Backup question for 32 to 64 bit

[Train]

Right now I have Vista Home Premium 32bit as an operating system. I've found that my computer is 64 bit capable so I'd like to upgrade to Window 7 64 bit so that I can run some newer programs that only come in 64 bit.

First, I'm no computer geek but I'm not the village idiot either. I understand that I can't "upgrade" to the new OS. So, I have a few questions I can't find clear answers to.

1. What's the best way to back up everything I have? I have a Lacie external HD that has about 380 GB left on it and my current internal HD is only 250 total. Can I just do a copy of My C and D drives to my external?

2. Once all my stuff is backed up, what's the next step? Can I just run the install cd and it will guide me through?

 

[Brink]

Hello Train, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Since you will be doing a clean install from 32-bit to 64-bit, the most reliable backup would be to manually copy and paste anything that you do not want to lose to the external HDD.

You'll also need to reinstall all programs and drivers after finished with the clean install of 64-bit Windows 7. I would recommend to have all of the 64-bit driver installaton files for your devices downloaded and saved to the external HDD as well in case you may not be able to connect to the internet until you have installed your network driver.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[ignatzatsonic]

1. What's the best way to back up everything I have? I have a Lacie external HD that has about 380 GB left on it and my current internal HD is only 250 total. Can I just do a copy of My C and D drives to my external?

2. Once all my stuff is backed up, what's the next step? Can I just run the install cd and it will guide me through?

Regarding question 1:

You need to identify the folders that now contain your data. You could then simply copy them with the mouse to the Lacie. Where your stuff is depends on however you have organized it. It could all be in C:\users\your user name or elsewhere. Don't forget about your bookmarks and email. They may be in an oddball location and you should probably "export" them from within your browser and email application. Export them to the Lacie.

Regarding question 2:

You need to boot from the Windows install disk. It is largely self-explanatory after you boot, but there are tutorials on this site if you need them.

 

[d 5k1nny g33k]

Right now I have Vista Home Premium 32bit as an operating system. I've found that my computer is 64 bit capable so I'd like to upgrade to Window 7 64 bit so that I can run some newer programs that only come in 64 bit.

First, I'm no computer geek but I'm not the village idiot either. I understand that I can't "upgrade" to the new OS. So, I have a few questions I can't find clear answers to.

1. What's the best way to back up everything I have? I have a Lacie external HD that has about 380 GB left on it and my current internal HD is only 250 total. Can I just do a copy of My C and D drives to my external?

2. Once all my stuff is backed up, what's the next step? Can I just run the install cd and it will guide me through?

You can use "Windows Easy Transfer" from Windows.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11470-windows-easy-transfer-transfer-computers.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/115321-windows-easy-transfer-xp-vista-windows-7-a.html

It is capable of migrating the ff. user data from a 32-bit to 64-bit:

Files and folders
E-mail settings, such as contacts and messages
Program settings
User accounts and settings
Internet settings and favorites
Music, pictures, and videos

Cheers,