience that goes well beyond traditional means of finding information.  Bing it today at http://www.bing.com

See a video demonstration at http://www.decisionengine.com/

• Xbox Project Natal – Revolutionary and innovative, controller-free gaming and entertainment.  You haven’t seen anything like this before!

The user experience just keeps getting better and better…

The Microsoft Gallery at Internet Week:

Today Microsoft opens The Microsoft Gallery for Internet Week New York 2009 in Manhattan’s

Meatpacking District to showcase digital and digital inspired art alongside Microsoft and Microsoft partner technologies such as multi-touch computing and rich internet experiences.

Where:  414 W. 14^th Street – New York, NY
When:   June 2-8, 2009; 12PM – 8PM each day

You are invited to attend The Microsoft Gallery during Internet Week New York 2009 in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  Microsoft will temporarily inhabit the retail space of 414 West 14^th Street, between 9^th Avenue and Washington Street, and be open to the public daily for the duration of Internet Week New York 2009; June 1 – 8 at 12:00 Noon.  The Microsoft Gallery will celebrate art and technology by showcasing digital and digital inspired art alongside Microsoft and Microsoft partner technologies such as multi-touch computing and rich internet experiences to demonstrate emerging technologies, innovation, as well as, inspire the local technology industry of New York City.

To help bring art and technology to life, The Microsoft Gallery will display innovative Microsoft and Microsoft partner technologies such as Microsoft Silverlight and Expression Studio for designing and delivering rich internet experiences, Microsoft Surface for multi-touch social computing, HP TouchSmart for intuitive multi-touch personal computing, and XBOX 360 gaming consoles for high fidelity gaming and entertainment.   As well, the work of digital artists Jonathan Zimmerman and Yorgo Alexopoulos will be showcased with multiple high-resolution projectors and LCD displays.  There will also be a number of other digital or digital inspired works presented as video, sculpture, and mix media. 

Come Join Us!   Bring your family, your customers & your friends to see what it is all about and be a part of Internet Week in NYC. 

The Microsoft Gallery will host a number of daily presentations and panel discussions from industry thought leaders at digital agencies such as Schematic, Cynergy Systems, and Vectorform.  Microsoft will host startup focused sessions that introduce the Microsoft BizSpark program that provides free access to Microsoft tools and servers products to technology entrepreneurs.

Press Preview (Press Only)

1:00PM - 2:00PM: Microsoft BizSpark for Technology Startups

5:00PM - 6:00PM: Microsoft BizSpark for Technology Startups

7:00PM - 10:00PM: Microsoft Cocktail Reception - Please RSVP with + guest to sean.seibel@microsoft.com.

1:00 PM: Smearing the Monitor: From Microsoft Surface Tables to Your Home PC, Reach Out and Touch The Cloud presented by Cynergy Systems

1:00 PM: Why Do All Web 2.0 Websites Look Alike? How to Create Sticky Eyeballs & Break Out of the Shiny Box

1:00 PM: The Future of Digital Cities presented by Schematic
5:00 PM: NUI - Natural User Interfaces presented by Vectorform

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lego Lunch with Lego Sculptor Sean Kenney

Microsoft Goes High Def with Zune HD and Redefines Search with Bing

Yesterday we announced the next version of the Zune device coming this fall. It’s a hot one – Zune HD! Check out some of the details at http://zune.net/en-us/mp3players/zunehd/. Those who own a Zune, including me and my family (we own 5), will never give it up except for a better Zune. Give it a look.

Today, Steve Ballmer announced at the D Conference in Carlsbad, CA, the release of Bing, our new search engine. With Bing, our goal is to do more than just make it easier for people to find information. We’re delivering a powerful set of tools that will enable people to make faster, more informed decisions.  In short, Bing is a decision engine that goes beyond what people have come to think of as search. Next week, Bing will go live outside Microsoft at http://www.bing.com. Get an early look by watching the video at http://www.decisionengine.com.

John

Save T&E By Getting The Most Out Of Live Meeting

As a down economy stretches everyone’s travel budgets, it is becoming increasingly more important that we take advantage of a variety of tools to connect online.  It is of no surprise that Microsoft uses Live Meeting extensively to connect with our customers and partners online and I’m sure many of you do the same.

The following 16 videos, available today on Community Clips, will help improve your overall experience with Live Meeting as you connect more often with us and your customers online.

1. How to use WebCam Video in a meeting

2. How to share your desktop in a meeting

3. Troubleshoot : Live Meeting 2007 Add-In toolbar doesn't show up in Outlook

4. Meeting Attendee : How to Join a Meeting

5. Meeting Presenter: How to manage Q & A feature

6. How to upload content in a meeting

7. Join Meeting Error : The meeting has not started yet OR The meeting has ended

8. Join Meeting Error : Unable to download or Page could not be opened or displayed

9. Steps to install the latest Windows Console for Live Meeting 2007

10. Meeting Presenter: How to use chat feature

11. Meeting Attendee: How to use handout feature

12. How to use Shared Notes feature in a meeting

13. How to use collaborative slide that help you collaborate with other attendees

14. Live Meeting 2007 Recording with Telephone Conferencing for Audio

15. How to manage participants in Live Meeting 2007

16. Live Meeting 2007 Address Books

Windows 7 Virtual Partner Readiness Day on May 7th, 2009

Location - www.WindowsPartnerReadinessDay.com
Time - 8:00-2:45pm (Pacific Standard Time)
Registration - The event is FREE, Register here and be notified the day prior with the link to the live feed of the event.

At this event you will have the opportunity to learn about Windows 7, the next-generation operating system from Microsoft. Online attendees can take advantage of the readiness and marketing tools made available specifically for partners to help prepare for the Windows 7 business opportunity. 

Windows 7 Partner Readiness Day will provide the resources you need to become a Windows 7 expert and help better prepare you for customer conversations. Microsoft executives and product experts will be on hand to answer all your questions and to provide you with a look at the following Microsoft product strategies:

• Industry trends and how Windows 7 will affect the marketplace 
• The business opportunities that Windows 7 brings for partners
• An overview of the key steps and programs to get ready for Windows 7

How to Run Vista Sidebar in 32-bit Mode on 64-bit Vista

I’ve been running 64-bit Vista for some time now and for the most part it has been a very good experience.  Today I was attempting to install a 3rd party sidebar gadget recommended to me by a friend, only to discover the gadget required Flash.  And since Flash does not currently support 64-bit browsers (nor does Silverlight) the gadget’s simple, but handy, help message directed me to a set of instructions on how to configure my system to run the 32-bit version of the Vista sidebar.  As more and more people shift to 64-bit, I thought this useful piece of information may come in handy in the future.

Here are the steps for 64-bit Vista users (only):

1. Right-click the Windows Sidebar and select Properties.
2. Un-check the "Start Sidebar when Windows starts" option and hit OK.
then
3. Click the green Windows Start Button in the lower left of your screen.
4. Click "All Programs"
5. Scroll down until you see the "Startup" folder
6. Right-click the "Startup" folder and select "Explore"
7. In the window that pops up, right-click the empty white space and select New->Shortcut
8. Copy the following text, including quotes:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe"
9. Paste that copied text into the Shortcut's "Location" field.
10. Click "Next."
11. Click "Finish."
12. Restart Windows Vista 64

Until a 64-bit version of Flash, and for that matter Silverlight, ships for 64-bit Windows, I suspect this issue may present itself time and again to end-users.  Hopefully this simple workaround will help you to easily resolve your problem.