As the time is approaching to upgrade your system to Windows 7, if you are still using Windows XP, the upgrade path is not direct. In fact you will normally see an error message from XP that says:
Upgrade Issues
The upgrade path is modified; instead one must use the Windows 7 DVD and run the utility called Windows Easy Transfer to migrate or transfer your files. You will store them in another location, like an external hard drive.
Here is the migration path you must follow:
- Backup your data using the Windows Easy Transfer Utility.
- Use a different partition if possible to have XP and Windows 7 on the same hard drive. This will give you dual boot capabilities.
- Next use the Windows Easy Transfer utility and backup documents and other files. Have your applications setup disks available.
- Have your drivers ready to reinstall, this includes your video, audio, and network drivers. Any other drivers for special software, or special hardware should be available. There is nothing more frustrating than upgrading your base OS, but find that your speakers don’t work or your video is not finely tuned. Do yourself a favor, get the drivers.
- Install Windows 7 over XP if you keep one partition, or on a separate partition.
- Restore your files and data using the Windows Easy Transfer utility (again).
- Reinstall your applications, like Windows Office 2007.
Part 1: Migrate your data to an External Hard Drive
Start with the Windows Easy Transfer Utility
Welcome To Windows Easy Transfer Utility
Select A Device To Use To Transfer Items To Your New Computer
Now that you have a device you can proceed to identify what can be transferred.
Checking What Can Be Transferred
Now from that list of items, choose what you will transfer.
Choose What To Transfer From This Computer
You can modify your selections as needed.
Modify Your Selections
When you have your selections ready, you must save them prior to transfer.
Save Your Files And Settings For Transfer
This site is always waiting for DoubleClick to do this or that. Forget it.
huh?
This guide is WAY too simplistic…
The Easy file transfer will ONLY back up your data files.
So, before you start, you need to make sure that you have the Installation Disks for ALL of the Applications that you want to run in Windows 7. If you don’t have them (e.g. for applications that came pre-installed with XP, or applications that you downloaded and then deleted the Setup files), you’ll need to get them.
Yup, Easy transfer is files only. Also, even if you do manage to find the install disks, lots of ups don’t run on 7 (ACDSee, I’m looking at you. Also had problems with Office 2003).
Anyway, best thing you can do here is do a Zinstall transfer. It takes all your apps and files and moves them to Windows 7. Easy! The app can be found here: http://www.zinstall.com
Hope it helps!