Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 64-bit

by Minadin · June 7, 2009

Complete Guide To Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 64-bit Easily

Using Windows XP was fine as far as I was concerned. I never bothered with Windows Vista due to the large amount of bugs, issues with drivers & other items I had heard about. When Microsoft offered Windows 7 this month I was first on board. Too many wonderful features to try out and all for free how could I lose?

There was no loss as I am enjoying Windows 7 64-bit and have all but erased Windows XP on my computer. This article will deal with obtaining Windows 7 and upgrading from Windows XP using the dual boot method. Dual booting allows you to use both XP & Windows 7 on one computer. If for some reason you dislike Windows 7 your XP will still be there like a warm blanket on a cold night.

You can obtain Windows 7 RC & Product Keys directly from Microsoft here.

Troubleshoot problems
Burn an ISO file to make an installation DVD
Install Windows
Backup and restore your PC
Set up a network
Create and use a system recovery disk

Download the Release Candidate & obtain your product key(s). Remember to write the product key(s) down. Burn your ISO disk and set it to the side.

Uninstall all unused programs.
Transfer all mail, documents, pictures etc. to DVD or other storage.
Erase everything you do not use. Time to spring clean.
Use Disk Cleanup.
Defrag your Hard Drive.

A dual boot installation simply means you will have two operating systems installed. When you start your computer you will have the choice to choose which OS you would like use. This method is the easiest way in my opinion of using Windows 7 without giving up your already existing OS. When you decide to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 64-bit the dual boot method will allow you to continue using XP if you wish.

You are now ready with a clean defragged hard drive and your Windows 7 DVD. You will need to create a partition which is basically making another drive like your C: such as G: to install Windows 7 too. While there are many ways to create a partition I wanted something very simple to use as I am not tech elite. I had excellent results using Easeus Partition Manager for FREE!

Download Easeus Partition Manager

Install Easeus and make a new partition by shrinking your C: drive. Leave about 5gb available on C: as you may decide to flip back to XP a couple of times. Follow the on screen instructions and reboot allowing the new partition to be created. Once you are done and back in Windows XP make sure you have saved everything you want saved. Nothing should be lost but backing up is never a waste of time.

Your next step is to boot up using the Windows 7 dvd, make sure that the CD/DVD drive is selected first in the boot order in the BIOS. Restart your computer and it should boot from the DVD and you will see the Windows 7 install screen. Choose the partition you created to install Windows 7, make sure you choose the new partition.

Follow all install prompts and when complete you should remove the DVD and change your BIOS back to Boot From Hard Drive instead of CD/DVD. Now everytime you restart you should see a screen that allow you to choose between Windows 7 & Earlier Versions (XP).

Congratulations on the completion of your upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 64-bit you can now explore Windows 7. If you have questions feel free to comment below.