Windows 7: Installing Windows.old Programs

So I just installed Win 7 RC 7100. Before that I had the Win 7 Beta Build 7022. I did a full computer backup...the one that creates a .vhd file and such...well I can't figure out a way to get all my old programs and such back b/c it seems 7 RC needs the backup to be saved on the old OS using "Easy Transfer" in order to access the files through the new OS. I have a full backup on my external, but the restore function in 7 RC doesn't recognize it. Is there an easy way to restore it? Can i use the windows.old files? If so, how do I install the programs from progfiles? Some are missing the setup applications it seems.



Thanks

Hi kennyboyo and welcome to the Se7enforums!

Since the RCs are out of the beta stages entirely the fresh install of Windows also will require the fresh installation of each program. The main reason for the Windows.old folder is to retrieve various files, dociments, and other personal data like IE favorites from the previous installation before sending that on it's way to the trash can!

With each newer build the previous backups are not compatible for the most part especially since you moved up from beta to near RTM. You might be able to run the vhd(virtual hard drive) by way of the Virtual machine similar to setting up a dual boot as you would see with two different versions of Windows.

I just install windows 7 and as yousaid the programes file are still there when I tried to open Adobe CS3 Photoshop it worked but asked foe the sreial number which I don't have at the moment but it works fine with me.

yeah and I put the shortcut of the program in the start menu

You can get away with some things that simply run off of basic shortcuts created by the installer when first going on. You simply create a new one if the entire program is contained in one main folder.

The problem in most cases however is the need for the original registry entries seen with the previous 7 installation. This is one of the reasons why the prompting for the serial number is now being seen there for Photoshop.