Windows 7 - Upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit

Fetter · 09-11-2010

Since I stumbled upon the fact that I had 4 gigabytes of RAM, I want to switch over to the 64-bit version of Windows 7. However I've got a large amount of media files I don't want to delete (these are all stored on a separate partition on my HD).

My question is, can I avoid deleting this partition when I "upgrade"? Is there a way to mark it as 'safe' so I can still have all of my music and other important files?

DocBrown · 09-11-2010

I think one good starting point would be to make a Windows Easy Transfer file on the second partition or an External HD.

Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

I sure some other members will have some additional ideas about protecting the 2nd partition.

zigzag3143 · 09-11-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Fetter

Since I stumbled upon the fact that I had 4 gigabytes of RAM, I want to switch over to the 64-bit version of Windows 7. However I've got a large amount of media files I don't want to delete (these are all stored on a separate partition on my HD).

My question is, can I avoid deleting this partition when I "upgrade"? Is there a way to mark it as 'safe' so I can still have all of my music and other important files?

Yes you can. when you install 64bit make sure you DONT install to the partition where the media files are. Then format the (NON MEDIA) partition and install there. I assume the files are in standard audio video formats, correct?

Ken

Fetter · 09-11-2010

Yes, that and the usual image formats. It's purely a storage partition, so there's no files that are out of the ordinary on there.

Thanks a lot, going to go install it right now.

Mellon Head · 09-11-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by DocBrown

I think one good starting point would be to make a Windows Easy Transfer file on the second partition or an External HD.

Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

I sure some other members will have some additional ideas about protecting the 2nd partition.

I'm not sure that Easy Transfer will go from 32 to 64 bit. I know that it wouldn't go from 32 bit XP to 64 bit Vista when I upgraded last year. I also couldn't go from 64 bit Vista to 32 bit Seven for the wife.

Maybe MS has changed that recently, I don't know...

Fetter · 09-11-2010

It worked, it was just a matter of choosing the partition to install to. Didn't even delete the files, it just put them aside on the HD into a different folder. Was able to choose what else I wanted to save before getting rid of it all and freeing up 150gb on my HD.

Windows 7 - Upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit

Upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit problems?