how do i transfer my files from windows xp to windows 7?

Besides what the others have mentioned about using an external hard-drive - know that windows will back up your old files.

If you install a fresh copy of windows 7 over the top of windows xp - without do a format - windows will install windows 7 and save everything from windows xp (apart from the windows folder and other non user folders) in a folder called windows.old - which will be located in the c:\ drive of windows 7.

That folder will keep all you user files and settings (my documents, appdata etc..) and all your program files.

HOWEVER! Please note that I have no actually tested this with windows xp. I have installed over windows vista, 7 and 8 with a fresh install - not an update - and these files were kept.

So first google to make sure windows xp files will be relocated to the windows.old folder. hell i will look now.

Yes, i confirmed that windows 7 install will relocate windows xp files to the windows.old folder.

ALSO NOTE - that windows.old folder is an optional thing to be deleted if you run disk-cleaner from windows 7. It doesn't select itself though, so it won't automatically happen.

STILL!!!! To be safe, you should also back up your files on an extrenal hard-drive or usb.

The windows.old folder has never failed for me.

Erm you could use a USB Flash Drive, a CD, a DVD, or a External Hard Drive to move the file applications across.

Insert one of the listed above into your computer.

Go to My Computer and click on your hard drive ( Normally says (C) )

Locate the .exe (this is an application file or the installer if you want to call it that!) by typing in the name of the program into the search bar in the top right hand of your screen.

Make sure that the file says "Application" or ".exe" and NOT "Shortcut." Keep in mind, Application = Installer!

Move the Application file across onto your USB Flash Drive/CD or what ever external media disk your using.

To do this, right click on the Application and go to "Send to..." and choose your external disk.

Do this for all programs you want to save and transfer across.

Hope this helps.

Danny.

It is against Microsoft phrases and stipulations to put in an upgrade variation of their software onto a smooth mounted method. This includes upgrading from an older operating process that does not belong to you, so the manufacturer that is constructing your pc could be breaking the stipulations set out with the aid of Microsoft if they mounted an older variant of windows simply so they are able to upgrade it and would render all licenses obsolete and illegal. If it does not already have an running procedure on it that belongs to you you then have to buy a retail variant or an o.E.M ( as the stipulations state that an aftermarket will also be furnished with a newly purchased laptop ), that would need to be set up and activated earlier than an upgrade used to be attempted.

Go find an external hard drive and dump all of your stuff onto it. Move it back after you've upgraded.

You could also go search on the official microsoft website for some more professional help. I'm sure there's a way to do this with a bit more elegance.

try to save this from saving another device.. unless you can save those items to Without device C and format it and install win 7..