Vista to Windows 7. Planning to do a 'clean' install'. What do I backup?

Question

So, I have Windows Vista Home edition, (or whatever), and have bought the matching Windows 7 software thing.

After browsing the internet, it sounds like a clean install would be better, however, it would take more time, work, etc.
So, I really have two questions.

1st: What makes doing a clean install harder than doing an upgrade.

2nd: Are there any major items that I should backup so that I can reinstall/add them?
I understand that the 'clean install' will wipe everything. So, pictures, music etc.
But is there anything major that I should definitely backup?

Answer 1

A clean install is not "harder" per se. I think perhaps it may give you that impression because with a clean install you have to do more work in that: 1) you will have to reinstall all of the software that's on your PC (such as microsoft office) and all of your devices (such as scanners, printers) 2) you will need to make copies of your files before beginning this process (files such as pictures, music, excel, etc)



But doing a clean install is the smart approach because you have fewer issues.



You already mentioned the main items you need to backup first (pictures, music). What to back up? Well, it's any files you have put on your PC that you can't afford to lose. Nobody can answer that question but you. But this would be things like pictures, music, excel, powerpoint, word, etc etc. Software, no, you don't back up....software you reload (example: microsoft office)

Answer 2

Actually the upgrade installs can take more time -- you just don't have to be at the machine for it.



Via a clean install, you simply have to re-establish your settings again and re-install your programs. This can be a major task for some people, but not others.



I'd make sure you backup all your files like pictures, music, etc. Also keep in mind you'll be re-installing programs. You can re-download most setup files if you need to, but for things that need discs, you might want to make sure you still have them around in advance. Similarly, ensure you have any product keys you're going to need for re-installation. If you can't find them for some things, you can still get them out of your current system. Something like Office is commonly a program where people need to ensure they still have their disc and key, for example.



You mainly just need to know your computer and think through what you'll need to reinstall or set up again. If possible, get your settings, etc. written down in advance so they're easy to set up again later.

Answer 3

If u used upgrade u shouldnot have problem windows will install 7 then migrate your programs and data from vista but you must have at least 9GB free in vista partition in order to make the installation,

If u will do clean install you might want to backup your data like pictures,passwords,documents,You may backup all userdata folder but you will have to install every single program again.

It is just about your time