Easy Transfer Looks "Too Thorough" - Move From XP x86 to Win7 x64

I have accomplished the task of installing Win7/Pro x64 on a new 120 Gb SSD. My old OS and Program Files are on a 74 Gb WD Caviar. This drive still has a working copy of XP/Pro x86. I'm using it to create this post.

I know, for instance, that I want to install SeaMonkey on the new drive and to transfer my profile from my old drive.

Can I have both the Win7 and the XP drives temporarily attached to the motherboard to simplify finding and moving the profile or will I confuse the system when it boots? How will it know which OS to use?

My system is based on a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P (Ver 2.1) motherboard with a Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4 GHz) Quad Core processor and 8 Gb of memory.

Does it make a difference that XP requires that I set the BIOS to 'disabled' or PATA mode and Win7 runs in AHCI mode?

I approached Win7 with the intent of running my storage devices in RAID1 as I had under XP, but I no longer see it as worth the trouble. Will the fact that my data files are mirrored on two HDDs that once ran under RAID1 cause me grief I am not anticipating as I begin using Win7? I explored undoing or separating the two drives by using the Intel RAID software that was used to set up the RAID1. When I began I saw messages suggesting that the process would delete everything on the drives, so I backed off. Is there some sort of marker on each drive that designates it as a RAID1 drive?

Is "XP Mode" worth considering? Is there a brief statement of the pros and cons on sevenforums? I'd need it to continue to use my MS Office applications, my PhotoShopEssentials, and my version of AutoSketch, for example. I see that there are open source alternatives and I've begun to explore Open Office, but switching to Win7 and also a whole list of new applications, each with their own differences, is a lot to adapt to all at once. I'd appreciate learning what others have experienced. Finding and installing the right driver for my controller chip at the right time in the OS installation process was a challenge. I'd like to spend more time using my system and less time setting it up to work for me.

Thanks,

baumgrenze

I would not import anything other than your data into a new profile you set up for yourself.

AppData settings are a corruption path into a new install. You want fresh settings for a fresh start.

Easiest way to do this without possibility of data loss by a bulky intermediary is to sort your data into the Win7 User folders from the XP install via Explorer or from your backup drive. It's also a great time to clean out old files by not copying them.

If you have Professional or Ultimate you can use XP Mode which is free and works decently. Otherwise you can virtualize XP in VMWare, Virtual Box or Virtual Player freeware.

Other tips are the same as here to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Thanks Gregrocker,

I found and used MozBackup, a small utility on the mozilla.com website. It worked flawlessly.

I will approach dealing with the other questions I asked as separate topics.

thanks,

baumgrenze