Backing up Files Questions

[surveyor1951]

I have an older Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop with Vista 32 bit os. I want to install Windows 7 on this computer. I want to back up all my files on this computer including Microsoft office 2010 Pro, Snagit & other software. I do not want the Vista os on the backup. My question is is there a good program that is free that I can back up all my files & folders. I do not where Microft Office 2010 & software folders are that I will need. Just need to know how to do the backup so all my software is saved except for Vista. Any help on this would be much apprieciated. Thanks for any help.

[Rustys]

Welcome Surveyor1951 to the forum.

Are there drivers for the hardware in the system for windows 7? Remember that system was made and designed to work with Vista there will be no guarantee that Windows 7 will run properly.

I do not where Microft Office 2010 & software folders are that I will need.

The documets are in any folders that you manualy put them in.
If you left them as default then look in the MY Documents or is it Documents folder.

As far as backing up MS Office can not be done you will need the Disk to reinstall. Office is scattered through out the system in several directories and registry sections. You miss one file one little thing and it will not work.

Also Windows 7 has a different places to store files and folders than Vista did. There is no way to know which directory they will need to be placed. This is why you will need the disk to reinstall.

[Bill1]

In addition to Rusty’s good advice, I think you would be safer to start from scratch with new O/S and reinstall the applications you need. Data files and documents should be able to be copied and pasted. If you don’t want to buy new software, like Word, there are free alternatives that work just as well.

[DOUGIE]

The only thing extra that may be helpful.
If you still have all your original downloads in your Downloads folder, you could copy that folder. It would save time having to freshly download all the programs you wish to keep.
You will need to install them fresh.

[surveyor1951]

I will just download all my documents folders, pictures etc, Will have to download all software after. Thanks for your advice, much apprieciated. Thanks

[phillpower2]

If I may chime in folks

Some additional info for you surveyor1951;

If you are still yet to make a start on this download and run the Windows 7 upgrade adviser from here this will help with any possible incompatibility issues.

The maximum RAM that your computer will recognise is 4GB so all being well with the upgrade adviser report you could stick with 32-bit Windows 7 and just upgrade Vista to Windows 7 keeping your old files, settings, and programs and avoid doing a clean install.

If you already have Windows 7 and it is 64-bit then a clean install will most likely be required in any event as a lot of older 32-bit programs will not run on a 64-bit machine.

[Rustys]

@phillpower2 feel free to jump in any time.

[phillpower2]

Thanks Rustys

[Rustys]

@surveyor1951 do you have an update for us?

[surveyor1951]

Thanks for all your advise, I was able to do a clean install & load all the files up. It runs great after I took in all you advice. the only problem I have is I loaded Windows 7 from a company on the internet which they sent me 2 product keys for Windows 7. I would mention their name but I don’t know if I can do it in this forum, but I would warn people about the the cheaper prices on the internet. I would like to thank everyone for their advice. Much apprieciated

[jmarket]

marked solved, If surveyor1951 requires more assistance with this thread please PM me or another staff member to re-open it. Any one else please start a new thread.