Should I install Win7 over XP or reformat and do a clean install?

[maxmaxwell]

Hi. XP dies in April so I need to upgrade my desktop. I'm going Win 7. I have used the machine heavily for 2 - 3 years (Outlook, Ms Office, video editing, sound editing, web support etc) so registry etc. will be messy. It still runs reliably and quickly enough although I have funnies with USB ports going AWOL from time to time.
My question is: Am I better to have a clean start by formatting the system drive and installing Win7 from scratch, or would it be fine to install Win 7 over XP? It seems that the last option would be much easier in terms of not having to re-install everything and not losing Favourites, cookies etc. However, it may just add to the whatever messiness XP leaves behind.
Are there ways to clean up the machine before doing option 2?
Max

 

[AddRAM]

You most definitely want to format and clean install.

Backup your favorites and all your data first. Get your network drivers on a flash drive or something before you start so you can install them and get out to internet from windows 7.

You will have to re install all your programs.

Maybe you should just buy another hard drive, install it, then install Windows 7 on that Strongly consider a Solid State Drive.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7#T1=tab01

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

And XP doesn`t die, it just won`t be supported by Microsoft anymore, and that`s no reason not to keep using an Operating System you like

 

[whs]

Don't upgrade. A clean install is the only way to go. The favorites and your data you need to save beforehand.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html