Reported Windows 7 Problems

Although critics received Microsoft's Windows 7 more positively than its predecessor, Windows Vista, many reported problems with the operating system. Many of these issues were related to changes Microsoft made with Windows 7 and issues with installation.

Installation

• In a poll published by CNN Money and reported on by David Goldman, the most common complaint against Windows 7 was that it would not install properly. For some installation would lock up at 62 percent due to an issue with plug-ins. An article by PC World writer Jacqueline Emigh said that others had a problem with Windows accepting their product key, although Microsoft blames this problem primarily on user error.

Features

• Eariler versions of Windows included "applets" like Movie Maker and Mail included with the installation, but Windows 7 does not. Users have to go online to download those programs manually. Many users do not know this when they first boot up their computers with Windows 7, and they are confused as to where all their programs went, said Goldman in his article.

Appearance

• Windows 7 features the "Aero" interface, which contains transparent window bars and other graphical tweaks. According to Goldman, this is because many computers did not meet the minimum requirements for the interface. Microsoft's also says that Aero will not automatically be turned on after a system is upgraded. Users must have their computer rated in the Windows Experience Index first, and have the newest version of Direct X installed in order for it to work. Many users do not know this, adding to confusion.