Many people are rushing to upgrade to Windows 7. However many are not aware what awaits them  if they  upgrading from Windows XP and not Windows Vista. The first thing you should do is check whether your PC meets the minimum requirements to run Windows 7. You can do that here. I would recommend having at least 2GB of RAM if not more. Make sure that you do any hardware upgrades BEFORE you install Windows 7.

The upgrade path is not simple. Windows 7 cannot be installed over Windows XP.  Instead, you have two options:

1. Do a CLEAN INSTALL. Using this method, you BACKUP your data. The next step is to wipe your hard drive clean and install Windows 7. You will then need to reinstall all your software and copy your data back to your new installation.
2. You can do a CUSTOM INSTALL. With this method your old Win XP setup is stored in a folder named WINDOWS.OLD. This will include your program files, however, you won’t be able to run your software from there. It will also include data files. It is not advisable to rely on this as your sole back up strategy. You should back up your data prior to upgrading as you would if you were doing a CLEAN INSTALL.

• Although Windows 7 cannot be installed over XP, there are some steps you can take before you install it to make the process easier.
• Download, install and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor at www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx. It will scan your PC and notify you of any compatibility issues with hardware and software. If you do have software that is not compatible with Windows 7, you will need to upgrade it or download a patch from the manufacturer. The Upgrade Advisor will also
• Make an inventory of the software that you will need to reinstall.  Think about the ones that are really needed and note them down.  Use this time to get rid of unwanted or unused programmes. The ones that are not needed should not be reinstalled. All they do is take up much needed space on your machine.
• Download any software patches or upgrades that  you will need. The same should be done for any drivers that are available for your key hardware — video and audio adapters, printers, mice, keyboards, scanners, etc. I might add that the Windows 7 driver database is very good so you could skip this bit but, I’d still do it anyway as a precaution.
• Make sure that you check whether or not your current antivirus, firewall and antispyware software is compatible with Windows 7. Download the version that is or switch to another provider.
• Ensure  that all your documents, music, videos and photos are backed up to an external drive. Make sure you back up your email client data files too.  As an added precaution make a disk image of your entire system.  You can use software such as Acronis True Image 2010, or Perfect Image 12 Backup. This will allow  you to recover your Windows XP setup in case something goes horribly wrong.

Once you have completed your installation, do remember to manually run the Windows Update to check for any patches and fixes. Then make sure you update your antivirus, antispyware and firewall software too.

If none of the above has put you off, then I wish you all the best. Let me know how you get on!