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    W7 CD in the mail- How do I prepare

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by tears_for_fears, Dec 4, 2009.

  1. tears_for_fears

    tears_for_fears Notebook Consultant

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    So here's my situation. I got a comp with vista, got the free upgrade to windows 7. It's now in the process of being shipped (after months of waiting).

    When I install, will it erase any of my data? Will it erase the partition it's going on? Will it erase vista?

    I have two partitions
    C:Vista- Has some of my programs, and Vista I'm assuming. 150gb
    D :Data- Some other data and some programs. 137gb

    So what do I do when I get the CD? And what should I do to prepare? I want my system to be as optimized as possible, and I don't want to lose any of my data.
     
    tears_for_fears, Dec 4, 2009
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  2. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    You make sure to brush your teeth.
    Get a clean pair of socks and underwear.
    Also clean your room and vaccuum.


    Just kidding. This should be easy. You have two paths.

    Upgrade
    This will turn your Vista installation into a Windows 7 installation. Easiest path and my recommendation. Preserves the most data and saves the most time

    Custom Install
    If your Vista installation is FUBAR (IE crawling with malware), it may save you more time to do a Custom Install. You'll have to reinstall all your programs, drivers, settings.

    Your old data on C: drive will be moved to a folder called Windows.old.


    Either way, your D: drive data will be left untouched.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    surfasb, Dec 4, 2009
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  3. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Ya pretty much what surfasb said. MS has made it quite painless to upgrade. Just pop in the disc, and choose Upgrade if your current system is working fine and you want to keep your files and stuff. If you can't click that button, it means your upgrade path is invalid (Vista -> 7, but shouldn't happen because Dell would've taken care of it for you).

    Custom is basically clean install. Moves all current data to C:/Windows.old and installs 7 fresh. You can extract current files from C:/Windows.old, however programs will need to be reinstalled due to registry settings and stuff.
     
    fred2028, Dec 4, 2009
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  4. tears_for_fears

    tears_for_fears Notebook Consultant

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    Okay sounds good. I also just found a link on a similar post that explains everything, I just need to get one thing straight. I will have to reinstall all my programs? For example, I can't just drag and drop a game folder from Program Files onto my external, do a clean install, then drag and drop back and play?
     
    tears_for_fears, Dec 5, 2009
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  5. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    Unfortunately no. This ain't a Mac.

    You gotta reinstall that beast.

    edit:

    BTW, AWESOME BAND!
     
    surfasb, Dec 5, 2009
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