Upgrading to Windows 7.

[Hatashi]

I have my Windows 7 CD and everything within my reach, but the problem here is, I have been using Windows XP for over 3 years on this PC, and I have alot of software and other files I would wish to keep.

I have my D:\ drive, which is for games, (Has a lot of Steam games).
And my C:\ folder, which is the main drive with WINDOWS and stuff.

I was looking for ways on how to keep EVERYTHING on my PC.
For example, I have MS office 2007, and I want to keep it when I upgrade to Windows 7.

Does anyone know what I should do?

 

[ArcaneZeal]

You should backup your files in an external hard disk.

Perform a clean installation of 7 and restore your backup.

 

[IownAmoneyPit]

Here is a couple of links to help you understand what is required to migrate from XP to Windows 7.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Will your PC run Windows 7 and what programs will work with Windows 7.

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Windows 7 requires a clean/custom install and cannot be upgraded directly from XP. This will require copying any files that you wish to keep (Photos,Videos,Documents,Music - Ect to an external drive and reinstalling your programs.

I have only provided a basic reply to what is required, before proceeding it would be best to review the links above and to also wait for other more members to reply to this thread as some have extensive experience of both XP and Windows 7 and may better advise you on how to accomplish a smooth transition to Windows 7.

 

[karlsnooks]

Upgrade - XP to Win 7
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows
Ezine 187 - Windows 7 Easy Transfer Lives-up to Its Name
Windows 7 Easy Transfer | Shared Items settings

Since you have some older games that you would like to be able to play AND you have Win 7 Ultimate, let me suggest the following tutorial:
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup - Windows 7 Forums

 

[CarlTR6]

Software designed for XP is only going run in the Win 7 XP mode. Older software not written for Win 7 is very likely to crash Win 7. The same is true of hardware that is designed for XP, it is not going to run with Win 7. The drivers will cause BSOD's. We see this everyday in the Crashes and Debugging section. Use the links that IOAP and Karl gave you. Make sure your computer will run Win 7. Then check your software and hardware for compatibility.

Win 7 is not an evolution from XP; it is an entirely new OS. Do not make the mistake of trying to manage Win 7 as you did XP. I speak from hard learned experience.

 

[jailbirdslanger]

perform an in-place upgrade for windows 7. While on your XP desktop, insert the 7 CD and install using keep files and programs method 'in-place upgrade'

 

[karlsnooks]

jailbird,
He is updating from XP to Win 7. This is totally different from some of the old XP methods.

Suggest you take a gander at some of the links already given.

 

[Hatashi]

Thanks, I am just 15, so getting Windows 7 was the only thing my parents helped me pay for, (They are still using XP). And currently I do not have the money to be buying an external hard drive.
I already know my notebook will handle Windows 7 fine.
I guess I'll just backup everything to D:\ and do a clean Windows 7 setup to C:\.

Thanks for taking time helping me everyone!

 

[CarlTR6]

I wish you a successful installation.

 

[karlsnooks]

Hatashi,

I'll tell what I would do. That doesn't mean that you should but here goes:
I'd backup any data precious to my heart to usb sticks or usb drive (perhaps you have a school friend who will let you use his for a day).

Be sure you have written down all passwords you will need. Save your browser favorites off to a file. Try to think of what you might be wiping out before you install.

AFter getting everything off that is precious, then I'd use the procedure given in the first link listed to prepare the disk. When I did I'd create two partitions: a C of 75 GB, and a D with the rest. This will give plenty of room for MS, programs,etc in C and D for data such as videos, pics, documents, music.

Then I'd do a clean install per the second link given.
This is the procedure that I use and have always used.

Clean Install - Prepare a drive for
Clean Install Windows 7

Now after all updates are installed and all is well, then:
Since you will be installing Win 7 Ultimate, I'd install XP Mode. This would enable me to run XP programs.

Take a good look at this tutorial:
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup - Windows 7 Forums

 

[gregrocker]

Perhaps you can save your files to DVD's, or send them over the network to another computer in your house. If not, then create a partition at the end of the HD of the size needed to store your files. We can help you do this.

Then boot the Win7 DVD, select Custom Install, then Drive Options to Delete all partitions except the one where you stored your data. Create New partition(s) as you wish (we suggest 100gb for Win7) then Format before installing Win7. Remember not to touch the partition where you saved you data.

Here are some tips for making a perfect install:

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Troubleshooting with MSCONFIG

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-D...=dl&tag=button
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-R...ml?tag=mncol;1

Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

 

[jailbirdslanger]

jailbird,
He is updating from XP to Win 7. This is totally different from some of the old XP methods.

Suggest you take a gander at some of the links already given.

Ya I realized that after I posted. Reading fully & thoroughly helps.