Windows 7: Help with transferring 32 files to 64 bit

I had Win 7 32 bit installed and just put 4GB of ram in to run 64 bit system.
1. How do I get some, like favorites, programs from Windows.old 32bit over to the new 64 bit OS?
2. Once this is done can I or should I delete windows.old
3. I notice that I have Prorgram Files and Program File (86) directories! What is this about?

Excuse my ignorance with some of my questions but still in the learning curve of Windows 7. TIA

Try using the Easy Transfer tool, if the old OS is still installed.

Programs cannot be transferred; you must reinstall them on the new OS.

You favorites are stored in your user folder, so in Windows.old, you can find them in C:\Windows.old\Users\[username]\Favorites.

When you have copied all you want over, it is safe to delete Windows.old: Windows.old Folder - Delete

On a 64-bit system, there are 2 program files folders: one for 32-bit programs (Program Files (x86)), and one for native 64-bit programs. That is normal, and helps keep track of your programs better.

You can choose to install a program anywhere you want; those folders are just to help keep things organized.

Thanks for the quick response.
When I did the custom install of Win 7 64bit it made a Windows.old on the C drive but I did a back up on external drive also. Which is easier to transfer or does it make a difference?
I have installed all printer drivers and now need to look at which programs I need to transfer. Good time to do a little housekeeping!

It doesn't really make a difference. They are both identical backups of your files.

If anything, you may see slight performance gain if you restore from your external drive, but that will be insignificant or non-existent.

There are a large numbers of files when looking at ZIP files in external hard drive. So I must open(unzip) each one to see what is in there and whether they are worth saving. But it is what it is and many thanks again.

Got everything done with the transfering of files,programs and drivers. Whew!
Now I do a backup and this will end this thread.
Thanks Jonathon for your help.

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

Let us know if you need anything else.