WIndows XP to Windows 7 upgrade options

Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:26PM EDT

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Reader David writes: Looking for help on upgrading my XP computer to Windows 7 this week and bought a new hard drive for my computer. I heard most installed programs are removed during the upgrade to Windows 7 anyway, so how would you suggest I change over to a new HDD since I will be losing most of the installed apps from the upgrade?

First off, let's make one thing clear: Anyone upgrading from XP to Windows 7 isn't just going to lose "most installed programs," but rather everything. There's no way to upgrade directly from XP to Windows 7, at least not using a Windows 7 media disc. Your only option is to perform a "clean install," which essentially wipes all the data off your existing drive and forces you to start fresh. "Clean," as they say. (The only way you can upgrade and keep your applications and data is in certain Vista-to-Windows 7 situations, and even then only if you're moving between comparable versions and the same xx-bit edition.)

The bottom line is that if you're noodling over the installation of a new hard drive, well, the time to do it is before you install Windows, when you'll save yourself the greatest amount of hassle and headache. You're going to have to reinstall all your apps anyway no matter what, but at least this way you could use the old hard drive as a ready-made backup for copying all your old files over to the new computer.

Now, if that's unappealing (and I don't blame you for feeling that way) there are a few workarounds available if you're dead-set on keeping your applications during a Windows XP to Windows 7 migration. Your best bet is probably PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant, which lets you keep your applications no matter what version of Windows you're upgrading from, XP or Vista, 32-bit or 64-bit. For $14.95 (until October 22), it's a solid deal, even though you only get to use it once. Also note this software is only suitable for same-machine upgrades. If you're moving from one machine to a different computer, a different version of PC Mover is a better fit.

Comments on WIndows XP to Windows 7 upgrade options

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  • 1 Posted by tmartin_2007 on Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    so basically u would want to save all of ur info is the bottom line that u are saying. but what are the major improvements that are made from this up date.

  • 2 Posted by mikeaffronte on Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    Like any other Microsoft OS it will take another year before and upgrade version come out to where you can upgrade from any previous Microsoft OS. XP started out the same way (remember)

  • 3 Posted by jedimaster_gary on Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    If you plan on installing a new harddrive you should consider leaving the old hard disk in the case and install 7 on the new hard disk. This shoud give you the option of dual booting the machine. you will also have access to all the files on the xp disk by using the my computer tab. There is no need to destroy any data that is located on the hard disk you have if you plan to buy a new one anyway.

  • 4 Posted by texasjeepguy@sbcglobal.net on Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:22AM EDT Report Abuse

    Another way to keep your files in tact is to buy a hard drive enclosure to put your hard drive in. Once you install a new copy of Windows 7, you can plug the external hard drive, and transfer all the documents you want on your new machine. Old hard drive can be reformatted and used to back up your data. Good luck. Al

  • 5 Posted by powfound on Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:39AM EDT Report Abuse

    wonder how my inspiron 6400 laptop will perform by upgrading to Windows7 from Windows XP ??????

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