Win XP software copied to Windows 7

[Bade]

I have purchased a Win 7 HP laptop 64bit and I have copied the Win XP program files directories into Win 7 'Program Files (x86) but the majority won't run. Is there a way to do this without having to reinstall the programs.

Many thanks
Bade

 

[AC]

When you go from XP to 7, you have to reinstall the programs. Heck, when I go from any OS to another, I have to reinstall, even when copying the program files.

 

[bobkn]

I have purchased a Win 7 HP laptop 64bit and I have copied the Win XP program files directories into Win 7 'Program Files (x86) but the majority won't run. Is there a way to do this without having to reinstall the programs.

Many thanks
Bade

Generally, no. When you run an installer, entries are created in the Windows Registry. Copying the program files won't copy those.

There's a third-party solution that claims to be able to move software:

Laplink® Software - PCmover - Automatically move PC applications to a new computer

It's supposed to handle going from a 32 bit system to a 64 bit one.

I have no experience with it. Seems a little too good to be true, but there are some fairly positive reviews of it on the Web.

 

[Bade]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll check out Laplink...sounds perfect.