Windows XP to 7 Upgrade - This should work, Right?

[allanc]

We are thinking of advertising this type of promotion for clients interested in upgrading from XP to Windows 7:
- Backup XP
- Format the hard drive
- Install Windows 7 (Upgrade)
- Install security updates
- Create a 'D' partition with a directory 'oldcomputer'
- restore the backup mentioned above to the 'oldcomputer' directory

Some questions (and comments):
- The purpose of the backup/restore of the complete XP drive is in case the client saved some documents in a directory other than 'my documents'
- Is this configuration within the legal requirements of the EULA since XP is not really bootable any longer and the intent is solely to provide a convenient backup?
- Can there be a problem with permissions on the 'D:\oldcomputer' directory? If so, what needs to be done to rectify the issues?
- Assuming that only 20 Gb of a 150 Gb drive was used on the XP drive, which free backup will only require a 20 Gb 'D' partition (as opposed to 150 gb)?

All comments and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[NYJimbo]

- Create a 'D' partition with a directory 'oldcomputer'
- restore the backup mentioned above to the 'oldcomputer' directory

Some questions (and comments):
- Is this configuration within the legal requirements of the EULA since XP is not really bootable any longer and the intent is solely to provide a convenient backup?

Change this:

oldcomputer​

to this:

oldcomputer-backup​

and I dont think anyone can say you broke the law.

 

[allanc]

Change this:

oldcomputer​

to this:

oldcomputer-backup​

and I dont think anyone can say you broke the law.

Good idea. Thanks for that.
Any comments about the other questions (please ?

 

[rusty.nells]

There is no way to do an in-place upgrade from XP to Win 7 and, according to this article, you can legally do a clean-install upgrade. I think you're safe.

 

[allanc]

There is no way to do an in-place upgrade from XP to Win 7 and, according to this article, you can legally do a clean-install upgrade. I think you're safe.

I wanted the thumbs up from other members here
I *am* concerned though as to which software to use for the backup/restore.
The last time that I tried to use DriveImage XML with a hard drive that had about 30 Gb of used space, it needed about 80 Gb. It was configured to not use compression and the 'raw' backup was disabled.

 

[Tweak]

I wanted the thumbs up from other members here
I *am* concerned though as to which software to use for the backup/restore.
The last time that I tried to use DriveImage XML with a hard drive that had about 30 Gb of used space, it needed about 80 Gb. It was configured to not use compression and the 'raw' backup was disabled.

Honestly you'd probably be better off creating a partition copy rather than an entire disk image, also save some space and remove the old Windows & Program Files directories and make sure than you check that within Docs and Settings you reassign any permissions (as required) so that everything is easily accessible to the new OS and it's user(s).

 

[allanc]

Honestly you'd probably be better off creating a partition copy rather than an entire disk image, also save some space and remove the old Windows & Program Files directories and make sure than you check that within Docs and Settings you reassign any permissions (as required) so that everything is easily accessible to the new OS and it's user(s).

One of my concerns is that some users might actually save data with an application's "programs" directory as well as tucking data away into other nooks and crannies of their hard drive.
Which program would you recommend for the partition copy?
RE: reassign permissions do you mean to take ownership when booted into Windows 7?

 

[Tweak]

One of my concerns is that some users might actually save data with an application's "programs" directory as well as tucking data away into other nooks and crannies of their hard drive.
Which program would you recommend for the partition copy?
RE: reassign permissions do you mean to take ownership when booted into Windows 7?

You can save everything, but if it is known that the Windows and Program Files are unneeded then remove accordingly. For partition copying I tend to like Paragon but there are many options available. A free option is one of the products from EASEUS, and yes I did mean that ownership permissions should be double-checked (although I assume you already do).

 

[allanc]

You can save everything, but if it is known that the Windows and Program Files are unneeded then remove accordingly. For partition copying I tend to like Paragon but there are many options available. A free option is one of the products from EASEUS, and yes I did mean that ownership permissions should be double-checked (although I assume you already do).

From what I have read, neither Easus or Paragon permit a *smaller* backup size.
In other words, 250 Gb source partition with only 30 Gb used will result in a 250 gb destination backup. Or, am I incorrect?
From the points of view of both the time *and* the space required, I would like the destination backup to be only 30 Gb.
Lastly, I am not sure that I was to repartition the drive down to 30 Gb before the backup process, or, am I being paranoid?

 

[rurbaniak]

I haven't used this, but ran across it because another tech mentioned it: http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmoverupgradeassistant.html

For $20, worth the try.

 

[allanc]

I haven't used this, but ran across it because another tech mentioned it: http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmoverupgradeassistant.html

For $20, worth the try.

Yes, I heard of it several months ago but have read that it rarely works and most times is awful.
I just read that www.zinstall.com looks promising.

 

[rurbaniak]

Yes, I heard of it several months ago but have read that it rarely works and most times is awful.
I just read that www.zinstall.com looks promising.

Hmm.. I see that Support.com uses the laplink technology software for their migrations: http://corp.support.com/windows7

 

[allanc]

Hmm.. I see that Support.com uses the laplink technology software for their migrations: http://corp.support.com/windows7

And they cover themselves by saying that not all programs will migrate.

 

[Tweak]

Yes, I heard of it several months ago but have read that it rarely works and most times is awful.
I just read that www.zinstall.com looks promising.

See my reply on this topic before you purchase potentially unnecessary software. Since I haven't in some time used the apps and generally do not "downsize" them I cannot answer the other portion of your question above, sorry.