Member Avatar for king03

hi there guys I have a question, will my files be deleted and will my drivers be reset when i upgrade my windows 7 home basic to windows 7 home premium?? Because I have an installer of home premium with me right now and I am planning to upgrade because of a program that I need and can only run properly on windows 7 home premium and higher.

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A short, practical summary and safe checklist for based on the thread and the follow-ups from , and .

An edition change inside the same Windows 7 family (Home Basic → Home Premium) can be done as an in-place edition upgrade that keeps user files, settings and most installed programs — but only when the upgrade path and method are supported and the system architecture (32‑bit vs 64‑bit) is not changed. If the installer is run from inside Windows it will offer an Upgrade path when that path is supported; booting the DVD and choosing a Custom install is a clean install and behaves differently. Confirm the exact supported upgrade path for the current build before proceeding. (learn.microsoft.com)

Preparation reduces risk. Recommended checks: confirm whether the Home Premium media/key is retail vs. upgrade vs. OEM (activation behavior differs), verify 32‑ vs 64‑bit, uninstall third‑party security tools, and make a full backup or system image. Windows Easy Transfer can move user files and settings when doing a clean install, but it does not move system files, drivers or programs — plan to reinstall applications and some device drivers if a clean install is performed. Note that Microsoft’s Windows Anytime Upgrade (the quick “unlock” method) is no longer available for online purchase in many regions, so having a valid product key or appropriate media matters. (learn.microsoft.com)

After the change: if anything looks missing, check for a Windows.old folder (older installation files and user folders often end up there after non-formatted installs) and restore files from it rather than assuming permanent loss. Drivers are usually carried across in in-place edition upgrades, but some vendor drivers (chipset, video, Wi‑Fi) may need reinstall or updates from the hardware maker; run Device Manager and Windows Update and, if necessary, get drivers from the PC/motherboard vendor. (support.microsoft.com)

Quick checklist

  • Verify edition key type (retail/upgrade/OEM) and keep it ready.
  • Confirm 32/64‑bit; cross‑architecture change requires a clean install. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Make a full backup + (optional) system image and, if doing a clean install, use Windows Easy Transfer for files/settings. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Run the installer from within Windows (if media/key supports Upgrade) or follow the chosen path; after upgrade, run Windows Update and check Device Manager.

Legal/licensing must be followed, as reminded. If there is any uncertainty about the media/key or critical data, prefer backing up and doing a tested clean install.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Ritesh_4

If it is only an upgrade, all your settings and files would be same as on Home Basic, however, I presume that you have a license for the Home Premium, as the one for HB will no longer be valid with the upgrade

Member Avatar for jbennet

Are you doing an upgrade using the CD, or a digital upgrade using "Anytime Upgrade"

Member Avatar for Ritesh_4

I think he has the DVD as he mentioned about an installer to be used

Member Avatar for jingda

No it won't. If you found after the upgrade your files are missing, don't panic. It is probably still in your hard disk just that it has been moved to another folder. You can still locate it back.

Edited by jingda because: n/a
Member Avatar for jbennet

Keep it legal please.

Member Avatar for jingda

But i did not copy and paste any information from any site?

Member Avatar for jbennet

But i did not copy and paste any information from any site?

Not directed to you. That was a reminder about piracy to the OP

Member Avatar for jingda

Not directed to you. That was a reminder about piracy to the OP

Oh, I see. Sorry jbennet, I thought you were referring to me:D

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