Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

XP upgrade to Win 7 Home 32 bit

Apr 29, 2014 2:45AM PDT

Hello,

My wife's computer runs XP and we want to upgrade to Win 7 Home-32 bit. Instructions from MS website says that all fills and setting should be saved to an external drive.

Question: Can I save these files and setting to my computer which is running Win 7 Home Prem-64 bit, then transfer back to her computer after installing Win 7 Home-32 bit?

In advance, thank you

Rick (ramccli)

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
First, you should be backing up today.
Apr 29, 2014 2:51AM PDT

And have been for years. You would be ready for the machine's HDD to go missing and would have your backups at the ready. I'm guessing you had no backup and are starting from scratch.

1. There is no upgrade path from XP to 7.
2. For most, if you are going to make this move, go to 64 bit unless there is some hardware issue.
3. 32 bit apps run on Windows 7 64 bit today. (a common misconception.)

In answer to your question, the Easy Transfer Wizard (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer for example) can transfer this to your existing Windows 7 Home 64 bit machine and then you can transfer it back.

But don't think for a moment it will save any apps. Many forget or didn't know.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
Heads-up
Apr 30, 2014 12:11PM PDT

Get the Win 7 upgrade adviser that offers when done what your XP PC may/not need in the h/w dept. to able to accept Win 7. if you need something, get it, it will make your whole experience worthwhile or explain to you that may not be capable. It's a good yardstick to you and free from MS. Google or search MS download website and get it.

On top of what Robert suggested, it has been always best to fully install a new OS to a clean HD. So, once you backup or save any important data, then proceed with the new install provided you followed the ADVISOR info, etc..

good luck -----Willy Happy