According to a recent survey by a Windows support firm, almost one in every three problems with Windows 7 is tied to issues arising during installation. The report highlights consumer difficulties in making the long jump from the nearly decade-old Windows XP to Microsoft's latest operating system (OS).

100,000 Customers Surveyed

The support company in question, iYogi, found that in a survey of 100,000 customers an estimated 31 per cent of all problems with Windows 7 were issues experienced during installation.

Rounding out the top three most-reported frustrations for new Windows 7 users was (2) absent applications and components (at 26 per cent) and (3) problems in getting Aero, the OS' graphics interface, working properly (14 per cent). (Source: arstechnica.com)

Installation Woes: From XP to Win7

Insiders blame, indirectly at least, Windows Vista's poor showing.

Since so many consumers are making the leap all the way from Windows XP to Windows 7, a hop of two entire operating system generations, problems with installation -- without argument the most challenging and complex part of buying a new OS -- seem pretty inevitable.

Those XP users who haven't yet changed hardware while making the jump (meaning they're using now-dated computers and components) are bound to experience the most trouble in making the transition.

Because many XP users are asked to constantly save and then transfer their information, or risk losing it along the way, insiders like Maximum PC think the 30 per cent complaint rate for installation is probably lower than expected. (Source: maximumpc.com)

Outlook Express, Movie Maker Missing

As for problems with missing components, that represents some major changes in what's immediately available in Windows 7. Many XP users are searching for Windows Mail, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker, which are no longer visible in Windows 7 upon first booting up. Instead, these users need to be pointed in the direction of the new and integrated Windows Live Essentials.

Since Microsoft hasn't made Live Essentials quite as easy or convenient to find as they could have, people are having their share of trouble.

Outdated Video Cards

Most of those Aero problems stem from Windows XP users trying to run Windows 7 on outdated video cards or with drivers that haven't been updated in years.

Infopackets Provides Guide, Clarity

If you're having trouble with the transition from XP to Windows 7, check out Infopackets' guide to the sometimes challenging process by clicking here.