Windows 7 - Need to migrate Windows.old after changing from Win7 Ult to Win7 Home

Hi

I installed Win 7 Ultimate onto my brothers Win 7 Home Edn laptop. I didn't realise at first and he has done quite a bit of work on it since the installation, on iTunes and the like. I only noticed the error when trying to activate windows and, of course, as the laptop is Home Edn, and I used an Ultimate disc it didn't take the key on the laptop. So I have now installed Home edition and have the Windows.old folder present. I basically need to put all the programs and file/folders etc into the new OS. How is this best achieved please?....Many thanks in advance.

Rik

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

No, afraid not, the hard drive had died so I installed a new one and then Ultimate, instead of Home. It now has Home Edn on it.

I've downloaded the required drivers and installed them from the Acer Website, I'm ok with all that, I just want to re-install the programs previously running on Ultimate, rather than download and install them all again.

Rgds

Had you asked earlier there is a workaround to change between versions while keeping everything in place.

You'll have to reinstall the programs. To copy files open the User sub-folder (Documents, Pictures, etc.) click on Organize tab, Select All, then drag the group to the corresponding folder on Explorer bar at left. Do not release the group until the bar stops unfolding and the hypertext confirms where it is being copied.

Once you have all of the data copied into the correct User sub-folders, you can delete windows.old using Disk Cleanup.

Ok, thanks for that. Lesson learned. Cheers.