Upgrading from XP Pro

[mallen]

I will be upgrading from XP Pro. Has anyone had any issues upgrading without doing a clean install? I usually do that but don't want to bother with it. Will it leave all my programs, documents etc in the same place?

 

[TheSchaft]

Hi mallen - welcome to Seven Forums!

I think you're out of luck. XP will require a clean install because of the differences between it and Windows 7.

There are a bunch of good, and free, backup programs that can help you store off the data from your current programs.

Here's something else that may be worth looking into:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-XP-Mode-RTMs-Final-Version-Coming-Soon-123186.shtml

 

[sup3rsprt]

here is another link that might help

"Upgrading" from Windows XP to Windows 7 in 5 Steps

You may have heard that there’s no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7. That’s true. You can only upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. For Windows XP users, that means one thing: it’s time for a fresh install.

Don’t be afraid – despite what you may have heard, it’s not really that hard. It just takes more time. If you’re about to embark on this adventure yourself, check out the steps below for what I think is the easiest and most painless way to go about doing this.

. . .

 

[mallen]

Ok that makes sense. But I can still but the "upgrade" version but do a clean install. It will recognize the previous version?

 

[sup3rsprt]

It will recognize the previous version?

Yes so long as your Windows XP is activated and/or genuine.

 

[mallen]

I have a second hard drive with files on it. No programs. Would I have to reformat that drive also?

 

[sup3rsprt]

I'm not sure what you are concerned about. As long as you have somewhere to install Windows 7 you should be fine. Windows is not going to force you to format your drive (but you will need to convert or format if they are not currently formatted with the NT File System). Win 7 can install in as little as 8GB of free space (but of course more space is preferred).

 

[wallyinnc]

SS, Schaft, here is my scenario when the time comes: I have dual boot and "stuff" in both a XP boot and Win7 RC boot. I would like to preserve both, can I run The Easy Transfer Wizard on both installations and convert them to one after I install my final copy of 7? It doesn't sound like possible (I am counting on having to simply backup one of them and transfer manually)

Also, to add insult to injury I intend to replace the motehrboard in the middle of the process. Do you know if ETW will gag if it finds another motherboard for the "this is my new computer". I think it is designed to transfer things from one computer to another so it shouldn't happen. But you never know...

Anyway, your opinion is appreciated. I am getting goose bumps as the time approaches...