Upgrade Windows Xp to Windows 7

[askpc]

Moving from Windows XP to Windows 7 is not easy. It involves a long and careful procedure. It can be done in either of the 2 ways:

1. Clean install: Here you clean the hard drive and install fresh and original copy of Windows 7. Later, reinstall the software and data is copied back to the drive.

2. Custom install: Here, all the data(C:drive data) is saved in a new folder named 'Windows Old'. Windows 7 is then installed and you can save the data back in the drive where you want. However, you can't run the software from the Windows Old folder.

[alphaomega]

If I were you, I would copy the whole drive on separate hard disk for security reason (in case you forget to back up something) and format the drive and install from scratch. DO not import all the old registry errors and junk that has accumulated over the years. Run setup on all your programs clean. You will love the speed you will get. Once you have installed all your programs, antivirus and whatever security you use and you happy with the running of your system, make full backup. You will find it handy if your system falls over for some reason. Windows 7 recovery works well and fast. In less then 10 minutes you have your computer restored to the original condition you had it when you first installed it.
Upgrade is quite risky business. You can loose data.

[aditd]

I will also use a clean install. In time you get all kind of "tested" programs and files that you no longer needed ... but are there making search / work process harder.
With a clean install you will only add programs that you really need.

[SamyHyppia]

But why don't just save the files you have on a stick and simply reinstall the OS ?!

[alphaomega]

But why don't just save the files you have on a stick and simply reinstall the OS ?!
Just maybe people like to try something different.

[inspirohost]

I prefer clean install. It's like buying a new computer. With custom install, previous intallation is saved in a folder called "windows old". After installation, you can delete that folder to recover disc space.