Restore 32 bit to 64 bit system

hiddepolen · 11 Mar 2011

Hi guys!

I am changing to a 64 bit Windows 7 (RAM upgrade), and I wondered if I could restore a Windows 7 backup, made in a 32-bit environment. On the internet some people say no, other say yes, and I really can't lose my files :).

I look forward to your responses!
Cheers!
Hidde

theog · 11 Mar 2011

Personal data files, Yes.
Windows OS files, NO.
Program files, NO.

Transfering files, try this:
Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

Recovery WET IMG
How to extract files from MIG

hiddepolen · 11 Mar 2011

Great, that will be enough.
I'll look into the easy transfer too!

Thanks,
Hidde

whs · 11 Mar 2011

The easieset is if you create a seperate data partition first and move your data there. Then you can do a reinstall without effecting your user data. In the new system you just right click on your user folders in the data partition (Documents, Music, etc.) and Include them into the corresponding library.

hiddepolen · 11 Mar 2011

Thanks for the advice!
I did that also, but I always want a backup, in case something else fails. Now if the backup fails, and my drives also, then I have a problem :P

I'm all backed up now, let's install some OS!

whs · 11 Mar 2011

hiddepolen said:

Thanks for the advice!
I did that also, but I always want a backup, in case something else fails. Now if the backup fails, and my drives also, then I have a problem :P

I'm all backed up now, let's install some OS!

It is unlikely that both fail. That would really be tough luck. I would, however, backup manually and not with a tool. Then you always know what you are doing.