Upgrading to Windows 7.

Hatashi · 06 Nov 2010

I have my Windows 7 CD and everything within my reach, but the problem here is, I have been using Windows XP for over 3 years on this PC, and I have alot of software and other files I would wish to keep.

I have my D:\ drive, which is for games, (Has a lot of Steam games).
And my C:\ folder, which is the main drive with WINDOWS and stuff.

I was looking for ways on how to keep EVERYTHING on my PC.
For example, I have MS office 2007, and I want to keep it when I upgrade to Windows 7.

Does anyone know what I should do?

ArcaneZeal · 06 Nov 2010

You should backup your files in an external hard disk.

Perform a clean installation of 7 and restore your backup.

IownAmoneyPit · 06 Nov 2010

Here is a couple of links to help you understand what is required to migrate from XP to Windows 7.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Will your PC run Windows 7 and what programs will work with Windows 7.

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Windows 7 requires a clean/custom install and cannot be upgraded directly from XP. This will require copying any files that you wish to keep (Photos,Videos,Documents,Music - Ect to an external drive and reinstalling your programs.

I have only provided a basic reply to what is required, before proceeding it would be best to review the links above and to also wait for other more members to reply to this thread as some have extensive experience of both XP and Windows 7 and may better advise you on how to accomplish a smooth transition to Windows 7.

karlsnooks · 06 Nov 2010

Upgrade - XP to Win 7
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows
Ezine 187 - Windows 7 Easy Transfer Lives-up to Its Name
Windows 7 Easy Transfer | Shared Items settings

Since you have some older games that you would like to be able to play AND you have Win 7 Ultimate, let me suggest the following tutorial:
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup - Windows 7 Forums

CarlTR6 · 06 Nov 2010

Software designed for XP is only going run in the Win 7 XP mode. Older software not written for Win 7 is very likely to crash Win 7. The same is true of hardware that is designed for XP, it is not going to run with Win 7. The drivers will cause BSOD's. We see this everyday in the Crashes and Debugging section. Use the links that IOAP and Karl gave you. Make sure your computer will run Win 7. Then check your software and hardware for compatibility.

Win 7 is not an evolution from XP; it is an entirely new OS. Do not make the mistake of trying to manage Win 7 as you did XP. I speak from hard learned experience. :)

jailbirdslanger · 06 Nov 2010

perform an in-place upgrade for windows 7. While on your XP desktop, insert the 7 CD and install using keep files and programs method 'in-place upgrade'

karlsnooks · 06 Nov 2010

jailbird,
He is updating from XP to Win 7. This is totally different from some of the old XP methods.

Suggest you take a gander at some of the links already given.

Hatashi · 07 Nov 2010

Thanks, I am just 15, so getting Windows 7 was the only thing my parents helped me pay for, (They are still using XP). And currently I do not have the money to be buying an external hard drive.
I already know my notebook will handle Windows 7 fine.
I guess I'll just backup everything to D:\ and do a clean Windows 7 setup to C:\.

Thanks for taking time helping me everyone!

CarlTR6 · 07 Nov 2010

I wish you a successful installation. :)

karlsnooks · 07 Nov 2010

Hatashi,

I'll tell what I would do. That doesn't mean that you should but here goes:
I'd backup any data precious to my heart to usb sticks or usb drive (perhaps you have a school friend who will let you use his for a day).

Be sure you have written down all passwords you will need. Save your browser favorites off to a file. Try to think of what you might be wiping out before you install.

AFter getting everything off that is precious, then I'd use the procedure given in the first link listed to prepare the disk. When I did I'd create two partitions: a C of 75 GB, and a D with the rest. This will give plenty of room for MS, programs,etc in C and D for data such as videos, pics, documents, music.

Then I'd do a clean install per the second link given.
This is the procedure that I use and have always used.

Clean Install - Prepare a drive for
Clean Install Windows 7

Now after all updates are installed and all is well, then:
Since you will be installing Win 7 Ultimate, I'd install XP Mode. This would enable me to run XP programs.

Take a good look at this tutorial:
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup - Windows 7 Forums