Hey Ed, there is no direct update from XP to Win 7 (different architecture), it has to be a clean install.  However, you can select a different installation path via 'Advanced Settings' to clean install Win 7 on different drive/partition to XP, thus leaving it intact and operable should you ever need it.   Also, an OEM version, which you don't need a previous version to qualify, may actually cost you less than an uprade version.

Thing is with that, though, an OEM is either or 32 bit, 64 bit... not both.  Meaning, if you plan to build a new machine later, you might want to wait to purchase an OEM copy of Win 7 until then, if you'd rather run 64 bit, that is.

Now what?  Now bask in the glory that is Windows 7!  Can you clean install with the upgrade package?

I've backed up all the important stuff.

I don't know if I can do a clean install. I assume you are tralking about partitioning my HD and running both? I don't know if I can or want to.

I can return my PC to factory condition, do the updates, and then do the W7 upgrade. I suppose that would be as close as I could get to a 'clean' install. (?) I'm not sure.

I have windowblinds I started in Vista. WHat happens to them? Shit. This is a pain in the ass.

Wouldn't that be a pain in the OS?

If you have the HDD space,dual booting would make sense to me. You paid for two Windows versions,why not be able to use both?

Hi Ed,

If you buy the retail version of Win 7, it comes with both 32 and 64 bit versions.  The OEM might save you up front but the retail version may save you in the long term. 

ok, i'm a fool. i've yet to back up anyone's data when doing a straight upgrade and not once has any data been lost. if you want to add an extra step of security, back up. sorry for my failed advice.

Hi Po,

You can create a partition if you want but you don't have to.  Just do an advanced installation of Win 7 and it will create a Windows.old directory.  I didn't lose any data as I run automatic backups here.  I did have to reinstall most of my software but it wasn't hard at all.  One of the things I had trouble with was Window Blinds.  I uninstalled it but forgot to move the directory under my user profile and Win 7 is not shy about telling you that a piece of software is not compatible.  I'd rather have that than have the OS allow me to install something that will trash the system later.  Run the compatibility wizard that comes with Win 7 and you should be fine.  You will love Windows 7.  It is rock solid and I am not always under the hood tweaking like I was with Vista.  Oh, if you miss the Quick Launch on your taskbar, check out How To Geek for an easy work around. 

What I have is an upgrade specific to my PC. When the last one borked, I picked up a new one and it came with the free upgrade. It says it contains 32 bit software only.

I have 286GB free on my HD.

Enough all ready, do the upgrade and let us know how it went. 

Hey Po,

What I did is, well first this puter was Vista Home Premium, 32 Bit, and I choose to just update to Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bit, that way no data or programs were lost. In fact, the install if done as an upgrade found and fixed some issue's which I didn't realize were even in there, on my machine. So everything went fine, it just took time for the new OS to read all the files, and a couple of reboots later the Os is operateing great, with no loss of programs or data. It's a Toshiba Laptop, 2 years old. Pop that disc, friend, enjoy!~

Just back everything up - wb's and all for stardock programs completely. Your more than likely to have problems with upgrading and trying to hang on to any program that is installed already. Even though it may work does not mean it will work correctly. Thus after you do the upgrade; whatever is not working correctly will have to be uninstalled and reinstalled. That is if you can unistall it?

Always best to just copy everything such as files, wb's, and the sort to an external source and uninstall whatever you think will have problems. Then do the upgrade...

There is no clean install with any upgrade.

Shelby- got your email.

Quaestions..

• I have two HD's on my PC. Can I put 7 on one and keep Vista on the other?
• Can I access any or all my programs that are on Vista with 7 on the other disc?
• Same question as above but concerning  my files.

Sorry I took so long responding. 12 days of these f*cking kidney stones and percoset have me going crazy.

What I suggest for you to do first is to DEFRAG. I started with a brand new computer with Vista that I hadn't touched yet. I got rid of all the bloatware that came with the computer, upgraded everything and then started to install the upgrade. After trying to install it twice (was taking hours and hours), I read somwhere to defrag before you upgrade. I defragged and then the install took less than 45 minutes.

I will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks.

   Yes, that's what I did with the beta and RC of Win 7.  Just choose the Advanced install option and choose the drive to install to  but back up your data, including Email and internet favorites/bookmarks and any other data that may be saved with the install folders or in you profile.  Make sure you have all your serial install disks and serial numbers for programs

    If you mean run them, no.  You can still access the folders where they were installed and any data there but you will have to re-install any programs you want to use in 7 under 7 so be sure you have all your install disks and serial numbers for programs.

As long as you don't reformat anything your data should be accessable.  I keep my data on a seperate HD than the OS/programs just in case I need to re-install the OS. Back up everything anyway.  Better safe than sorry and you should always back up your data anyway.

Why would anyone want to keep Vista around?

For skinning,

I'm sure they're thinking the same about you

Well I meant why would anyone keep Vista around when 7 is so much better. 7 can be skinned.

Not cool Fuzzy.