Upgrading XP To Windows 7

[Aldemar]

I think it's about time. I found this product here:

http://zinstall.com/products/zinstall-xp7

This looks it creates a dual-boot instead of a true upgrade. Anyone have any experience with this? I was also thinking about a XP to Vista to Win7 path but my experience with this type of process usually results in a very slow OS.

[MrBlazito]

Best way to upgrade to a new OS, is to format and fresh install. Obviously most people have tons of software installed and important files stored. That's when a secondary hard drive comes in handy...or external storage. Clone your primary drive, format it, install Win7, transfer important data from secondary/external to primary and reinstall software you use. Lots of work, but the result is worth it.

[dotalchemy]

Back up your data to an external disk / USB key / DVD / cloud / whatever.

Make sure you have an installable copy of any software you need.

Put the Windows 7 disk in and start from scratch.

Seriously - not worth recommending anything other than this.

[Aldemar]

Thanks guys, that's what I figured. I'm running a mirror now so I can just use C as the OS/program drive and leave D as my data drive.

Question: how is the 'documents & settings' structured on Win7? The reason I ask is that I have tons of burned CD's on Itunes and want to maintain an editable library.

[Nose Nuggets]

Thanks guys, that's what I figured. I'm running a mirror now so I can just use C as the OS/program drive and leave D as my data drive.

Question: how is the 'documents & settings' structured on Win7? The reason I ask is that I have tons of burned CD's on Itunes and want to maintain an editable library.

xp is c:\documents and settings\user name
7 is c:\users\user name

most of the structure inside the user profile is the same. you cant do a direct 1:1 transfer though. so backup your desktop, my docs, favorates folders and anything else you need onto your data drive then manually move those folders to their corosponding counterparts once you get 7 installed.

i would HIGHLY recoment you disconnect your data drive when you perform the format and reinstall on your OS drive.

[Iknownot]

Back up your data to an external disk / USB key / DVD / cloud / whatever.

Make sure you have an installable copy of any software you need.

Put the Windows 7 disk in and start from scratch.

Seriously - not worth recommending anything other than this.

I'd go beyond that.

Back up everything.

Go out, buy a new HDD. (they are so cheap now).

Pull old HDD, and put away in a safe place for just in case.

Fresh install on new HDD.

Move data over to new HDD.

In the end, you still have your old hard drive, in case you forgot to transfer anything or forgot about a program or file you wanted and considering that the HDD is pretty much the only moving part in your PC that ends in disaster if it breaks, you're better off putting a new HDD in your PC if the one with XP is more than a couple of years old.

Just my 2 cents.

[Aldemar]

I had planned on ghosting one drive to another....I have another usb drive also that I am going to back up to.

Going to try the 64 bit also. First thing is to download all the 64 bit drivers to a cd though.

For what it's worth, I held an NT4.0 MCSE back in the day. Things were lost simpler back then.

[truthseeker]

Currently on a Windows 7 Team at work. Check out USMT "user state migration tool"

[Aldemar]

Currently on a Windows 7 Team at work. Check out USMT "user state migration tool"

Thanks, every bit helps. I wish I was on a team. I'm a one man gang here. My primary responsibility is that of a controller so IT is on an 'as needed' basis.

At least this time I can pick my timing. Usually, the only time there are computer issues is when I'm up against tax or other reporting deadlines.

[Aldemar]

Up and running 64 bit Win 7 ultimate.......Actually easy if you follow Microsoft's instructions.

[Hanse Davion]

Reply to OP

Sounds like your fine now. But windows 7 will save all original files from the previous OS into a folder called windows.old, youll still need to reinstall programs to use the files however. Keep in mind too, when and if you need to reformat your comp in the future, youll need to install the XP OS FIRST if you used the windows upgrade OS 7 as opposed to the complete stand alone software. Its stupidity at its finest if you ask me, but just dont lose your keys for both OS's if thats the case.

In case you are wondering too, the biggest difference between 7 32 bit and 7 64 bit is the amount of RAM that can be utilized, up to 3 gigs with 32 bit, 16 with 64 bit. If you dont have a system with more than 3 gigs of ram, it wont really make a difference what version you use. RAM can be easily upgraded provided it is compatible with the motherboard of the computer, but older computers are often limited as to the upgrade potential, especially laptops for that matter.