Avoiding Application Re-installs

[TeenerTim]

From what I have read, when I install the actual production version of Windows 7 over my 7RC I will have to re-install all of my applications. It seems like I should be able to export my registry keys for the applications before I do the upgrade and then import them after the upgrade is finished. That way I won't have drag out a bunch of disks and spend hours re-installing software.

1. Does the RTM install over the RC force this re-install and has anyone tried this approach?
2. What keys would need to be exported? I'm looking at doing each application separately from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE.
3. Any issues or problems you can think of?

Registry Backup/Restore Tutorial

 

[zigzag3143]

From what I have read, when I install the actual production version of Windows 7 over my 7RC I will have to re-install all of my applications. It seems like I should be able to export my registry keys for the applications before I do the upgrade and then import them after the upgrade is finished. That way I won't have drag out a bunch of disks and spend hours re-installing software.

1. Does the RTM install over the RC force this re-install and has anyone tried this approach?
2. What keys would need to be exported? I'm looking at doing each application separately from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE.
3. Any issues or problems you can think of?

Registry Backup/Restore Tutorial

TT

It depends on the version you purchase. MS and most of us recommend a clean install, but you can then use easy transfer to import your settings. there may be some app re-installs involved, and its not the prefered way of installing but if you have to....

the easy transfer wizard is built into win 7 see pic.

 

[Tews]

Unfortunately I dont believe that is in the official upgrade path... While it would be convenient, I think there is more involved than just exporting the registry... This is pre-release software, and was never intended to be used on production machines... Your best bet is to install Windows 7 when its released to retail outlets, reinstall your apps then create an image of your drive/partition... just in case

 

[Antman]

You will spend more time doing what you describe than you will spend simply installing the app set properly.

You will hose your install, deal with the issues and eventually re-install the OS and the apps.

Someone would have developed a migration app LONG ago if your proposal was even remotely related to a good idea.

It was almost possible in Win 3x, and sometimes, it worked.

 

[TeenerTim]

That doesn't sound very exciting. Where's the adventure? Where's the thrill of discovery?

edit: OK, I was letting my inner lazy slob take over. But most inventions are created by lazy people looking for an easier way to do things.

 

[zigzag3143]

That doesn't sound very exciting. Where's the adventure? Where's the thrill of discovery?

TT

<g> the thrill of discovery. Hey Im a re-install junkie so im always up for another clean install.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Why are people so afraid of application reinstalls? It doesn't take long to back up your data, and once the reinstall is complete, it shouldn't take that long to reinstall apps and restore your data. It's a far better process, in the name of system stability. Besides, this is Windows 7 now. Gone are the days of reinstalling the OS every month or two. Install it, set it up to your liking, image it, and go one enjoying the system.

 

[Jordus]

There was actually a Windows Easy Transfer companion for Vista RTM that would move installed applications over with the regular WET data.

It quit working with SP1 and they never fixed it.

 

[Antman]

There was actually a Windows Easy Transfer companion for Vista RTM that would move installed applications over with the regular WET data.

It quit working with SP1 and they never fixed it.

Generally, bad ideas do not live long.

 

[Perrybucsdad]

One other thing you can try if you are really hung up on keeping your app settings and al is make an inventory of ALL the software you have that you want with the RTM version. Use the easy transfer tool. Do a clean install. Load all the apps first that are on your list, and lastly, use the Transfer tool to put all your profile information back.

I did this the other night and it made the wife very happy that everything looked just like it did before (actually, she didn't even know I upgraded from 32 bit to 64 bit until I told her).

And just a little marital advice for all you married guys out there. My Dad told me on my wedding day "Son, let me give you some advice about wives. You can be right, or you can be happy. You just can't be both at the same time." I don't know how many times that has saved my butt!!

 

[Antman]

Yes, dear.

 

[TheSchaft]

Sounds like what you want to do is save your configuration information. This was discussed in another thread, and I suggested then using a software audit program like this - WinAudit v2.27 - Free Computer Audit Software You might want to take a look at it and see if it will do the job, or at least make it easier.

 

[Kari]

...

And just a little marital advice for all you married guys out there. My Dad told me on my wedding day "Son, let me give you some advice about wives. You can be right, or you can be happy. You just can't be both at the same time." I don't know how many times that has saved my butt!!

+1. No, let me think. +112.

That can be one of the most valuable things to know to a man.

Adding to that, my father always told that a balanced and happy marriage means that both wife and husband can and will openly tell their respective opinions, desires, wants and likes before agreeing to do as the wife wants.

Kari

 

[wallyinnc]

And just a little marital advice for all you married guys out there. My Dad told me on my wedding day "Son, let me give you some advice about wives. You can be right, or you can be happy. You just can't be both at the same time." I don't know how many times that has saved my butt!!

As I said, bright future....

 

[DeaconFrost]

Adding to that, my father always told that a balanced and happy marriage means that both wife and husband can and will openly tell their respective opinions, desires, wants and likes before agreeing to do as the wife wants.

This is very true. In the end, you still always end up doing what th wife wants, but my marriage is good enough that I can voice my opinion, have it heard, and then go with hers. The joke is, I often do things "under the flag of protest".

 

[Antman]

A cast iron plaque on my great-grandfather's fireplace -

Pa is boss
As everyone knows,
But what Ma says
Always goes.

They were married more than 70 years.