XP Pro to Windows 7 Pro/Ultimate

[dogbert2]

Is it possible to do a 'clean install' of Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (64-bit) from an existing Windows XP Pro w/SP3 (everything works on the laptop), has 4GB of RAM, AMD dual core processor @ 1.9Ghz, Radeon X1250 video, etc?

I know I could go from Vista to Win 7 (since the laptop originally came with Vista Home Premium) and the Vista drivers are on ACER's website for the laptop model.

Anyone done this type of upgrade/clean install?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello.


There is no upgrade path from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows, it will have to be a clean install or is this what you are asking about in this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

 

[gregrocker]

Looks good to me. Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to get a heads-up on any issues with hardware, programs, drivers, etc.

Backup your files, gather your program installers, Then follow these illustrated steps: Clean Install Windows 7

If you wipe your HD first, leave the Upgrade version Product Key blank during install then afterwards do the quick registry workaround here to activate Upgrade version on a cleaned HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Other tips to get a perfect install:

If you Delete all partitions to create New ones and Format, the installer will issue a 100mb System Reserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair Console (normally only on the DVD or Repair CD) on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu. Partition as you wish and Format before installing to first OS partition.

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Just in case, have your Wireless driver on flash stick or CD so you can get online quickly. Then enable hardware driver auto-updating and check for optional Updates several times.

Any drivers still missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager

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

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 Disk and Registry tabs, then Puran boot-time defragger after adding it's Intelligent Optimizer on Additional Operations tab.
CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
http://download.cnet.com/Puran-Defra...-75115626.html

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