Yes!!!!! You can.

But here is the catch, Microsoft has not provided option to directly upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP. There are various options of getting Windows 7 on the computer, but almost all of them would result in you losing your data and your programs.

There is but one way by which you can atleast preserve your data.

Even though, Upgrade is not an option in the setup if we are running it on Windows XP, however we can migrate files and settings from old installation to new one. In order to accomplish this you will have to use Windows easy transfer. You will basically have to transfer the data using this utility to a removable media and then transfer it back once the installation is done. You will however lose all the installed programs and will have to install them back!!!!.

 Following is the summary of the activites involved:

  • Move your files/data using Windows Easy Transfer onto an external media (External HDD, Flash Drive).
  • Install Windows 7 (Remember to choose Custom Installation – Upgrade).
  • Move the files/data back on the computer using Windows Easy Transfer.

Now, this seems elementary, but this might not be a smooth sail throughout.

Ensure that your computer meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 7 and also run a compatibility check.

In order to get a step by step details of the upgrade process, visit following link:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674%28WS.10%29.aspx

Also, you will find Screen Shots of the installation steps at BlogsDNA:

http://www.blogsdna.com/3217/step-by-step-guide-to-upgrade-windows-xp-to-windows-7.htm

 

Microsoft has also released video of how data migration can be simplified through User State Migration Tool (USMT) version 4.0. Click here to watch the video. (You will have to install Microsoft SilverLight for this)

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