What all do I have to backup before install Win 7 upgrade?

I have XP so I will have to do a clean install of 7 but I really don't know what all has to be backed up since I haven't done this before. I have 40GB's used on my hard drive...but do I need all of that? Or just certain files?

I just got this laptop about a week ago (bought it used from a friend), so there isn't much on it that I have put on it myself...so do I have to just back that stuff up to my flash drive? Or the full 40GB's?

Thanks for the help..

 

In my opinion, I would first try run the windows 7 upgrade advisor and see the results.

After that, remember to back up the data files, if any - Windows 7 upgrade usually goes on well without any issues.. at least I didn't have any!

You could also make a complete back up just in case. Nothing wrong with that. Cheers

 

Back up only only whatever you need.Keep in mind that windows will create a file called windows.old and will contain all the files that you have in XP.An extra back up.After the install go Computer>windows.old take whatever files you need and delete the file windows.old because it takes too much space in your hard drive.

 

Oops, I think you missed something in the first message. The OP has XP, which means a clean install is the only option.

Had it been Vista, I would totally agree with you. Upgrade is the way to go then.

Gary

 

You need to backup all of you "documents", pictures, music libraries etc. Also I would inventory the apps you have installed and make not of any special configurations you have adjusted on them. You are, of course going to have to reinstall all the apps so the inventory and special settings/configs will come in handy.

Gary

 

Oops, I'm sorry.. Yes, you're right, Gary. My mistake..

Anyway, cheers.