Windows 7: Backing up windows

Since i cant do an upgrade to 7260, is it possible to backup my current windows to a separate partition. Then do the clean install and then restore windows?

Nope not that simple. You have to reinstall all your stuff. Application data can be copied over but not programs, drivers, services, etc., that were installed. Stray programs can be copied over.

You can save some time by running the transfer wizard. Choose this is my old computer and Save to a file on a drive other than where your going to install Windows 7. If you run it, after it analyzes your system you can check what it will back up and remove any items that are not needed.

For example, if you downloaded something to a partition other than your current windows Windows 7, it may choose to save this downloaded file for the transfer. Since its on a different partition, its not needed to be backed up by the transfer wizard.

Then install the new os and run the wizard and choose this is my new computer and direct it to the file.