Customers Ask Me: "How's the Best Way to get my Windows XP Settings to Windows 7?" - This works.

As I deliver Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 events in the field, customers are excited about Windows 7 and have one common obstacle. No Upgrade SKU or path for Windows XP, so it's important that I lay out the path for you to ensure you have a smooth upgrade experience.

FIRST: Backup up your data to a backup disk or network share!   Please don't feed the bears!!  and if you lose your data, you might as well be eaten by one ;)

SECOND: Check out the matrix covering Windows 7 upgrade scenarios

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-considerations.aspx  

THIRD: Check the Windows XP machine to see if the hardware is even supported by running the Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser found here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15 

FOURTH: You will get the Windows Easy Transfer download from the Microsoft Website at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2B6F1631-973A-45C7-A4EC-4928FA173266&displaylang=en or if you have Windows 7 already, this tool is located in the support\migwiz dir on the DVD itself.

NEXT: Watch my webcast at  http://blogs.technet.com/blainbar/archive/2009/10/06/blain-barton-records-webcast-windows-xp-to-windows-7-migration.aspx THEN GO TO the TechNet article for more info as well at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674.aspx

FIFTH: DONE! (well almost) - Complete the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard on the new Windows 7 by going to search and typing in EASY. Run it and point to the data reference storage for your old settings.

LASTLY: As far as applications, you will have to reinstall them using your original media and/or MSI and setup.exe programs and product keys.

I saw PC Magazine raving (4.5 red circles out of 5!)  about PCMover for moving Windows XP to Windows 7 applications (looks likes Windows Easy Transfer to me with the important hook for application migration) but have not tried it, http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2353299,00.asp

Have fun with Windows 7! 

I know I am.

Blain Barton
Senior IT Pro Evangelist