Winddows 7 Onto An Old Machine

[foxyferret]

forgive me asking what to some of you will be a doh question, but I know nothing about computers. I have the discs to install windows 7, can I store it on an old machine which has windows professional XP on it?

[Buenchico]

You can't do a simple upgrade from XP to 7. You have to do a custom installation, which WIPES all of your old data and programs. So if there's stuff that you need to keep on the old PC you'll need to back up all of your files to external media and ensure that you've got the installation disks for any programs that you want to install again (assuming, of course, that those programs are compatible with Windows 7 anyway). However if there's nothing you need to save then you can just go ahead and do the installation.

Instructions here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7#T1=tab01
(I recommend using the 'PDF' link, at the top right, to produce a printable copy).

[VHG]

You can install Windows 7 on that machine, but it will remove windows XP and ALL THE OTHER FILES ON THE COMPUTER.

Make sure you backup everything on the PC (all your personal files and other information such as logons and passwords etc) before doing the Windows 7 install.

Also note that some computers need software "drivers" to make certain things work on the computer.

If no one has written Windows 7 software drivers for your computer (and they probably wont have if it is that old) then note some of the hardware on your PC may not work.

Personal I am not in favour of putting new operating systems on old computers.

You are far better putting the money spent on Windows towards a new computer.

If you know nothing about computers then I would suggest you get some help to install Windows 7. While it is not difficult there are all sorts of little gotchas that may catch you out.

[VHG]

btw Do you know what version of Windows it is?

There are different types of packaging and depending on the type of packaging the install will differ.

The three main types of packaging are:

1) OEM packaging

2) Retail packaging

3) Upgrade packaging

Do you know what yours is?

[foxyferret]

Thank you for your answers everyone. It s windows 7 premium and retail packaging. I don't know details of the old machine as it belongs to my daughter, I will check when I visit her next.