Clean Install Questions

[Woggle]

Hi there,

I'm considering going from vista to windows 7 (32 bit to 64 bit which I have checked is possible on my laptop).

However, I have a couple of programmes on my current laptop which I have lost the disks for (e.g Microsoft Money) or I bought and downloaded from the site e.g recovery software.

Given I need to do a clean install, is there anyway of me being able to backup these programmes and then reinstall with windows 7?

Thanks

 

[DeanP]

Why consider upgrading from 32 bit to 64 bit?
I might be wrong, but just give it a shot....

Install Windows 7 on the same partition as Windows Vista. It will create a folder for Vista (Windows.old), you still have access to data, programs, system files, everything....

Just make sure you backup your data, checked for malware.
Everything to know about is here...

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[Bill2]

Unless you have 4gb or more of RAM, 64 bit will not give you any major performance gain.

However, if you are keen, go ahead. For the programs, surely you have the keys/serials safely stored? You can just reinstall using those.

 

[Woggle]

Thanks,

The plan to upgrade was also going to coincide with putting in an extra 2GB RAM to bring it up to 4GB.

I do have the serials but not the discs to load and I'm not sure if Microsoft Money 2005 UK is available online for download.

I thought a clean install would wipe clean the C drive (I have a partition so D drive as well)?

 

[marsmimar]

Thanks,

The plan to upgrade was also going to coincide with putting in an extra 2GB RAM to bring it up to 4GB.

I do have the serials but not the discs to load and I'm not sure if Microsoft Money 2005 UK is available online for download.

I thought a clean install would wipe clean the C drive (I have a partition so D drive as well)?

Hello Woggle and welcome to the Forum. For any programs you don't have the install media or that can't be downloaded, open your start menu, then open the program. You should be able to right click each individual component and copy to a USB drive, external drive, etc. You are correct that a clean install will completely erase the C drive.

View attachment 122602

 

[Bill2]

1) Thats a problem. I did a bit of research, try this: first download the ms money 2005 stub file from this site:

Thank you for acquiring Microsoft Money 2005!

Then follow the instuctions on this site to run the stub and download the rest of the file.

Where do I get the downloadable version from, as I have lost the original file I obtained [Microsoft (MS) Money FAQ and Help]

2) For a clean install, you'll need to wipe the OS drive (C: ), but you can let D: be. I normally do that, that way my data stays intact on D: irrespective of what i do to C:. Afterwards, you may run into permissions problems with the D: drive files, you'll need to take ownership. Also, if you've been using encryption, get rid of it before you launch, its given many a people many a headache while switching the OS.

 

[gregrocker]

Audit all of your installed Product Keys off the HD using Belarc Advisor so you have them printed out.

With 4gb I would stick with 32 bit Win7 which has less problems overall. In that case you could do an in-place Upgrade over Vista 32 bit so that your programs, files and Settings all remain in place.

There are many reports of fine performance from in-place Upgrades although most of us around here prefer a clean install to wiped HD if possible. However you can try the upgrade to see how it performs for you, save some trouble and clean reinstall later if you want.

Start with running the Win7 Upgrade Advisor to resolve any issues: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Steps for in-place Upgrade: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

Here are tips for getting a perfect clean reinstall :http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729