Upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit....

[gbaughma]

I would like to migrate my desktop from 32 to 64 bit Windows 7. My processor is a 64-bit processor, but when I installed Win 7, since my Vista was 32 bit, I installed the 32-bit Win 7.

Is there an easy migration path? I know I can't do an upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit OS... but what's the best way? Back up files to a removable USB hard drive first, then re-install, then restore?

Is there a better way? Is the windows 32-bit backup even compatible with the 64-bit one?

TIA!


Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[eritguy]

You cannot upgrade any Windows OS from 32 to 64 bit.

 

[linney]

How to use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate files and settings from one Windows-based computer to another Windows Vista-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928634/en-us

Description of Windows Easy Transfer for Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928635/en-us

Transfer files and settings from another computer

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/transfer-files-and-settings-from-another-computer

This might be handy if you have a few dollars to spare.

"It may seem confusing, but here’s the solution: PCmover Upgrade Assistant. XP to Windows 7? No problem! Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional? Yep, we do that. How about Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit? Of course!"

PCMover

http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmoverupgradeassistant.html

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

just copy your Users folder.

Fresh install.

copy back users folders once you created the accounts

this will save you so much pain trying to upgrade.

then, just reinstall your apps.

this way might seem longer, but its not, and its cleaner.

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[DrB0b]

When in doubt, go with the Monkey's idea.
Reasons:
No Cost, easy drag and drop backup, only a hour and change and your back up and running.
Also, the file systems are the same being NTFS in 32 or 64 bit volumes so no issue with file reading between the two.

Im sure you already know this but just in case, the dif between 32 and 64 bit:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[cdogg]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe you can just copy the user's folder from 32-bit to 64-bit systems, the main reason being NTUSER.DAT which will likely be incompatible missing the appropriate WOW64 entries. Of course, you can still copy shortcuts and favorites, but that seems it would hardly save you any time.

Carl

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test
a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln
[tab][navy]For this site's posting policies, click [/navy]here.

 

[DrB0b]

Ive done similar in the past but not physically replacing the entire, C:/Users/"BOB", BOB folder/user. Go into that user and considering 95% of everyone's important files are located in Desktop or My Docs, just replace those. I agree with what cdogg said about not just replacing the entire user folder, just as in XP when you back up Docs and settings you dont just copy it in place of the old but only take what you need.

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

Yes indeed, i was lazy posting tbh... i only ever copy back the essentials, (favourates, docs, music, etc) just i back up the WHOLE users folder - just in case.

If you use firefox, export your bookmarks first ;-)

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[gbaughma]

I use Firefox Sync, so bookmarks aren't an issue.

Of course, the big dilemma is that I have so much software installed... besides office, I also have CorelDraw, Traktor, Phoenix Viewer, Nero, CakeWalk, a bunch of utilities... it'll take me all day to re-install everything.

I think I'll wait until a long weekend.



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[linney]

Did you look at PCmover that I linked to? Did it cover your situation?

 

[gbaughma]

Just did.

Laplink.... didn't realize they were still in business. I haven't seen/used that in FOREVER.. lol



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com