My wife's Vista Business PC is freezing all the time; might be the HDD. So now I want to replace the HDD and also migrate the whole data and settings to W7. Any ideas what is the most efficient way to go about it? I do not trust the old HDD to upgrade on that one first; might loose all data.
For transfering
Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers
For Upgrading
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic
Start by checking the HD using theog's links to burn the maker's diag/repair CD then run extended test. Follow up with Disk Check
Next I'd test your RAM with memtest86 CD: RAM - Test with Memtest86+
There is no reason to reinstall Vista to new or wiped HD first to use Win7 Upgrade version, just leave the key blank during install and do the registry workaround after install given here: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version. Then activate at Computer>Properties link.
Other tips to getting a purrfect clean install with Win7 based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7
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