Need Technical Input Migrating from XP to 7

Hello,

I purchased a new laptop with Windows 7 (64 bits). My old laptop is running Windows XP home edition. I need technical input with the following subjects:

1. to understand how to properly convert the contents on My Documents folder from Windows XP to Windows 7. I transferred My Documents (renamed to "Dell Docs") from my old computer (Windows XP) to the new one (Windows 7). Can I use all the files and folders in Dell Docs on Windows 7 or need to run them through a conversion process first? Which conversion program? At what point can I move them into my Window 7's My Documents folder?

2. My new HP computer came with a recovery partition on the hard drive. What's the purpose of this partition and when/how do I use it?

3. HP sent me a "System Recovery DVD Windows 7" discs and also a "Application and Driver Recovery CD" with my laptop. Should I create another system repair/recovery backup on my USB external hard drive as well? I read there are advantages and disadvantages for each type of external media.

4. How do I check my bio settings (Windows 7) to find the order of devices it looks for system files during bootup? What do you recommend I set it for?

5. Which Spyware / Malware programs do you recommend I use?

Thank you,
A.

 

You're asking questions...

1) Converting - why would you need any conversion?????

2) Called "recovery partition" what could be its use - could you imagine its used for recovering your laptop??

3) I wouldn't recommend creating a backup on a USB HDD, but you can, you can also create one on a USB flash drive, or create another pair of recovery discs.
Alternatively you could settle with the discs from HP - this is your choice.

4) Just leave them alone - why bother? - It works
If you must - one of the F keys... F2, F4, F10 is what you can try... I have no idea which one exactly it is for HP - they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

5) MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) http://www.microsoft.com/Security_essentials/ will do the trick
It replaces a full suite.
If you want to, you could also install Malwarebytes as an on demand scanner.

 

The only conversion I can think of is an older version of MS Office documents to 2007 - the older ones will open fine. You can set-up 2007 to save as either 2007 file extensions (.docx etc - the default)) or you can change the settings so saves to version 2003 etc. Other than that, just like DetlevCM posted (and the rest of his answers) you'll be fine.

 

1. Read these two sources and you'll understand my confusion:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674(WS.10).aspx

Is none of these relevant to the contents of My Documents (XP to 7)?

2. OK, it's a recovery partition, but how do I use it when needed? Does Windows 7 use it automatically to recover my system when needed?

I appreciate all the other answers. They were very helpful.

Thanks,
A.

 

If your new computer contains programs that can open the files you created as your old computer, you'll be able to open them. EX: Your old computer has Microsoft Office. If you have a bunch of files you've used in Word and now want to open them on your new computer, you need to see if Office/Works/OpenOffice.org is installed.

If your system can't open your documents for some reason...try downloading the free OpenOffice.org suite by heading over to www.openoffice.org

Because your computer is a HP, you need to burn recovery media to DVD's to ensure you have them in a emergency. You can do this from the HP Recovery Disc Creator application. The recovery partition on the hard disk allows you to restore your computer w/out these discs, but if the hard disk gets damaged or you accidentally delete the recovery partition, it won't be there for you. Make sure you burn Recovery Discs right away.

Use this to learn how to burn the disc: http://h30461.www3.hp.com/?fr_story=a71a35c729882fa5f1d1da5d8b4602da7df3589c&rf=bm

And use this to learn how to use the recovery partition to restore the computer: http://h30461.www3.hp.com/?fr_story=5ea754e7cabfd7802feeff58ca822e25fbc968d3&rf=bm

Although the videos refer to windows vista, the same should apply to 7.

You'll use F11 to launch the recovery wizard if your computer cannot boot into windows.

 

1) Just scanning - where does it say conversion anywhere? I couldn't find it.
It refers to the easy transfer stuff and whatnot... I generally dump everything on an external drive then copy it back...
The key thing is though:
Files are and will be files no matter on which computer they are
That's also why you can use say an mp3 on a Windows Based PC, or a Linux based Computer

2) Ah, now that's a better question You hit - again - one of the F keys at startup - your manual will tell you which one - I think for some Vaios its F10... but off the top of my head I'm not sure.

 

The Windows 7 file system uses "Libraries" instead of My Documents. The advantage is that you can have a library that includes folders in multiple partitions show up in the same library.

Just copy your files, and then open "My Computer." On the left side, you will see "Libraries" with docs, music, photos, and videos. In each category, just use "Add New" and point that to where you moved the content from your old computer.

 

Thank you all for your great input. I appreciate it.
A.

 

For Data redirection:
C:\Documents & Settings\User\My Documents >>
C:\Users\User\My Documents
C:\Documents & Settings\User\My Documents\My Music >>
C:\Users\User\My Music

The same format for many other folders.
Unless you use IE if you use firefox you need to export and bookmark your fav and import the data in.
If you use IE the links are in the favourites folder