Better to upgrade-install or clean-install?


  1. Posts : 308
    Windows 7 Professional (x64)
       #1

    Better to upgrade-install or clean-install?


    I'm finding this decision quite hard to decide on and can't decide what to do. I am very picky about wasted space or unnecessary stuff on my hard drive, yet I'd rather not install everything all over again which will take about 20 hours or so.

    My question is...if I do an upgrade-install, can I just delete everything in the Windows.old folder and have everything practically the same as a clean install? Or will there be still be some left over things from the hundreds of programs I've installed and uninstalled?

    Edit:
    I've ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and everything seems ok.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    A clean install is always better, and is not always easier than an in place upgrade. The reason is that any Virus, corruption or other problem that you have with your prior OS, will carry over to Windows 7, with an inplace install. The members of this forum disagree on many things, but it is almost unanimous that a clean install is best.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,807
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - Mac OS X 10.6.4 x64
       #3

    Clean install is always better
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #4

    Clean install, you'll be happy you did when your done.

    It's the best way
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 308
    Windows 7 Professional (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Ok I've made up my mind. Just wanted to make sure I'm not wasting 20 hours of my life for nothing. (I have many Steam games that don't come with setup files and take forever to re-download)

    Thanks guys!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #6

    You can try using the Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers , you still have to install all the programs, but it will transfer all the user settings. It will save a lot of time.

    Your system specs say you have Win7 Pro but, I see you ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
    Is Win7 already installed or do you have Vista or XP?
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:50.
Find Us