Assuming the PC version can be made to work on Window XP 32-bit and Windows 7 64-bit, would the "Eidos Platinum Collection" be the version of the game to get?

http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/final-fantasy-vii/cover-art/gameCoverId,27343/

I already know to avoid the "EA Classics" version and I know the original release with the weird shaped box is much harder to find.

http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII

There's a link there to custom drivers for Nvidia GPUs should you need help with it. I don't know about the Platinum Collection edition, sorry.

Also, keep in mind that a digital version will be coming out from Square themselves

EDIT: Fixed second link

Or wait for the PC re-release.

http://finalfantasyviipc.com/en

I've got AMD at the moment, but I plan on getting Nvidia in a future PC purchase.
Forgot to ask, but would FF7 PC look horrible on HD monitors or is that corrected with the mods and patches? I would wait for the new release and get it, but it looks like that upcoming version will have "limited activation" DRM if the Square-Enix store FAQ applies to that release as well.

Wait until SE caves and releases it on other platforms minus their dumb DRM.

That's a good plan too, though it seems like SE is beginning to pull an "EA Origin" so I don't know if I see them caving.

Aali's driver works well with AMD GPUs.

FF7's prerendered backgrounds are very low resolution and look like crap on all but the smallest displays (looks fine on a PSP for instance). I can persuade my eyes not see that sort of thing but the problem is there. YMMV.

Hmmm, perhaps I should watch a youtube vid or two to see for myself how bad the background res is going to be. Thanks for the info.

Edit: Of the vids I watched the background res isn't that bad. It's about like playing the older titles here on GOG that have 2D background, I can live with that.

My friend already owns the EA Classics version. Do you know if this fix would work with that? :) Thanks.

Yes, it will.