Windows 7 at NDSU
During 2010, NDSU adopted Windows 7 as a supported operating system. This page provides basic information on the process and impact on users.
Support for Windows 7
- The ITS Help Desk currently provides assistance for users who have Windows 7 installed on their computers. We are happy to assist with general Windows 7 issues such as network/wireless connectivity, e-mail and applications.
- Desktop Support started support on May 10th, 2010. Support is offered to systems that have been imaged by Desktop Support with Windows 7. We have installed and tested the following applications.
- Your Own Department may not be supported by ITS. If this is the case, please check with your technical group for support questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 7 at NDSU
Please note that the answers below are specific to ITS-supported computers. The information provided here may not apply to self-supported departments.
When will NDSU ITS fully support Windows 7?
- Support for Windows 7 on ITS-supported departmental computers started on May 10th 2010. Testing was done to ensure compatibility with existing systems and technologies. A list of tested applications can be found here.
- Cluster and classroom computers were converted to Windows 7 for the fall semester 2010.
- The Help Desk currently provides support for Windows 7.
Will I be required to move off of Windows XP in 2010?
- No.
- Windows XP machines will continue to work on campus after the following dates, internet, email, Office etc, will continue to function. Future updates of software/hardware/printers may not include options for Windows XP
- The ITS Desktop Support team, will continue full support of Windows XP until July 1, 2013.
- Microsoft has announced that extended support will be maintained through April 8th, 2014. Microsoft Mainstream support for XP ended April 2009.
- Full migration to Windows 7 will be done through both re-imaging of newer computers and the retirement of older hardware over time.
Can I buy a new, ITS-supported computer and continue to run Windows XP?
- Yes/No. The Microsoft Campus Agreement allows any NDSU-owned computer with a legal copy of Microsoft Windows installed, to be downgraded to Windows XP. The Desktop Support Team is no longer offering this option for supported computers.
Will Windows 7 run on my current computer?
- Probably. However, Windows 7 requires a fairly new machine to run at an acceptable speed and it may not be compatible with components on some older machines. Desktop Support will only support the installation of Windows 7 on the following:
- New 'out of the box' hardware purchased after Aug. 1, 2009.
- System requirement of 2GB or RAM
- ITS standard Dell Optiplex 755 desktop computers and newer.
- ITS standard Dell Latitude E series laptop computers and newer.
- ITS standard HP 8530P laptop computers and newer.
- ITS standard HP DC7900 desktop computers and newer.
- Please e-mail the NDSU Help Desk regarding support for Windows 7 on Macintosh computers.
How much will it cost to upgrade to Windows 7?
- Under the Microsoft Campus Agreement, there is no cost to upgrade NDSU owned computers to Windows 7. Office 2010 is also offered at no cost to departments for use on NDSU owned computers.
My department is about to purchase new computers, should we buy computers with Windows 7?
- All new computers are coming with Windows 7 and will soon ship with Windows 8. Along with this, the NDUS Microsoft Campus Agreement provides free upgrades/downgrades for Windows client operating systems. We suggest that you purchase computers with the least expensive operating system and Desktop Support will install the current supported version. **If you are not supported by Desktop Support, please check with your local IT support staff.
Can I upgrade to Windows 7 now?
- Yes. Your software contact will be able to request that your system be installed with Windows 7. It should be noted that the computer will need to be formatted and reinstalled to comply with the standard supported "image." Data that is currently on the computer will need to be backed up prior to the upgrade.
Is NDSU supporting the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7?
- ITS has selected the 64-bit operating system to support. This is due to the memory limitation of the 32-bit operating system. User experience should not be affected by this difference. Currently, there are no plans to support the 32-bit version of Windows 7.
What applications can be installed on Windows 7?
- For new systems installed by Desktop Support, only the latest available version of applications will be available for installations. As newer versions are released, the procedure of "current version and one version back" will be implemented
How can I test my application on Windows 7?
- Please contact the ITS Help Desk to schedule a time with Desktop Support's Windows 7 test machine.
Will the Windows Virtual Machine be supported?
- ITS will not provide support for the Windows 7 virtual machine. Users are encouraged to remain with Windows XP if they have compatibility concerns.
How much memory can Windows 7 use?
- The 64-bit version of Windows 7 can address a maximum of 192gb of RAM. ITS hardware standards remain at 4 gigbytes for new purchases. ITS recommends at least 2 gigabytes for older systems that will run Windows 7.
What if I have other questions about Windows 7?
- Please e-mail the NDSU Help Desk with your question. Your question will be routed to the person who can reply with an answer.
