Glad you asked. I finally got around to installing Windows 7 RC this morning. The only hardware related problem I had during my upgrade was my Microsoft VX-6000 LifeCam. When I ran the compatibility check during the upgrade Window 7 told me to uninstall the software for the LifeCam. I stopped the upgrade and uninstalled the LifeCam software and then restarted the upgrade. After the upgrade I was wondering how much of a pain it was going to be to get the camera working again.
The first thing I did was open Devices and Printers. Notice the new icons? Fancy huh?
The LifeCam VX-600 is listed as having a problem. I right clicked the icon and pressed troubleshoot.
The system then runs through a series of checks to detect the problem.
Then it came back with a solution. Brilliant!
I of course clicked on “Apply this fix” and waited.
Whoops, my problem is NOT fixed. Now what?
The reason it couldn’t be fixed is the camera requires software + a driver. Turns out to fix this was simple. There are updated versions of the LifeCam software that work with Windows 7. Downloads for this and other Windows 7 related software can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/windows7/support.mspx.
After a quick download and update of the new software everything is working.
I’ve been running Windows 7 in virtual machines for awhile and on an older notebook. This is the first time I’ve had it on the metal on my main workstation. I have to say I’m pleased with being able to A) run x64 with no issues and B) open the device manager after the upgrade and see no known hardware problems.
I can say I didn’t have the same experience with Vista. As more things unfold I’ll try to keep blogging if I run into issues or other things. So far, so good.
posted @ Saturday, May 09, 2009 9:54 AM