32-bit Vista to 64-bit W7: Somehow NOT a clean install?


  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Professional (64-Bit)
       #1

    32-bit Vista to 64-bit W7: Somehow NOT a clean install?


    From the FAQ:

    Q.: I have Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bits and want to migrate to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bits. Do I need to do a Clean install or can I perform an in-place upgrade?
    A.: A Clean Install is required when migrating from 32 to 64 bits or vice-versa, independent of the initial and target versions,.
    I did a custom install to switch from my 32-bit Vista Business to 64-bit Windows 7 Professional. Everything I've ever read, including the FAQ quoted above, says a clean install is the only way for that to happen.

    I did that, yet it somehow retained all of my old files (mostly in a windows.old folder, with some remaining on the C: drive). How is this even possible?

    I'm truly baffled.

    -- BTW, I love this site. I found it while searching for Windows 7 on Google.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 686
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate SP1
       #2

    A clean install doesn't mean everything will be wiped clean - it just means that you cannot upgrade - you have to set up a new Windows installation, reinstall your programs and put back your documents etc. where they belong.

    It will only be Mr Proper clean if you wipe the target disk clean from your Win7 installation DVD.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    Basically what happens is when Windows 7 installed it took your old system and backed it up in a folder called Windows.old where you can retrive some of the files and folders if you like.

    The Windows.old folder also allows for that system to be restored should you want to go back to it.

    That's the short and simplified version.

    Read this... Upgrade Install with Windows 7
      My Computer


 

  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 08:47.
Find Us