windows 7 upgrade question

[Ughmahedhurtz]

Communication is important. Terminology is critical when instructing folks on what can or cannot be done on an OS.

TL;DR = define upgrade.

Example 1:

• Start with an installed XP system with programs, docs and settings like email/thunderbird/firefox configs
• Insert Vista upgrade CD
• OS asks for some basic info (timezone, language, etc.) and you click GO
• Come back later and the upgrade is completely finished. All programs still run. Thunderbird/Firefox/Outlook still work and have the same addons, server configs and mailboxes.

Example 2:

• Start with an install of XP (apps, docs, configs, blah blah)
• Insert Win7 CD
• Win7 asks you for some basic info and you click GO
• Come back later and the OS install is complete. NO apps work, nothing still exists. Everything is moved into a "Windows.old" folder but you have to reinstall apps and reconfigure settings.
• This is not an upgrade.

Example 3:

• Start with an install of XP (apps, docs, configs, blah blah)
• Run "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" and backup all your stuff to USB.
• Insert Win7 CD
• Win7 asks you for some basic info and you click GO
• Come back later and the OS install is complete. NO apps work, nothing still exists. Everything is moved into a "Windows.old" folder.
• Run the "Windows Easy Transfer" wizard and restore the backup you made before installing Win7.
• All your apps and settings work again.
• This is technically an "upgrade" but one that is either A) not well understood by most users or B) not 100% functional at transferring apps properly.

Apps, which of the above did you do? Or did you add other steps in there? Upgrade has a very specific definition for Windows OS installs. "Migrating" data is both more complicated and not as reliable. Otherwise, all CDs would be labeled "Upgrade" CDs, n'est-ce pas?