Windows XP 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit

[AIV]

I have Windows XP 32-bit OS and 64-bit processor. I want to upgrade my XP to Windows 7 64-bit.I downloaded Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and my computer passed test for Windows 7 64-bit but I know I'll have to perform clean install of Windows 7. I have two hard disks and if I install Windows 7 on one of my hard disks, am I going to lose data from another one? Please help!!!rb:

 

[zigzag3143]

I have Windows XP 32-bit OS and 64-bit processor. I want to upgrade my XP to Windows 7 64-bit.I downloaded Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and my computer passed test for Windows 7 64-bit but I know I'll have to perform clean install of Windows 7. I have two hard disks and if I install Windows 7 on one of my hard disks, am I going to lose data from another one? Please help!!!rb:

You wont lose data unless you pick the wrong disk to install win 7 on. You should however ALWAYS have a backup

 

[AIV]

Thanks a lot

 

[theog]

Just to sure remove the HD with DATA on.

 

[AIV]

But how to install hard disk without losing data in it?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Do you in fact have 2 separate internal hard drives?

If so, decide which of those 2 you want to install Windows 7 onto.

Disconnect power from the other one.

If the drive you will be installing Windows 7 on contains any data you care about, you should copy that data to the other drive just before you disconnect it.

Then install Windows 7 to the drive that still has power.

 

[AIV]

Thanks a lot if i plug it back, will it be automaticly installed?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Yes.

It should be recognized immediately.

 

[AIV]

but what if i don't have separate hard disks, what if i have one hard disk discreted on two parts C and D disk. Can I save data on one part of my hard disk?

 

[AIV]

and install windows 7 on another part without losing data from first part?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Do you or don't you have 2 separate hard disks?


Yes?

No?

You are not sure?

 

[AIV]

No I don't have two separated hard disks. Is there any way to install windows 7 on one part without losing data from another one?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Yes:

I am guessing you have 2 partitions.

Lets call them C and D.

If you install Windows 7 to C, nothing on D will be touched.

If you have anything on C that you want to keep, you have to copy it over to D before you start because C will be wiped clean during the install.

It is up to you to direct the install to the C partition. If you mistakenly direct it to the D partition, the D partition will be wiped.

Best advice is to backup whatever is on D to a DVD or something just in case you make a mistake and wipe out the D partition. If you can't do that, just be careful to choose C as the destination for the install.


You are doing a clean install, so you will have to reinstall all of your programs. If you have any personal files on C, they have to be copied to D first. I am referring to stuff like mp3s, Excel files, Word files, pictures, email, etc.

 

[AIV]

Are you sure? I really don't wanna lose data from my D part because I have very important data in it.

 

[AIV]

Does that mean that if I have one hard disk with two partitions, which i have, i am not going to lose data from D part, for example, if i install Windows 7 on C part?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Not losing data is NOT repeat NOT guaranteed.

You could make a mistake.

Your hard disk could fail at any time and leave both partitions totally useless.

Etc.

If you are really worried, your only choice is to back up your data to something else, such as DVD.

But the DVD could fail.

Etc.

 

[AIV]

My data really has much memory, about 300 Gigabytes I think, and I'll have to use x DVDs to burn it on so is there any way to make back up that has much lower memory than real files?

 

[AIV]

has really*

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You could:

Buy another hard drive and back up to it. You can get a new 320 gig hard drive for no more than 40 or 50 dollars.

Back up to an Internet server temporarily for a fee. I think Mosy is one such service. I don't know how much they charge or how reliable they are.

In your shoes, I'd buy another hard drive. If you don't have a backup method in place already, you are whistling past the graveyard. Your hard drive will fail---you just don't know when.

 

[AIV]

Where can I find 320 Gigs hard drive with that low price?