Microsoft QLF-00195 manual Migrating from Windows XP, Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Getting Started with Windows 7

Migrating from Windows XP

Windows 7 is best experienced on a new PC with the latest hardware, but if your computer meets the minimum specifications, you can install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP. Windows 7 must be “custom” installed (also known as a “clean” installation) over Windows XP. Before beginning the installation, you’ll need to copy your files and settings to an external drive. After Windows 7 has been installed you will need to re-install all of your programs using the original installation media and then copy over the files and settings you backed up to your external drive. Because Windows 7 requires a custom installation, we strongly recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you’re not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there’s an easy way to check. Just use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. You’ll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs or hardware, like printers or scanners. If there’s a fix, you’ll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it will let you know if you need an updated driver for your printer and show you where to get it.

Note: To learn more about the Windows Upgrade Advisor, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor

Windows Upgrade Advisor report

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