Installation help

I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I have a Dell XPS 420 with Windows Vista 32 bit. I just got sent a Windows 7 64 bit disc and I don't know how to install and keep my files.

Here is what the Windows Update Advisor said:

Code:

 
Information about upgrading to 64-bit Windows 7
System    Details
    Custom installation required    You'll need to perform a custom installation of 64-bit Windows 7 and then reinstall your programs. Make sure to back up your files before you begin. 
Go online to get important information about custom installation 
 
    Windows Mail and Parental Controls (Web Filtering)    These features are no longer included in Windows 7. You can get similar programs for Windows 7 from other software manufacturers. 
Go to the Microsoft website to learn more
 
    More info from Dell Inc.    Dell Inc. has a website that might give you more information about getting Windows 7 running on your PC. 
Visit the Dell Inc. website
 
    Windows Aero support    Your graphics adapter supports the Windows Aero user interface.
Go online to learn more about Windows Aero
 
    CPU speed: 2.4 GHz    Your CPU meets the 1 GHz minimum requirement.
    3.3 GB of RAM    Your PC meets the 2 GB minimum requirement. 
    73.4 GB free space available on C:    Your hard disk meets the minimum requirement of 20 GB free space for 64-bit Windows 7. 
 
Devices    Status    Details
    Dell AIO Printer 948
Dell Inkjet Drivers    Unknown    We don't have compatibility information about this device.
    ATI Radeon HD 2400
ATI Technologies Inc.    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    Conexant D850 PCI V.92 Modem
Conexant    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    Dell AIO Printer 948
Dell    Check Windows Update    Check Windows Update after installing Windows 7 to make sure you have the latest driver for this device, otherwise it may not work.
    High Definition Audio Device
Microsoft    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    Intel(R) 82566DC-2 Gigabit Network Connection
Intel    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    USB Mass Storage Device
Compatible USB storage device    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    USB Printing Support
Microsoft    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
    XPS MiniView
Microsoft Co    Compatible    This device is compatible with Windows 7.
 
Programs    Status    Details
    AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet Home Networking Installer    Known issues    You may experience issues running this program on Windows 7. 
Visit the publisher's website for a possible solution
 
    Steam
version 1.0.0.0
Valve Corporation    Update available    We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get an update to a compatible version
 
    Ventrilo Client
version 3.0.5
Flagship Industries, Inc.    Free update available    We don't have compatibility information about this version of the program.
Get a free update to a compatible version
 
    ATI Catalyst Install Manager
version 3.0.634.0
ATI Technologies, Inc.         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
version 12.0.4518.1014
Microsoft Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
version 8.0.59193
Microsoft Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.21022
version 9.0.21022
Microsoft Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    NVIDIA PhysX
version 9.10.0129
NVIDIA Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
version 2.0.5000.0
Microsoft Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo
 
    Windows Movie Maker 2.6
version 2.6.4037.0
Microsoft Corporation         This program has earned Microsoft's Compatible with Windows 7 logo.
Learn more about the Compatible with Windows 7 logo

You can either obtain a 32 bit Win7 installer to do an in-place Upgrade which keeps your programs, files and settings in place, or clean install 64 bit after backing up your files externally. You are entitled to use either bit-version with each license.

Make your Vista Recovery Disks first so you have them. Since a clean install will not save any of the Dell utilities, you can wipe the HD first to get the cleanest possible slate if you want: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. https://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

How do I make a backup externally?

Use an external HD or depending on the size of your files to backup, a DVD. Or send them over the network to another computer.

I have 210 GB used, so will I have to cough up some more cash to make a backup? Is there any other option for me?

To backup, you must backup to something, either dvds which we do not recommend, or to another drive.

I use an external USB. They are unbelievably cheap. A 150 GB will be more than you need.

Which one is good and cheap, one that you recommend? I'm new to this kinda stuff, sorry for all the questions.

We relish the questions (sometimes with cilantro).

I use Toshiba but as long as it's not some off-brand you should be ok.

Thanks, Doc. But what about the other 100GB?