Windows 7: Windows.old folder - Restore into a new installation

is there a boot sector setting for Win 7? Only vista is listed in the tutorial, also, what about moving Program Files <x86>, can't figure out how to do that, I get syntax is incorrect error.

I managed to copy all the programs over to the Program Files <x86> folder but they don't show up in "All Programs" so how or what has to be done?

The boot sector is for Windows Vista and 7, but XP uses a different one.
You *should* be able to move files from the Program Files x86 folder, if you are moving from a x64 to x64 OS.

If you are moving from a x86 to x64, then the Program files becomes the Program Files x86 folder, and the regular one is left alone.

You would need to backup and then restore the registry, or reinstall your programs.

~Lordbob

I had to reinstall Windows 7 over Windows 7. Will this Windows.old tutorial work for my situation?

If you are doing an Upgrade install, (or a repair install), no Windows.old folder will be created. Your programs will not need reinstalling, and your data will not be touched.

What Johnathan said is true.

However, if you did a regular install over your old one, then YES it will work.

~Lordbob

Hi everyone i was googling for this problem i hav and i found this solution.

I just wondering if my previous windows 7 is crashed(cannot boot up or go into safe mode, system restore and repair all don't work), my only option is do a clean reinstall. I know then my old files will go into window.old

But my question is if my previous windows 7 cannot be booted up and if i restore will the same problem happen again?

And about step 7
7) Type the following commands in, one at a time. Press ENTER at the end of each line. This will rename the windows.old folders, in preparation of being moved.
I see rename folder to vista. If im using not using vista should i type that?

Many thanks in advance i hope i can backup my data T_T

No. If you do a reinstall, that should fix the boot up problem. First, have you tried a repair install, or fixing the MBR? That is more likely the problem then a bad install.

Yes. Because Windows 7 is the same kernal as Vista, and I have used this to go from Windows 7 to Windows 7 install.

Hope that helps.

~Lordbob

No i cannot do repair install because it requires me login to windows and run as administrator. I haven't try MBR though but I think it won't fix the problem cause my windows is somehow corrupted due to NEWSid.exe if u heard of it.

Anyway i'm going to reinstall later and see if it works or not...I really hope it does and my program are running back like charm!

And thanks for the fast reply i really appreciate it.

i don't like 2 program files and 2 user files and windows.vista file, however i don't have the permission to delete them...how would i undo those things?

Try taking ownership of the folders you would like to delete: Take Ownership of file - Vista Forums