Hi Eddie,
Thanks for the warning but I'm buying a new computer rather than installing Windows 7 on this one.
I already expected that some of my programs (which I cannot manage without) will not run on Windows 7 so, with that in mind, I am moving my present computer to the spare bedroom and keeping it for as long as it's needed, so that I can continue to use my old programs when necessary and also have a spare to use for when my other half takes over the one in the lounge.

I do wish that Microsoft would make more effort with "compatibility Modes" - it's a real pain when you want or need to upgrade but have important (to me, anyway) software which may not run on the new machine.

I might run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor anyway, to give me an idea of how many of my programs I can move over and how many will have to be replaced eventually - thanks again for the tip.
Best wishes,
Tony