10 preparation before upgrading XP to Windows 7

If you are using XP and want to "revive" the operating system to the new generation, the following 10 tips may be helpful to you .

1: Check the hardware platform

Windows 7 is still hailed as being able to support moderately configured PCs, even netbooks. If the computer is using XP and is still new, it will probably qualify for a hardware platform to install Windows 7. However, to be sure that your PC is compatible and ensures performance at The best level of the new operating system or not, use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will check the system, programs, drivers in detail. Once finished, the Upgrade Advisor will display the report and let you know if the current system meets the basic hardware requirements when installing Windows 7, problems with programs and drivers are problematic. or not. If a problem arises, the Upgrade Advisor will give you advice for better evaluation and analysis to prepare for the upgrade once Windows 7 is officially released next month. Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor here.

If you want to upgrade a lot of PCs from XP to Windows 7, the free Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit is a must-have utility that can be operated on the network without installing the software at Guest systems, help you test those systems with a detailed report on the ability to deploy new operating systems. Download here.

2: Know the installation plan

If you are installing Windows XP on your computer and want to use Windows 7, you need to purchase a licensing package to upgrade to the latest Windows generation. However, in this case, you will have to use the Custom Install package. This setting will give users two options: completely replace the old operating system, or install a new Windows on a separate drive or partition. You can also install Custom Install mode if the operating system is not available or you want to use multiple operating systems (multiboot) at the same time.

Although following this installation mode will completely remove XP, but the installation process does not completely remove it. In fact, the installation process will create a folder on the drive named Windows.old and move the Windows, Documents And Settings and Program Files folders of XP on it. Your data is safe and can continue to use, but the apps are the opposite. (Even if Custom Install mode stores data on the old Windows folder, you should still back them up first.)

Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to completely replace XP or install a parallel boot mode that has a solution to backup and convert data, install applications and reconfigure the operating system settings how to match

3: Configure when choosing multiboot solution

Under the Custom Install mode, you can easily implement the option of installing two operating systems in parallel. When there are both XP and Windows 7 on the system, switching settings and data will be much more convenient. In addition, you can also go to Windows XP to review the installed applications, then start Windows 7 to create the same configuration. Once Windows 7 is functioning smoothly, you can remove XP and choose Windows 7 as the preferred OS.

To do this, you must install XP and Windows 7 on the same drive but in different partitions (If you install Windows 7 on the second hard disk, the boot partition will exist on the first drive, therefore you will not be able to remove this drive once you are ready to quit XP). As a result, you will need to repartition the hard drive to create space for Windows 7. To do this without losing data, you can use some specialized tools like Norton PartitionMagic 8.0 ($ 70). or Easeus Partition Manager Home Edition 4.0.1 (free). For users who are used to HirenBoot, there is no shortage of tools to perform hard disk partitioning.

4: Plan backup and restore data

Before switching from one operating system to another, you will want to back up all data, at least one or two times.

If you use a third-party backup program, you need to check the manufacturer's website to see if this program works on Windows 7. If you are not using a third-party vendor's program, use the Windows XP Backup Utility itself. Note that the file format of this tool is not compatible with Vista's Backup And Restore Center tool. To solve this problem, Microsoft provided a special version of XP Backup Utility called Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility, which helped convert from XP to Vista. There is still no official confirmation from the manufacturer, but perhaps this utility will also work smoothly on Windows 7.

If neither of these options makes you feel secure, use the best CDs / DVDs or external hard drives to save your data.

5: Plan data conversion

When upgrading from XP to Windows 7, you also want to use some conversion program, support scanning old PC system, data and settings and then switch to Windows 7. Luckily is a Windows 7 Easy Transfer utility that can help you do this easily. However, before performing the operation, you should have the plan to backup the data as noted above.

Before installing Windows 7, you need to run Windows 7 Easy Transfer from the DVD and back up all files and settings. Then, once you have installed Windows 7, transfer all the files and settings to the new operating system. You can read more about Windows 7 Easy Transfer here.

6: Prepare old applications on XP

Since you cannot 'move' to Windows 7 with older applications, so when you have finished installing the OS, you need to continue installing applications that meet the compatibility of the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor program. . You should recheck the applications on XP, save on the CD drive, USB versions installed. Note that upgrading some PCs is not too complicated, but if you do this on hundreds of machines, preparing the necessary applications is a worthwhile consideration.

You can use the Belarc Advisor utility to capture the details of the operating system you are using. Details use Belarc Advisor here.

7: Get familiar with the new interface

The interface of Windows 7 is quite different from XP, with a lot of new features. Chances are you'll be overwhelmed when you use it, watching the screen windows glitter like mirrors.

You should be familiar with the interface of the operating system that will upgrade. Microsoft's Windows 7 specialized website is the most reliable address to preview this operating system. In addition, technology forums always contain new articles and topics about Windows 7 that you can refer to. One of the most useful experiences that the tech community often hands out is that you should install Windows 7 RTM version, or even RC on PC (you can choose virtual machine plan) to manipulate and familiarize.

8: Test the ability to support XP Mode

If you find that the XP application doesn't work with the new Windows generation, you can use Windows XP Mode. This virtual environment is integrated and provided completely free, fully licensed XP SP3 version.

Some notes when using Windows XP Mode:

- Windows XP Mode is only available on Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate versions.

- Your device must support virtualization technology.

9: Find more information online when you have problems

Converting from XP to Windows 7 is not simple, especially for those who are new. You can use the search tool to get more information once something goes wrong. Joining technology forums with Windows 7 categories is not a bad idea. Even if you are loyal to XP and are happy with this operating system, you will definitely have to consider upgrading to Windows 7 soon.

10: Collection of in-depth articles about Windows 7

Some sites about Windows often have regular newsletters introducing features and tips for support. Windows 7 is being interested in by many technology newspapers. You should regularly read, reference and save as material, preparing for the 'moving house' work.