Upgrade from Windows XP to 7?

Without doing a clean install? Quick reply!!!

Nope...clean install

Free Download PC Upgrade Advisor Windows 7 Hardware Programs Issues

The upgrade path from XP to Win 7, if you want to keep all your settings and problems you had in XP, is to find a Vista Retail, upgrade with that, then upgrade with Win 7.

Generally not recommended.

I went from XP to Win 7 and did a clean install. I managed to keep some of my stuff from XP, mostly the data and was also able to run WoW, Steam and Planetside setups without having to reinstall due to the nature of those three. WoW doesn't really heavily require a reinstall in order to get it up and running, just the WoW program files folder and making sure you give it the appropriate rights. Same with steam. Planetside, just download the SOE Station Launcher, since you need to use the Launcher anyways to load up the game. Once Launcher finds your game, it will run without issue.

Other programs, yes, you will have to reinstall, but in all honesty, you should be reinstalling the programs due to the fact that if you are going from XP, not XP x64 to Windows 7 with x64 support, you will want programs that will make use of the x64 than what you had.

Those transfer programs almost never work correctly.
It's always better to do a clean install. With use, the system tends to collect a lot of unnecessary files. Trial versions that didn't uninstall completely, tools you used some time ago but which are now outdated etc.
A new OS installation is a good way to get rid of the junk. :)

When I switched from XP to Win 7, I installed the new Win on a new harddisk. That way I didn't have to wipe the original installation. I could access the software directories to get back my customized data (brush settings for Photoshop, hotkey settings for various apps etc.), just copied those files into the corresponding folders on Win 7. But you've got to do that manually, it's the safest way to get what you need.

esha said:

Those transfer programs almost never work correctly.
It's always better to do a clean install. With use, the system tends to collect a lot of unnecessary files. Trial versions that didn't uninstall completely, tools you used some time ago but which are now outdated etc.
A new OS installation is a good way to get rid of the junk. :)

When I switched from XP to Win 7, I installed the new Win on a new harddisk. That way I didn't have to wipe the original installation. I could access the software directories to get back my customized data (brush settings for Photoshop, hotkey settings for various apps etc.), just copied those files into the corresponding folders on Win 7. But you've got to do that manually, it's the safest way to get what you need.

^^ The best advice for you to proceed, and worth repeating. ^^

If there was ever a time for a fresh start, it is now with the best OS ever.