Need help on backing up files prior to upgrading WIN7 to 64 bit.

[headhuntr117]

I need help or instructions on how to backup my PC before I upgrade to 64 bit. I understand that you must perform a clean install, I just need to know how to backup some files and/or applications before I proceed.

Also, I would appreciate it if the instructions were like: 1. Open ... to backup files, 2. insert installation disk and proceed, 3. after completion select backup from ... etc.

 

[richnrockville]

Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
You will have to re-install those applications.
If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
you can apply the updates and such.

Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

Rich

 

[headhuntr117]

Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
You will have to re-install those applications.
If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
you can apply the updates and such.

Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

Rich

Thanks! But another question... Let's just say I have a GPU with the latest drivers now; If I were to custom install the OS, would I have to update it's driver again?

 

[headhuntr117]

Headhuntr117, Backing up your data is pretty easy, especially if you have an external usb drive as it would be just a copy of the files to a directory on your external drive.
You will not be able to backup your applications software as the installation of most applications software installs .dll and other files in your windows\system? directories.
You will have to re-install those applications.
If you downloaded updates and such to them, save those files also so that when you re-install the applications
you can apply the updates and such.

Re-formatting is the only way to guarantee that your x64 version will work properly. Also you should grab all the device drivers for your system so that they will work after the install of the x64 version Check out your motherboard and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers for the x64 version.

Rich

Also, I have installed applications on my D: drive. Will they be able to run after I install 64 bit??

 

[Mark Phelps]

Thanks! But another question... Let's just say I have a GPU with the latest drivers now; If I were to custom install the OS, would I have to update it's driver again?

With a new install, all the drivers and software would have to be installed from scratch.

Also, I have installed applications on my D: drive. Will they be able to run after I install 64 bit??

As mentioned, you would have to reinstall ALL your applications from scratch.

Basically, there is no "upgrade" between 32-bit and 64-bit.

 

[richnrockville]

Mark is Correct. Drivers and applications will require re-installation.

Rich

 

[gregrocker]

Everything you need to consider to get a perfect install - including backup methods and things not to forget is here in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and is the same for retail.

Pay close attention to how drivers are handled in Win7 as it's different than XP. Put your LAN driver in the backup so if the installer doesn't provide it you can get online quickly to run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates, after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3). Keep going back to Check for Updates until they are all done, then import any drivers missing in Device manager from the PC or Device's Support Downloads webpage.

 

[DavidE]

Why are you upgrading to 64 Bit?
If you have 4 GB or less of RAM, 32 Bit will perform better.
If you have, or plan to get more than 4 GB RAM, 64 Bit is better.
You should update your SF specs.

 

[headhuntr117]

Why are you upgrading to 64 Bit?
If you have 4 GB or less of RAM, 32 Bit will perform better.
If you have, or plan to get more than 4 GB RAM, 64 Bit is better.
You should update your SF specs.

Apparently I have 4GB RAM. I plan to upgrade to 64 so that I can install 8GB RAM, I'm basically upgrading my work PC to a gaming PC.

 

[AddRAM]

Post your exact make and model pc and we`ll help you along.

You do know you need a 64 bit capable cpu to run 64 bit, correct ?

 

[headhuntr117]

Post your exact make and model pc and we`ll help you along.

You do know you need a 64 bit capable cpu to run 64 bit, correct ?

I already know. Processor is a Intel Pentium G630 2.7Ghz dual core, 4GB RAM (3.3GB usable), nVidia GT220 (not that quite of a beast, but is powerful enough to run most games at minimal settings.), Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit (going to 64 bit soon ). I checked it, and it said it IS 64 bit capable.

EDIT: This PC was purchased back in 2008. It has gone through NUMEROUS upgrades since. If I'm not mistaken, original specs were: Intel E2140 1.6Ghz dual, Intel integrated graphics chip (GMA 450 if i'm not mistaken.), 512MB DDR2 RAM, Windows Vista Home basic 32 bit. HP set...