Update Vista to Win7 with new MB

[weeber]

Guys,
I'm giving my parents a new computer based on my old computer parts. They're currently running on Vista (retail), and I also want to update them to Win7.

I want to do an in-place upgrade from Vista to 7 so my folks don't loose the installed programs and setting they're already familiar with. Here's what I want to do:

1. Clone will their current Vista system on a second hard drive.
2. Put the clone drive in the new system, but never boot from it.
3. Boot the new computer from Win7 upgrade CD. My hope is this will load the base drivers required for the motherboard and clear out old drivers.
4. Hopefully boot into a Win7 environment that keeps my parents settings on the new computer.

Will the above work?

 

[vailr]

Should work, as long as the "bitness" (32-bit vs. 64-bit) remains the same.
However, the better solution would be: a clean install with a Windows 7-SP1 install DVD. Then use the Windows file and settings transfer wizard with the old HD plugged in as a secondary drive.

 

[corkyg]

Yes, it will work. I have done it on three systems. Clean install is really a last resort thing IMHO. I tried it and went back to the direct upgrade and then just cleaned things up.

I am a volunteer instructor for seniors transitioning from XP or Vista to Win7. It can be traumatic with a clean install. It is useful to leave some familiar links and deal with incremental changes rather that the traumatic shock of a clean install. That is great for young geeks, but not for seniors.

If the direct upgrade does not work as intended, then do a clean install to include all the legacy software, links and shortcuts.