Some users have reported an issue in which Windows 7 reports an incorrect processor architecture. For instance, the system may identify itself has an AMD-based chipset when an Intel chipset is actually present.
This can cause problems with drivers–if the system installs drivers for the wrong architecture–in addition to other issues.
Fix
This problem can sometimes be fixed by going to your motherboard manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest Windows Vista driver then installing it. If you have problems installing this driver (or any other), try installing it in safe mode via these steps:
- Right click the driver installation .exe
- Under “Compatibility” choose “Run this program in compatibility mode….” then choose Windows Vista SP2
- Choose “Run this program as an administrator” under the “Privilege Level”
- Click Apply then OK
Filed under Windows 7 by on Feb 10th, 2010. Comment. 
Several users have reported an issue in which Windows Backup (under Windows 7) fails with error 0×81000031. The program may also display the message:
“Check your backup Windows Backup failed while determining libraries location of one of the users included in the backup [...] BitLocker Drive Encryption cannot be used because critical BitLocker system files are missing or corrupted.”
Fix
This problem may occur when Windows Backup attempts to backup Windows 7 Libraries. In order to avoid the issue, simply exclude Libraries by using the following steps:
- Open Windows Backup, then choose “Change Settings”
- Select the drive you want to back up
- In the “What do you want to back up?” window select “Let me choose”
- Deselect all Libraries and deselect “Include system image”
- Select the files you want to back up — usually this would include your user folder C:/Users/username
Fix #2
Microsoft offers an alternative fix that requires creating a Windows 7 system repair disc.
Filed under Windows 7 by on Feb 10th, 2010. Comment.
Beginning on February 14th at midnight, the Windows 7 expiration process will start–with infrequent warnings first, then more frequent notices, then forced restarts every two hours, then a complete expiration and a black desktop. Here’s the full schedule from Microsoft’s blog:
“On February 15th, people still running the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will receive a notification reminding them that starting March 1st, 2010, their PC will begin experiencing bi-hourly shutdowns. These shutdowns will continue through June 1st, 2010.
“On June 1st, 2010, a non-genuine experience is triggered where your wallpaper is removed and ‘This copy of Windows is not genuine’ will be displayed in the lower right corner above the taskbar. This means your PC will no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads that require genuine Windows validation.”
Filed under Windows 7 by on Feb 10th, 2010. Comment.