up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I understand I'll need to re-install all the applications, but will upgrading from Windows XP (32 bit) to Windows 7 (64 bit) automatically format my hard drive removing out all my stuff? Or I'll just need to install all the appls but my files (like pictures and documents) will remain on that hard drive? (Trying to figure out if I really need to get 500GB spare space anywhere to copy my data temporarily to.)

link|improve this question
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

If you do an install without formatting the drive, you will have a Windows.Old folder in the root of your system drive when the install is complete. This will have all of your old files in it. You can remove this folder with Disk Cleanup after you have retrieved your files from it.

You should really still do a backup first, just in case. External hard drives are dirt cheap.

Edit: It moves all of your files from the previous install to windows.old, so all of your files will be there and you can cut and paste what you need into your new home folder. The problem is that you need a minimum of 20GB to install Win 7 x64. If you only have 5GB of free space you should probably get more storage anyway.

As for the backup. If your files are that important that you are asking about this, you should probably have a backup anyway. Now is as good a time as any.

link|improve this answer
Mark, I'm not sure I got the answer straight. Will it or will it not remove all my files? Will it move all of them into Windows.old folder? All ~495GB on a 500GB drive? Do I need twice more free space before starting the procedure than I have already occupied? ~$100 for another hard drive is suddenly making idea of an upgrade twice more expensive, when I had no plans to buy extra space right now. I'd feel better understanding what exactly it will do, and why this back up is needed — is it a suggestion or a warning that I'll lose all my files in the process. – user38795 Jun 1 '10 at 1:31
Well, as everyone knows, you always need a backup. This would just be an especially good occasion for making one... – sleske Jun 1 '10 at 1:45
@photographer - see my edit. I hope this clears it up for you. – MDMarra Jun 1 '10 at 1:52
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

I would suggest you to proceed with clean install - but without formatting: boot up with something like Mini-Windows from HirenCD, create new folder, move all your files and folders to that new folder - this will take just a second, then install Windows 7. All your old data will be safe.

Minimal impact of upgrading 32 to 64 can think of will be mess with the programs: 64-bit Windows 7 uses "Program Files" for 64-bit applications and "Program Files x86" for 32-bit.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.