The ' Windows Easy Transfer' application is on the Windows 7 DVD in: Specifically, the section on Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 is what I needed. The instructions that show up at this point (shown at right) have a section on 'Upgrading from Windows XP.' In that section there's a link to which is the one-stop-shopping center for Upgrade Info. Unless you're lucky enough to just click 'next, next, next, finish,' you need to read. The problem here, and with most OS installs regardless of vendor is that, at some point, reading and comprehension is required.

I clicked 'What to know before installing Windows.' It's a great feature and it's not advertised enough. Personally, I wish that there was a 'migrate your settings from Windows XP' button or something on this page. The machine is 3-4 years old, so I didn't think a Windows 7 install would be unreasonable.įirst, I put my Windows 7 disc into the Windows XP machine and got this screen: My relative has a nice basic Dell desktop with a gig of RAM and a 100 gig HD. You found it on the intertubes for free, so what do you expect. If this walkthrough paralyzes your hamster or causes you any emotional distress, we never spoke and I don't know you.

This is a screenshot heavy post, so bear with me, this is a tale best told with pictures.ĭisclaimer: I do work for Microsoft, but I don't work with the Win7 team so this is just one dude's opinion. I was asked to 'upgrade' a relative's machine from Windows XP to Windows 7, so I figured this was a good time to write-up the experience in case it helps others. I think this is a hassle, but in the case of XP to 7, it's necessary. Most PC experts will recommend you start fresh and 'pave' your machine anyway. Some folks who apparently have a pile of operating systems discs have proposed that one could upgrade from XP to Vista, then from Vista to Windows 7, but I think that's insane. You can upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, but not from XP to 7. You've likely heard that you can't straight upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.

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