Upgrade Windows XP Professional (32-bit) to Windows 7 Professional (32-bit): Do I have to re-install all my applications?

If I'm upgrading, do I have to re-install all of my applications? I hope not. I don't see how re-installing the apps would help (except if the OS upgrade wipes/resets the registry)--the app files on disk would all be the same after as before.

I assume the Windows 7 upgrade just updates the WINDOWS directory?

Googling didn't answer this for me.

Pete Alvin

Posted 2010-07-22T21:18:00.943

Reputation: 359

Answers

Upgrading from WinXP to Win7 is not supported

Zypher

Posted 2010-07-22T21:18:00.943

Reputation: 2 077

However, XP to Vista, then Vista to 7 is supported, but pricey and probably very glitchy. Your best bet is to backup your hard disk(s), do a clean install of Windows 7 (you will need a full version, not the upgrade version), then reinstall you programs and restore your backed up files. – TuxRug – 2010-07-23T03:52:55.730

2Actually, if moving from XP to 7, you can use the upgrade version, you don't require the full version. You just can't do an in-place upgrade with it, still have to do a clean install. – Grant Palin – 2010-07-23T20:49:00.767

Going from XP to 7 requires a full install, officially an in-place upgrade is not supported. You will need to back up your files and settings, and ensure you have the installation files and media.

Grant Palin

Posted 2010-07-22T21:18:00.943

Reputation: 1 102