Migrating to Windows 7 64bit
Discussion
I'm looking to upgrade my current 32 bit windows 7 to 64 bit, this decision has been looming for months now as I have 6gb of RAM, but due to being on 32 bit, the combined memory is only 4GB (3.25 usable).
As i'm now looking at doing more filming and editing with a Go pro, so I also need more storage space, I have 2 SATA HDDs (one 250GB and one 500GB). Windows and programs are installed on the 250GB and media is on the 500GB. I have been looking at getting a 2/3TB SSD, in order to (semi) future proof the storage. Due to the higher speed, the SSD would become the bootable disk, I would move windows to the new SSD and have the other two as media drives.
While i'm migrating the data to the new disk, I thought it best to upgrade to 64 bit windows 7 in the process, rather than backing up and restoring twice.
My processor is an AMD phenom quad core, which securable says will support 64 bit. My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-M68MT, of which there appears to be no data on the compatibility of drives over 2TB, or 64 bit OS.
My plan is to (assuming new SSD drive has arrived by this point);
-Back up all data to my 1TB external HDD. Which program would be best? A free program is preferable.
-Install the new SSD into the machine
-Install windows 7 64 bit onto the new drive
-Restore the backup onto the drive
-If all is well, format the 250GB drive.
Forgive me, as i've never backed-up or restored back-ups. I have only done fresh installs.
Would the restore of the back-up create compatibility issues with the change from 32 to 64 bit?
Does a restore of a back-up transfer all installed programs and their shortcuts? or does it restore data and the programs have to be installed manually?
Sorry for the barrage of questions, but as I said, i've never backed up or restored a back-up before. This is something I need to get right, as it would be a right pain if something were to go wrong, so I want to make sure I know exactly what i'm doing and everything's compatible before I go ahead.
I think i've made it clear enough, but it's late so just ask and i'll clarify
As i'm now looking at doing more filming and editing with a Go pro, so I also need more storage space, I have 2 SATA HDDs (one 250GB and one 500GB). Windows and programs are installed on the 250GB and media is on the 500GB. I have been looking at getting a 2/3TB SSD, in order to (semi) future proof the storage. Due to the higher speed, the SSD would become the bootable disk, I would move windows to the new SSD and have the other two as media drives.
While i'm migrating the data to the new disk, I thought it best to upgrade to 64 bit windows 7 in the process, rather than backing up and restoring twice.
My processor is an AMD phenom quad core, which securable says will support 64 bit. My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-M68MT, of which there appears to be no data on the compatibility of drives over 2TB, or 64 bit OS.
My plan is to (assuming new SSD drive has arrived by this point);
-Back up all data to my 1TB external HDD. Which program would be best? A free program is preferable.
-Install the new SSD into the machine
-Install windows 7 64 bit onto the new drive
-Restore the backup onto the drive
-If all is well, format the 250GB drive.
Forgive me, as i've never backed-up or restored back-ups. I have only done fresh installs.
Would the restore of the back-up create compatibility issues with the change from 32 to 64 bit?
Does a restore of a back-up transfer all installed programs and their shortcuts? or does it restore data and the programs have to be installed manually?
Sorry for the barrage of questions, but as I said, i've never backed up or restored a back-up before. This is something I need to get right, as it would be a right pain if something were to go wrong, so I want to make sure I know exactly what i'm doing and everything's compatible before I go ahead.
I think i've made it clear enough, but it's late so just ask and i'll clarify
lestag said:
Really? what the price tag on one of those? or do you mean a SSD/HDD Hybrid drive.
What make and model did you buy?
Ah yes, it's a hybrid of mechanical and SSD. I'm currently looking at http://bit.ly/Uxgcd9What make and model did you buy?
Thanks gpo, glad to hear that i'm on the right lines
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