News

'Fix It' Released for Windows 7 Upgrade Problem

Microsoft issued a "Fix it"-style patch on Tuesday for a Windows 7 upgrade problem that results in a system hang.

The problem, for Vista users upgrading to Windows 7, is that the installer program never completes the upgrade. Instead, some users get a system hang after 62 percent of the upgrade has been completed.

Microsoft is pointing to a Windows Vista plug-in, "IphlpsvcMigPlugin.ddd," as the culprit, according to the Fix it blog. The company had published a workaround with complex steps to follow. Now, users with the problem can use Microsoft's Fix it solution to carry out those same steps and complete their Windows 7 upgrades. Fix its are an attempt by Microsoft to simplify patching tasks spelled out in support bulletins.

The Fix it solution can be applied after the 62 percent upgrade failure happens. At that point, the PC will roll back to Windows Vista. Users can then visit this support page, scroll down and click the "Fix this problem" link. The link will run a wizard with steps to complete to apply the patch. After the patch is applied, users can try the Windows 7 upgrade process again.

Microsoft cautions that this Fix it solution should not be used for Windows 7 upgrades that halt at some other percentage than "62 percent."

Windows 7 was released to the general public last month, but some individuals have reported various problems upgrading from Vista, including an endless reboot problem still under investigation by Microsoft. The main forum for getting help on Windows 7 upgrade issues can be found here, but Microsoft also offers other help resources.

Upgrades are only supported when moving from Vista to Windows 7. For those migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7, a clean install needs to be performed, which is described in this article.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.