Windows XP to Windows 7

Hi all,

I've got a seven year old Dell computer that has been updated through the years with maximum RAM, hard drives, etc. I want to install Windows 7 on this PC, replacing the Windows XP / SP3 that is on it now.

Here are the questions:

1. Can a PC this old handle Windows 7?

2. If I successfully install 7, will I have to reinstall all my programs? (All my data is on a second physical drive in the computer)

3. Can I install 64-bit?

4. Is there anything else I should be aware of in my attempt?

Thank you.
Gil

1) Run the win7 upgrade advisor it'll tell you exactly what hardware is fine and what is missing.

Download Details - Microsoft Download Center - Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Of course its unlikely aero will be supported on such old hardware, so you'll probably have to make do with basic themes.

2) Yes, you'll need to reinstall all apps. You can use easy transfer to migrate settings and data but people have had mixed results with it.

Upgrading to Windows 7: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Best to backup all data then do a clean install.

3) You can check whether the cpu supports 64 bit windows with Securable.

GRC | SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features |

or cpuz.

Check 64 bit Windows 7 support for processor

A Pentium 4 with 4gb RAM should run Win7 fine, but the Upgrade advisor will tip you to possible conflicts.

If you want you can use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to REsize the XP partition to make space to Dual Boot Win7: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Later we can help you remove XP and resize Win7 into it's space once you know you want to keep Win7.