So I am thinking of upgrading my old OS Windows XP 32 bit to Windows 7 64bit. That is re-format the HDD and start from the ground up. You may laugh on me, but my main concern is whether Obilivon will run hassle free (XP like) under Windows 7. So is there anything particular I should be aware of when installing Win 7 with regards to the Oblivion re-installation?

One thing I've read repeatedly is to install Oblivion in a different path than the default C:/Programs/.... That is no problem.

Anything else I really need to make sure to observe? I own the GOTY discs version (2 DVD's)

I think my present rig is still fairly good even for Win 7: E8400 dual core, 4 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX260-216, Creative soundcard XFI Extreme Gamer (about 2 years old, so not the very best model). Thanks for your help!

[haegint]

Don't install to the default directory, and if you want your nice expensive soundcard to actually DO what it was designed to do, you will also need creatives Alchemy.

Aye, sounds like all should be well, barring unexpected hardware / Win7 compatibility issues. As mentioned, make sure you install Alchemy for your Soundblaster card, and enable Oblivion in Alchemy's control panel. It won't harm anything should you forget to do so. Just means you won't be taking full advantage of your sound-card.

Do you run OSR (Oblivion Stutter Remover)? Double-check its documentation. Seems to me that heap replacement recommendations differ depending on OS. But that's just a vague recollection, and might only apply to an older OSR version. (I never ran Oblivion under XP.)

-Decrepit-

Thank you guys!

Yeah good point about OSR! Yes i use it - quite essential in my opinion. Will sort that out, I already know the .ini file of OSR quite well. Skyranger is very helpful, that will not be a problem.

About Alchemy: Actually I *think* I have that on the CD that came originally with the SB card! Only i did not install it because I thought WTF and waste of resources. But now that you mention it I will reexamine that! I should say though I only have 2+1 speaker setup albeit a fairly good one (Logitech Z-4).

Sounds like I have practically no excuse not to upgrade to Win7... :cold:

Actually just one quick follow-up: Do you have to run Oblivion in any of the various compatibility modes of Win 7? Thanks in advance!

You didn't need Alchemy with Windows XP. Beginning with Vista (and continuing with Win7), Microsoft removed hardware accelerated sound from Direct-X. Alchemy restores that accleration. You'll want to download the latest version of Alchemy. It's seen a number of updates in the past two years. Also, make sure you have the later Creative Labs Win7-64bit drivers for your sound-card. Don't recall which driver version I use, but it can't be too old. I myself switched to Win7 less than four months ago. My were new at the time. They seem pretty stable, and don't constantly "forget" their settings as the Vista drivers did.


No, that's not needed.

-Decrepit-

Alright then, thanks once again Decrepit! :thumbsup: