Windows 7 patch fixes Vista upgrade stopper

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

Some Windows Vista users have been unable to upgrade to Windows 7 due to a problem with the installation program. For those unfortunate souls, the system hangs up after 62 percent of the upgrade has been completed. No amount of waiting, retrying or smacking the computer will help if that happens.

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 automatically 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 help resources.

Micorsoft supports upgrades only for users moving from Vista to Windows 7. Those migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 need to do a clean install, which is described in this article.