Windows not easy transfer. Insufficient space ( xp to win7)

Windows Sniper · 10 Apr 2014

Viscount said:

Windows Sniper, that may be a good way to go.

When I did my original transfer I ended up with a 100 gb file on my c drive from the attempted transfer.
It ended up hanging with 1 minute to go. That was why I was looking at the install everything to the large drive.

If your way works then I could look at cleaning up my c:\ drive

cheers Glenn

Not a problem mate,

you might want to clean your C:\ before hand, just so there are no corruption issues.

If your interested, the way i do it is, Windows 7 on my C: with primary apps (Such as Office, SAGE) and a few games that benefit the quick loads.

My (1.5TB) D:\ has everything else installed on it, it also has all my user data such as files, pictures and video's.

I then have a backup 500Gb drive that stores a copy of most recently used files, and older files are on the D:\

This way if my SSD fails, i can remake it, without worrying about the user data.

Viscount · 10 Apr 2014

thanks very much for your assistance
Windows Sniper and Ignatzatsonic
Glenn

gregrocker · 10 Apr 2014

Hi Glenn -

We suggest not to use WET because we've seen how many times its failed here with data loss over the years. In addition importing AppData User settings is a corruption path which defeats the purpose of a fresh clean install.

The easiset method for backup is to sort your data into User folders and then drag each one to your backup drive. Confirm by size that the backup matches the original folder.

In your case since you have several drives to choose from I'd use a different drive besides XP to install Win7 upon, and be sure to unplug all other HD's except that target drive. The illustrated steps are here for doing the actual Clean Install Windows 7.

This way if you do use WET and it fails you'll still have your data in place on XP drive. You'd just need to plug it in to access it or the OS.

There are other tips here that cover everything not to forget when you're changing OS's, and also installation tips, tools and methods which assure you will get and keep a perfect install. These are the same for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 even though we know you're not doing only that.

Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes.

Viscount · 11 Apr 2014

Hi Greg Rocker,

thanks for the detailed response.

I should have sought advice before I started.

I trawled through the available info on this site but not in enough detail. I didn't think there were so many issues with easy transfer.

The difficulty is that the machine is already in transition.

I have already installed Win 7 on the old C:\ drive over a reformatted drive. The back up was only done with easy transfer to an external drive so I don't think I can just do a clean install as I want to restore my files that were previously on the C:\ drive.

I will give an update when I have succeeded in restoring all files and have a decent set up.

Cheers Glenn