Avoiding Application Re-installs

From what I have read, when I install the actual production version of Windows 7 over my 7RC I will have to re-install all of my applications. It seems like I should be able to export my registry keys for the applications before I do the upgrade and then import them after the upgrade is finished. That way I won't have drag out a bunch of disks and spend hours re-installing software.

1. Does the RTM install over the RC force this re-install and has anyone tried this approach?
2. What keys would need to be exported? I'm looking at doing each application separately from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE.
3. Any issues or problems you can think of?

Registry Backup/Restore Tutorial

You will spend more time doing what you describe than you will spend simply installing the app set properly.

You will hose your install, deal with the issues and eventually re-install the OS and the apps.

Someone would have developed a migration app LONG ago if your proposal was even remotely related to a good idea.

It was almost possible in Win 3x, and sometimes, it worked.

That doesn't sound very exciting. Where's the adventure? Where's the thrill of discovery?

edit: OK, I was letting my inner lazy slob take over. But most inventions are created by lazy people looking for an easier way to do things.

TeenerTim said:

That doesn't sound very exciting. Where's the adventure? Where's the thrill of discovery?

TT

<g> the thrill of discovery. Hey Im a re-install junkie so im always up for another clean install.

Why are people so afraid of application reinstalls? It doesn't take long to back up your data, and once the reinstall is complete, it shouldn't take that long to reinstall apps and restore your data. It's a far better process, in the name of system stability. Besides, this is Windows 7 now. Gone are the days of reinstalling the OS every month or two. Install it, set it up to your liking, image it, and go one enjoying the system.

Jordus said:

There was actually a Windows Easy Transfer companion for Vista RTM that would move installed applications over with the regular WET data.

It quit working with SP1 and they never fixed it.

Generally, bad ideas do not live long.

One other thing you can try if you are really hung up on keeping your app settings and al is make an inventory of ALL the software you have that you want with the RTM version. Use the easy transfer tool. Do a clean install. Load all the apps first that are on your list, and lastly, use the Transfer tool to put all your profile information back.

I did this the other night and it made the wife very happy that everything looked just like it did before (actually, she didn't even know I upgraded from 32 bit to 64 bit until I told her).

And just a little marital advice for all you married guys out there. My Dad told me on my wedding day "Son, let me give you some advice about wives. You can be right, or you can be happy. You just can't be both at the same time." I don't know how many times that has saved my butt!! :)