Need help on backing up files prior to upgrading WIN7 to 64 bit.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit
       #1

    Need help on backing up files prior to upgrading WIN7 to 64 bit.


    I need help or instructions on how to backup my PC before I upgrade to 64 bit. I understand that you must perform a clean install, I just need to know how to backup some files and/or applications before I proceed.

    Also, I would appreciate it if the instructions were like: 1. Open ... to backup files, 2. insert installation disk and proceed, 3. after completion select backup from ... etc.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #2

    Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
    You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
    You will have to re-install those applications.
    If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
    you can apply the updates and such.

    Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

    Rich
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    richnrockville said:
    Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
    You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
    You will have to re-install those applications.
    If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
    you can apply the updates and such.

    Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

    Rich
    Thanks! But another question... Let's just say I have a GPU with the latest drivers now; If I were to custom install the OS, would I have to update it's driver again?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    richnrockville said:
    Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
    You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
    You will have to re-install those applications.
    If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
    you can apply the updates and such.

    Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

    Rich
    Also, I have installed applications on my D: drive. Will they be able to run after I install 64 bit??
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,379
    Win7 Pro 32-bit, Win8 Pro 32-bit
       #5

    headhuntr117 said:
    Thanks! But another question... Let's just say I have a GPU with the latest drivers now; If I were to custom install the OS, would I have to update it's driver again?
    With a new install, all the drivers and software would have to be installed from scratch.

    Also, I have installed applications on my D: drive. Will they be able to run after I install 64 bit??
    As mentioned, you would have to reinstall ALL your applications from scratch.

    Basically, there is no "upgrade" between 32-bit and 64-bit.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #6

    Mark is Correct. Drivers and applications will require re-installation.

    Rich
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    Everything you need to consider to get a perfect install - including backup methods and things not to forget is here in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and is the same for retail.

    Pay close attention to how drivers are handled in Win7 as it's different than XP. Put your LAN driver in the backup so if the installer doesn't provide it you can get online quickly to run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates, after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3). Keep going back to Check for Updates until they are all done, then import any drivers missing in Device manager from the PC or Device's Support Downloads webpage.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #8

    Why are you upgrading to 64 Bit?
    If you have 4 GB or less of RAM, 32 Bit will perform better.
    If you have, or plan to get more than 4 GB RAM, 64 Bit is better.
    You should update your SF specs.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home Basic 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    DavidW7ncus said:
    Why are you upgrading to 64 Bit?
    If you have 4 GB or less of RAM, 32 Bit will perform better.
    If you have, or plan to get more than 4 GB RAM, 64 Bit is better.
    You should update your SF specs.
    Apparently I have 4GB RAM. I plan to upgrade to 64 so that I can install 8GB RAM, I'm basically upgrading my work PC to a gaming PC.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #10

    Post your exact make and model pc and we`ll help you along. :)

    You do know you need a 64 bit capable cpu to run 64 bit, correct ?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:04.
Find Us