Per the title, I have Windows 2000 Pro and I would like to move to Windows 7. Is there a way to do that and maintain the current programs I have on my machine?
Or, am I at the point where I need to buy a new machine?
Also, if I buy a new machine, can I transfer the programs I have on an external hard drive stored in Ghost 10?
I do not believe that 2000 is on the upgrade list. This simply means that you cannot do an upgrade install.
I have no idea if you will need a new machine or not, as there are no specs in your post. As long as you have something that can run XP, you should be fine. I think that there is a Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser that will scan your computer and tell you if you can run it. Just search for it.
As for transferring, you will probably need to re-install everything, unless you plan to use the same machine. The biggest problem will be compatibilty. However, if you want to try it anyways, I wrote a tutorial about that here:
Windows.old folder - Restore into a new installation
~Lordbob
My first reaction to the thread title is... forget it. A clean install is the way to go with Windows 7 anyway. Please post ur system specs for us to analyze.
Win7 only permits an upgrade-in-place (which preserves installed programs) over Vista. It's not permitted from XP. A "custom" (clean) install is the only one allowed.
Windows 2000 does not qualify for the use of a Win7 upgrade license. (Microsoft originally stated that it would, but they've withdrawn that.) You can buy a full license, but that's the same as having no previous OS at all.
I know of no way to transfer programs. I have seen third party software that claimed to be able to do that, but I doubt that it works reliably.
As for buying a new system, if your system meets the minimum requirements:
Windows 7 system requirements - Microsoft Windows
it'd be OK. The DirectX 9 part is required to run the Aero Glass interface on Windows 7, but that isn't really necessary. Your main problem may be finding Windows 7 compatible drivers for all of your hardware (especially your graphics card).
It sounds like a bad way to spend a couple of hundred dollars.
See attached!
As the others have said, you are not able to "upgrade" from 2000 to Windows 7. You would be required to install from full install media. Also, you will have to reinstall all of your apps and ensure that you have a good backup of your data before you switch operating systems.
As far as your computer goes....It should be able to run Windows 7....however it won't be blistering fast by any means. I would honestly recommend purchasing a new computer at this point and slowly just transition over to the new computer from the old computer.
The obvious problems:
Your onboard graphics won't support Aero Glass: no DX9, too little video memory. That's not a major problem in itself, but the 845G is so old that you may have trouble finding Win7 compatible drivers for it.
Your C: partition is at the minimum size for a 32 bit Win7 install. It's a bad idea to bump up against the minimum requirements; you wouldn't have much space for installing additional applications.
I haven't looked at your other peripherals: sound, printers, NIC, etc.
Run the upgrade advisor.
From what I have read, I accept that a clean install is my best option. I will buy a new machine, probably with Windows 7 already installed, if possible.
What you you reccommend as sufficient requirements for a new machine?
Can I load some of my current programs such as, Quickbooks, MS Office, etc. from:
1. A transfer from my old machine?
2. From my external drive backed up in Ghost 10?
3. From discs where I have them?
4. In addition to the program, can I transfer data files?
As you can guess, I'm a novice so please respond on my level. Thanks!
I take it you plan to keep and use this computer for a while? ie several years nor does it sound like you wish to play any 3d games
I would look at an intel core i5 based system with an absolute minimum of 4GB of Ram.
The core i5 CPU's are intels new 'mid-range' CPU's based on a new mother board type called socket 1156. ( 1156 is the number of matching pins/sockets on the CPU itself and the available holes in the motherboard.)
An i5 system will run the type of tasks you need for years to come. Since it is newer technology, it is a tad more pricey, but the initial outlay will be well worth the longevity of use.
As for your current applications, some may install and work - some may not. Some may simply need an update.
If you wish to transfer files, you can simply copy and paste what you need from the current PC on to the external drive and then on to the new computer. There are many other methods, but that would have to be the simplest one, plus no additional applications are necessary.
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And yes it would'nt be a good idea to run at minimum especially if your planning to add more programs later.