Not sure about that but the usual recommended approach if doing a clean install is to use "Windows Easy Transfer." In 7 it is found under control panel > getting started> transfer files and settings. There must be a version in Vista which you could run. Don't recall but you might be offered the choice to run it when installing W7. It allows you to back up your files, user accounts, program settings, etc. to external media. You still have to reinstall your programs after doing a clean install but then can restore the rest using W. Easy Transfer.