Windows 7 Newbie Question about install and what might be lost

[SilverLily]

Hi,
I am preparing to upgrade from XP Pro to W7, and understand I will have to do a clean install and re-install a ton of other software. I have gathered as many discs and product keys and download links as I can find.
My question, likely stupid - forgive me, does this also apply to the casual games for my nieces and nephews that I installed from CDs? I mailed a few of them to someone else, should I ask for them to be mailed back...?

 

[cybercore]

You will have to reinstall your software, but you needn't reinstall the games if they are on a partition different from the one where you're going to install Windows 7. Backup their profiles (typically found in My Documents). Just run the games and most of them should work. : )

 

[SilverLily]

Thank you for your reply; it was both prompt and helpful. Refreshing. I am now reading up on how to partition a hard drive, but if I understand it correctly it means I'll maintain my old XP Pro OS after I "clean install" W7? (Did I mention I'm a newbie?) I am actually getting a huge software pack dirt cheap from my employer (a university) under their faculty/staff share agreement:
Office 2010 Professional for Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher and InfoPath)
Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit)
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Master Collection
So I am also upgrading my RAM, should I put new memory sticks in before I do W7 or after?
Again, thanks for the advice, it helps.

 

[Trouble]

Please take the time to download and run the Link Removed it may provide some additional insight as to what you may need to consider for the upgrade.

 

[SilverLily]

Thanks I have done the advisor, and it said my 1GB was sufficient, but I am going to 4GB for improved speed.
thanks again