Recently I looked into upgrading from XP to 7 and stumbled across a webpage that showed how to do this using some sort of hidden Windows folder, thereby negating the need to reinstall your apps and programs once migration was complete. I'm trying to find this page again but can't seem to locate it (now kicking myself for not bookmarking it at the time) - can anyone help? Cheers, Squiddy
I think you are refering to the windows easy transfer. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer just select your correct OS and follow the in-program instructions, hope this helps.
Also takes half a day, but It does work --- I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=52.995897,-0.412117
It is a fresh install of the new OS, but it means you don't have to re-download all your programs you currently have installed. That said, I'd just make a list of all the programs, note any registry keys required ( for purchased licenses ), then redownload them anyway- will probably be quicker regardless and wont carry over any unnecessary rubbish.
It's not actually the Windows Easy Transfer or any other Windows tool I was on about - more a bit of jiggery-pokery using the Windows.old folder (I think). I'll keep looking, as I seem to remember it negating the need to look in the registry etc.. Incidentally, how would you retrieve keys for licenses from there?
Yeah, it's not a straight upgrade as such. It's a fresh install of 7, as you suggest, but then there's apparently a way of moving all programs and applications without having to reinstall. I'll keep digging and see if I can find the link...
windows.old is created when you do an upgrade install, it keeps all your old stuff on the HDD incase you forgot to back something up etc but all the programs etc still need to be installed again to put them into the new OS
Even if you can force windows 7 to use your program files folder from xp, its likely to be really buggy, as many applications will reference dll files, etc found in xp. You are going to make it alot more complicated, when the idea is to try and save time. Do as SuicideNeil says, get your licence keys and reinstall, it will end up quicker in the long run honestly!
Meh, window.old was something I looked at after upgrading from XP to 7; retrieved any files & pictures I wanted that weren't already on my external backup, then deleted it whole-sale, re-downloaded all my programs that I made a list of in notepad. As for license keys- note them down before you do the upgrade, otherwise you can retrieve them via email usually from the site/company you bought the program from originally ( since they usually make you create an account or send your email in order to send you the license key ).
The free version does only work with Windows keys and office keys, if you're after different ones then you'll need something different. Either the paid for version or something else. I've never found a program that's free that reads loads of keys from the registry. hence I have the 'paid for' version just in case. It might be possible to do it manually, but I've never tried.
