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General discussion

Window 7 Upgrade

Dec 21, 2009 6:00AM PST

I just got my upgrade disc for Win 7, they recommend doing a back up before I install. Should I do the back up and do I need to back up my whole system or just the important b. What are the chances that my files will get wiped out

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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backing up
Dec 21, 2009 6:25AM PST

"You only lose what you don't back up."

If you can't risk losing something, make sure it is backed up. If it is really really important, make two backups.

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As to what to backup...
Dec 22, 2009 1:04AM PST

If you have your XP/Vista DVD, you can limit your backup to your important files. However, if you lack that DVD then you'll want to backup the entire system; if the upgrade fails, you'll need that old DVD to then perform the Windows 7 upgrade again.

John


P.S. Such failures are rare, but I live by the advice Jeff gave: "You only lose what you don't back up." Don't wait until you lose everything to start taking proactive precautions.

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Backup is easy with W7
Dec 22, 2009 5:04AM PST

if you have a second drive/partition or usb drive.
Use the Windows 7 Easy Transfer Wizard to save your files and settings.

To use the W7 Easy Transfer Wizard:
Browse to the DVD drive on your computer and click migsetup.exe in the Support\Migwiz directory.

Once you have finished just restore by running the Easy Transfer Wizard from your backup location.

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Backup options
Dec 22, 2009 5:18AM PST