Hello, im a windows xp user and its about time I upgraded.. Either vista or windows 7 I really don't care.. Is there a way to do this free?
Hello and welcome to the forum.
There is no actual upgrade path from any Microsoft 32 bit operating system to any Microsoft 64 bit operating system, not even like version.
So you will need to back up critical data and perform a clean custom install if you intended to move to 64 bit. You'll then need to re-install all programs and restore your data from backups.
Regards
Randy
YOU MUST DO A CLEAN INSTALL. There is no upgrade path. There are user migration tools you can use, but you will need to backup your files and do a clean install. I have seen several threads about this and just want to clarify. The upgrade from Windows Vista is a valid upgrade path, but Windows XP to Windows 7 is not.
Mark,What worked for me:
Upgraded from XP 32bit to Windows7 64bit
Buy a copy of Laplink PC Mover Upgrade Assistant for Windows 8 (will work on 7) and burn to disk.
Boot to the windows 7 disk and select "Custom Install". This will save the XP install to a "Windows.old" folder.(Fully accessible from Windows 7)
After the installation is complete, and all updates have been installed, install and run PCMover. In the "Configure Transfer" window, select "Standard(Recommended)" option. This will move all programs and settings to the Windows 7 install, saving having to manually reinstall and activate. Any programs that do not migrate can be moved using the "Advanced" option in Configure Transfer" window.
The only issue I had, was with Office 2003, I wound up doing a manual uninstall, and reinstalled Word, Excel, and Outlook individually, with no problems. Since support for Office 2003 has ended, I'm looking at other options for an office suite.
You will have to take ownership of files/folders if these are shared on a home network, so client computers can access.
Good luck.
Yes, I did run the upgrade advisor. Surprisingly, Windows had all required drivers, but I did install ATI Catalyst.
I did forget the most important step: BACKUP first
The only drawback I've heard regarding using PCMover is that it takes many hours to do the transfer. Reviews I have read say it would be faster to re-install. How long did it take for your stuff to transfer?The reason I suggest using PC Mover is, not only will it move the program, is also installs it. Saves quite some time, and programs with activation keys also install with no reactivation.
Mark,The reason I suggest using PC Mover is, not only will it move the program, is also installs it. Saves quite some time, and programs with activation keys also install with no reactivation.
Guess I'll find out today how long it will take.The only drawback I've heard regarding using PCMover is that it takes many hours to do the transfer. Reviews I have read say it would be faster to re-install. How long did it take for your stuff to transfer?
I think you may have gone a different route already (PCMover) but wanted to answer your questions. Win 7 Pro, Ultimate and Enterprise give you the ability to download a feature called XP Mode which is a virtual machine that runs a fully licensed copy of XP.From what I have read, you can install a copy of Win XP into Win7 and run it inside of Win7. Is it possible to copy an older Win XP installation (and all it's associated loaded software) into that Win XP install?
I had tried to upgrade XP Pro SP3 with a Vista 32 Ultimate Retail and would have then upgraded to the Win7 32 Ultimate Retail, but the Vista upgrade failed at the 32% Gathering Info.
The only reason I want to keep my XP Pro is to run Outlook Express where I have almost a hundred rules setup for all the Yahoogroups I belong. The 20 or so Groups that come to my inbox use the rukes to sort them into separate folder for each group to keep my Inbox clear.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I should mention there are 4 disk drives in my system with C on one, D E F on another, G on a third, and H J K on the fourth.