You can use the Upgrade option during
Windows 7 installation, which preserves
your files, settings, and programs, only if you're currently running a
32-bit version of
Windows Vista and
you want to upgrade to the 32-bit version of
Windows 7. Similarly, if you are running a
64-bit version of
Windows Vista,
you can only perform an upgrade to a 64-bit version of
Windows 7. For more information, go to
Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions
on the
Windows website.
If you want to move from a 32-bit version of
Windows to a 64-bit version of
Windows 7 or vice versa, you'll need to
back up your files and choose the Custom option during
Windows 7 installation. Then, you'll need
to restore your files and reinstall your programs. For more information
about performing a custom installation, see
Installing and
reinstalling Windows 7.
Notes
-
To install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit
version of Windows, you'll need to
start, or boot, your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files.
-
If you start your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files, but
your computer isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to
use a 32-bit Windows 7 installation
disc or files instead.
-
Windows Easy Transfer
can't transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you're running a 64-bit
version of Windows Vista but you
plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7,
you can move your files to an external location manually or use Backup
and Restore in Windows Vista. For
more information, go to Back up your files and