Posted on 10/21/2009 10:13:27 AM PDT by skeptoid
When Windows 7 is released on Thursday, many who'll rush out to buy it will be users of Windows XP.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has not made it easy for XP users to move to Win7. You won't be able to run the upgrade disk and have the newer operating system install on top of XP, leaving your data and programs in place.
Instead, you have two options:
1. You can do a Clean install, in which you wipe the hard drive clean and install a virgin copy of Windows 7, then reinstall your software and copy your data back to the drive.
2. You can do a Custom install, in which your older setup is squirreled away in a folder called WINDOWS.OLD. This will include your program files, though you won't be able to run your software from there. It will also include data files, but you shouldn't rely on this as your sole backup strategy prior to upgrading.
Because you can't upgrade over XP, there are some steps you'll want to take before you install Windows 7 to make the process easier.
(Excerpt) Read more at seattlepi.com ...
I received this TechRepublic tip in an email. I posted it as a separate thread since it involves a dual boot situation vs. upgrade. I thought those who’ve posted on this thread would find it informative.
Why does one want Win 7, if XP works fine?
There are third party options available for upgrading.
See post #13.
Win 7 is better!
“Win 7 is better!”
Thanks for all of the insight.
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