Help with transferring 32 files to 64 bit

[The Howling Wolves]

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

 

[Jonathan_King]

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: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19151-windows-old-folder-delete.html

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.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

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: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19151-windows-old-folder-delete.html

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!

 

[Jonathan_King]

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.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

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.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

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.

 

[Jonathan_King]

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

Let us know if you need anything else.