Upgrading from Windows XP (32-bit) to Window 7 (64-bit)

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Vikki Sixx

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Hey everyone.

I have decided to upgrade my Hardware and Software as it has been a long time coming and also because I understand that Window 7 is actually a pretty decent piece of software. Here is my current setup:

AMD dual-core CPU
1 x 320GB drive - used for programs
1 x 1000GB drive - used for storage (photos, data, etc)
2 GB RAM
Windowx XP

I am now upgrading to:

Intel i5 2500 Quad Core CPU
1 x 320GB (keeping this HD) - used for programs
1 x 1000GB (keeping this HD) - used for storage (photos, data, etc)
8 GB RAM
Windows 7 (64 bit)

Here are my questions which you can hopefully help me with:
1 - I am backing up all my drives on to a 2TB external HD - should I then format my current setup?
2 - Do I then change the hardware and install Windows 7 ?
3 - If I do not format my machine, will all the programs (installed on the 320GB drive) still work - I know I will have to change some to 64-bit equivalents (like 3ds max)?
4 - what is the best way to do this change-over/upgrade

Thanks
Victor
 
XP cannot upgrade to Win 7. You cannot upgrade 32 bit to 64 bit. You can use either wipe and load or side by side migration to retain some settings or configurations. You can change your hardware before upgrade, I think it makes no difference. What you need do is merely format. Done. Oh make sure you back up. Well you said so.
 
Hi,

1. You should format your Programs or Operating System drive. The Storage drive would not require a format if it is used for music, photos or movies.

2. Yes, assemble your new PC then install Windows 7. Don't install Windows on your old PC and then transfer it to the new PC.

3. No. You will have to format your Programs drive.
 
and u shud upgrade ur hardware b4 upgradin to OS W7 bcaz W7 wont boot wif new hardware it wil av to do a restore or sumfin
 
mass09 said:
3. No. You will have to format your Programs drive.
Click to expand...

No you don't, there are other options.


@Vikki,

I'm pretty sure you are not using the entire 320GB drive for your OS?

You can repartition it so it's split 50/50 for XP & Win7. This way you can keep XP if you want to and dual boot.
 
ponder said:
No you don't, there are other options.


@Vikki,

I'm pretty sure you are not using the entire 320GB drive for your OS?

You can repartition it so it's split 50/50 for XP & Win7. This way you can keep XP if you want to and dual boot.
Click to expand...

mmmmm ..... interesting option !!

Leads me to ask another question - if I have a partitioned drive and I format it, does it loose it's partitions ... i.e if it was a 320GB drive split into 2 160GB segements and I then formated it, would the drive revert to 1 320GB partition?
 
Also, how do I format the entire OS drive, if I no longer have the OS disk ?
 
Vikki Sixx said:
Leads me to ask another question - if I have a partitioned drive and I format it, does it loose it's partitions ... i.e if it was a 320GB drive split into 2 160GB segements and I then formated it, would the drive revert to 1 320GB partition?
Click to expand...

If you resize the existing partition to a 160GB one at the beginning of the drive (assuming you don't have more than 160GB of stuff on the 320GB partition) the data on the partition stays in tact. You will now have to create another 160GB partition after the one you just resized and format the new partition (not the resized one). You can now install Win7 to this new partition.

Don't confuse the physical drive with the partitions on it. You cannot format a drive, only a partition. A drive needs partitions even if it's a single 320GB partition before you can do any formatting.


Vikki Sixx said:
Also, how do I format the entire OS drive, if I no longer have the OS disk ?
Click to expand...

You don't need the original OS disks, the Win7 DVD will allow you to delete and create partitions. Alternatively you can use any Linux LiveCD with Gparted on it to resize, delete & creat partitions and format them. There is also a GParted stand alone livecd/usb available if you want http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php which is much smaller in size (133MB) than a normal linux disto livecd (700MB). Either way it's useful to have around, latest ISO image http://sourceforge.net/projects/gparted/files/gparted-live-stable/
 
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