Install over Windows 7 has problems - can I reinstall over Windows 7

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  1. Posts : 12,799
    Windows 11 Pro
       #131

    TC, his goal, I believe, is do a clean install in such a way that he can still use his current OS while he sets up the clean install. When that is finished, he is going to wipe the other OSs and just have the clean install OS.

    I'm not sure how much time he has to devote to it, but I believe it wouldn't be complete, but after the clean install is done, he could be back up and running in 2 hours or so. I believe he said he is concerned about the settings mostly.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #132

    Nisko, this is TC (f14tomcat). When you get back on, could you please answer 2 questions.

    1. Do you have Macrium Reflect installed and running on your computer?
    Macrium Reflect Free


    2. Do you have Sandboxie running on your computer?
    Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

    Thanks, TC
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #133

    The OS I have labeled as a 'sandbox' is only used to test programs to see if they are defective or don't work properly with W7. Right now, it is not being used and is available to wipe clean. I still don't know what you mean by "disconnect" a drive. This is a laptop, If you want me to physically remove it from the laptop, I can do that. However, if it isn't necessary, I would rather not open the laptop. I''ll do what I have to though. If it has to be physically removed, please tell me why.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #134

    This is Nisko: The below is correct.

    essenbe said:
    TC, his goal, I believe, is do a clean install in such a way that he can still use his current OS while he sets up the clean install. When that is finished, he is going to wipe the other OSs and just have the clean install OS.

    I'm not sure how much time he has to devote to it, but I believe it wouldn't be complete, but after the clean install is done, he could be back up and running in 2 hours or so. I believe he said he is concerned about the settings mostly.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #135

    This is Nisko: My concern with my program settings is: if they are embedded in the program folders, I wouldn't know, in many cases, which folders I need to copy over to my new W10 OS - so I can be up and running quickly.

    essenbe said:
    TC, his goal, I believe, is do a clean install in such a way that he can still use his current OS while he sets up the clean install. When that is finished, he is going to wipe the other OSs and just have the clean install OS.

    I'm not sure how much time he has to devote to it, but I believe it wouldn't be complete, but after the clean install is done, he could be back up and running in 2 hours or so. I believe he said he is concerned about the settings mostly.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #136

    Size of Windows 7 OS


    f14tomcat said:
    Not familiar with W7 Sandbox. That Win 7 installation is huge. Over 230GB used.
    This is a picture of what is on my W7 OS drive - I don't believe it comes close to 256GB (I could be wrong).Attachment 95795

    Windows 10 sandbox (?) is virtually empty.
    Only W7 plus one or two programs are loaded in the 'sandbox.'

    No EFI partition, so assume legacy.
    Wish I knew what an EFI partition is - maybe after I get W10 running smoothly.

    Could I get updated, real quick, on what the mission is? I've been fighting other alligators, and not really following here. Help if I can, but not sure where we're going. Sorry.
    @Nisko
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #137

    If anyone needs more info, I am here. 8:15pm ET. Thank you..........
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #138

    Nisko,

    I am trying to understand your concern with the program settings. You need to understand something.

    After you do a clean install, there are no program settings to copy. Only data....pictures, documents, movies. Data, in your case, would include the installation files used to put your programs back into the win 10 system.

    You cannot just copy installed programs and their setting from one OS to another. They must be installed. The system (win10) needs to know from the installation where the programs are and all their settings.

    Example: You cannot just copy the "Program Files" folder from win 7 to win 10. There are registry entries, and many other parts that are determined at installation time based on the OS you are using.

    If you can get a good backup of all your data (pics, movies, install files, etc.) that you currently have, you can start fresh with a clean Windows 10 system and install the programs you want/need. And copy your data files into the appropriate folders supplied with Windows 10. This is all standard operating procedure. You have plenty of room to do this.

    Trying to rearrange what you currently have into a dual boot system can be very tricky, and time consuming. Then you would still be faced with shifting over to Windows 10 and eliminating Windows 7.

    Less time, and less errors, to backup all your data onto that 500GB drive and clean install windows 10 on the 1TB drive. I'm assuming the 1TB is internal and the 500GB is an external drive, maybe USB 3.0.


    Your thoughts, please. TC
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #139

    I'm heading to bed shortly, Nisko.....give this some thought. TC
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 1,033
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #140

    f14tomcat said:
    Nisko,

    I am trying to understand your concern with the program settings. You need to understand something.

    After you do a clean install, there are no program settings to copy. Only data....pictures, documents, movies. Data, in your case, would include the installation files used to put your programs back into the win 10 system.

    You cannot just copy installed programs and their setting from one OS to another. They must be installed. The system (win10) needs to know from the installation where the programs are and all their settings.

    Example: You cannot just copy the "Program Files" folder from win 7 to win 10. There are registry entries, and many other parts that are determined at installation time based on the OS you are using.

    If you can get a good backup of all your data (pics, movies, install files, etc.) that you currently have, you can start fresh with a clean Windows 10 system and install the programs you want/need. And copy your data files into the appropriate folders supplied with Windows 10. This is all standard operating procedure. You have plenty of room to do this.

    Trying to rearrange what you currently have into a dual boot system can be very tricky, and time consuming. Then you would still be faced with shifting over to Windows 10 and eliminating Windows 7.

    Less time, and less errors, to backup all your data onto that 500GB drive and clean install windows 10 on the 1TB drive. I'm assuming the 1TB is internal and the 500GB is an external drive, maybe USB 3.0.

    Both drives are internal SSDs. I have a laptop workstation. My backup drives are external USB 3.0 and mechanical. Do I have to physically remove one of the drives? Also, I am not looking for a dual boot system at this time. "Sandboxie" might serve the same purpose. If I decide I want a dual boot in the future, I'll install it when W10 is running smoothly.

    I believe we're on the same page. However, allow me to give you an example of what I mean by settings: I use Mozilla Thunderbird for an email client. I have three email accounts and each has its' own settings, i.e., POP server, SMTP server, Options, etc. Many programs have settings and/or Options like these and I am looking for the easiest way to copy them to the new installation on W10. Browsers have settings, Options and add-ons. Same situation. If I have to reinstall all these things, I am looking for a way to know what they are without depending on my (failing) memory. BY the way, thanks for jumping in to help me out. My installation of W10 over W7 did not go well.


    Your thoughts, please. TC
    @Nisko
      My Computer


 

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