Installing Win 7 64-bit over Win 7 32-bit RC

[Lochlannach]

Hi all,

I currently have the 32-bit Windows 7 RC installed on my system and due to some registry errors I need to do a reinstall.

I have the Windows 7 CD and would like to install the 64-bit version. However I have loads of stuff on my HD that I'd hate to lose.

My question is: If I install the new 64-bit system, will I get an option to keep my old stuff in the windows.old folder - and if so, where do I need to place my old stuff on my HD?

Cheers and Happy New Year!
Lochlannach

 

[richc46]

Hi all,

I currently have the 32-bit Windows 7 RC installed on my system and due to some registry errors I need to do a reinstall.

I have the Windows 7 CD and would like to install the 64-bit version. However I have loads of stuff on my HD that I'd hate to lose.

My question is: If I install the new 64-bit system, will I get an option to keep my old stuff in the windows.old folder - and if so, where do I need to place my old stuff on my HD?

Cheers and Happy New Year!
Lochlannach

The best way to save your stuff is to back up everything on a separate HD, for safety. Then with Windows Easy Transfer, you can transfer everything to a external, such as HD or flash or DVD. You can save everything but programs, which must be reinstalled. Then make your install. After install trasfer everything back with the Easy Transfer. If it get hosed, you have the first back up that I advised you to make. Then just reinstall your programs with the CD, thats it. Good luck and a Happy New year.

 

[Lochlannach]

Hi Richc46,

Many thanks for your reply. I understand that I can copy stuff to external HD and use Easy Transfer.

The trouble is, my 'external HD' is my laptop and there's not much room on it (and I can't afford another HD right now). So I will be left with some stuff on my pc that wouldn't be a total disaster to lose, but still a PITA to download/find again.

So I'm still wondering if an install of Win 7 64 will give me an option to 'save' some stuff from my previous installation?

Cheers,
Lochlannach

 

[richc46]

Hi Richc46,

Many thanks for your reply. I understand that I can copy stuff to external HD and use Easy Transfer.

The trouble is, my 'external HD' is my laptop and there's not much room on it (and I can't afford another HD right now). So I will be left with some stuff on my pc that wouldn't be a total disaster to lose, but still a PITA to download/find again.

So I'm still wondering if an install of Win 7 64 will give me an option to 'save' some stuff from my previous installation?

Cheers,
Lochlannach

If you do not choose the format option on the custom install, everything but programs will be saved in a file called windows.old. It is not suggested to rely on those files for a back up. I think that easy transfer may allow you to save to a dvd. I know I saved to a flash drive. I do not have an external HD, either. I want one, but I did research and every major HD, receives complaints about its short life, when it is reviewed.