Windows 7: Advice for Newbe

Hello All...just wondering if any of you have recommendations for me regarding my upcoming Windows 7 Home Premium clean install for my Home PC? (see my profie for PC specs)

I will be upgrading from vista Home Premium (i have the upgrade version of Windows 7)

I have the clean install tutorials from this site and will be backing up my data to the external drive as well as on DVD. Is there anything else I need to do to prep my system? i.e. first disconnect my card reader, printer..etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I was just like you just 2 weeks ago, fairly new at new OS and such but I really wanted Win 7, and took a chance and was glad I did. It went as smooth as silk.

This is what I did. On the day of the install, I used Windows Easy transfer to transfer all my settings etc to the new install. I made sure that I had my copies of the DVD's for all my programs and the key number, if applicable. Put the DVD into the drive. Instructions are real simple. When you get to the question clean install or upgrade, select clean install. When Asked for your key number do not give it. When you are done, use your computer for a while, you have 30 days. You can then remove the windows.old file. This file saves your old system's files. So that you can restore any documents etc that got lost somewhere. When you are satisfied activate with your pin. At this point after activation, use system image to make a copy of your system. The installation is really easy, trust me. If you run into a problem, your old OS should be reinstalled. Finally, enjoy.

Looks like you have already done some good reading here at SevenForums for your preparation of the install. Best of luck. Feel free to ask Questions

" Doc "

" used Windows Easy transfer to transfer all my settings"

- what types of settings are you referring to? the widgets? my settings for itunes being the default player?

- still have to reinstall all of my programs and device drivers for them to work correct?

thanks

By settings, I mean desktop, favorites, documents, cookies, settings for all of your programs (which you must reinstall, manually), email, contacts. It works very well. The only things that I had to reinstall, in addition to using easy transfer, were my programs, some needed the key, including downloaded programs.

@ ckmerc - You got some good advice.
To add, don't forget to de-authorize your computer in iTunes
I tend to take a screenshot of my installed programs too. (W.E.T will let you know what needs to be installed, just habit i suppose!)
If you have something like MediaBrowser set up with ImagesByName folder, don't forget to zip that bad boy up too.
I hope all goes well for you, let us know how things pan out.

Since you are backing up all of your files anyway and don't need the windows. old file, do a cleaner install and boot from the Windows 7 installer, choose Custom, wipe the disk and format then install.

One note...

Make sure you run the newer version of EZ Transfer off the Windows 7 DVD instead of thru your older version of Windows.

You can find it in the DVD's Support folder inside the migwiz subfolder. Just double click migwiz.exe to start it. The Windows 7 migwiz (migration wizard) is much faster than previous versions and is easy to use... thus its more popular name EZ Transfer.

Yes deauthorize iTunes, and just for precaution I also always backup the iTunes music folder JIC (just in case)!

I too take a screen shot of my existing apps, but I do so with a ss of my All Programs folder... that way my old tired brain wont forget anything!

Welcome to Seven Forums.

You have prepared very throughly, and received good advice here.

Have you ran the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor?
It will find out if there will be any system, program, or devices issues before you start the installation.

There is a good Seven Forums tutorial on Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers. You will still have to install all your programs. This will transfer your personal files and user settings.
Save all your browser bookmarks as these won't be transfered.

Let us know how the installation goes.

EZ transfer, if run form the Windows 7 DVD, does get all your IE favorites... I dont know what happens if you use firefox and its bookmarks.