Windows XP and PCmover Express

Microsoft announces XP users will be able to download a free version of PCmover Express to copy across files, music, videos, email, user profiles and settings from your old PC to a new machine.
I wonder if the same could be done on a machine that has XP on it, use PCmover to copy everything to an external drive and then reformatting and installing a retail version of Win 7 or Win 8.1, provided the pc is compatible with Win7 or Win 8.1 and then copy everything from the external drive? Or will it only work to move everything to a new pc running Win 7 or Win 8.1?

Wouldn't you just install an upgrade of 7 or 8, without a format, over the top of XP?

I didn't think you could upgrade from XP to Win 7 or 8, you have to do a fresh install.

Its the old question of how to keep files, settings, applications etc.
PCmover Windows8 Upgrade assistant (In-Place Upgrade to Windows 8!) claims to upgrade from XP to Win 7 or 8 or am I missing something? I always thought that we had to do a clean install!

http://laplink.com/index.php/individuals/pcmover-for...

Probably not, but then I have never upgraded from one to another. I always buy a new PC when getting a new OS, simply because the time that passes means that to get the most from the new OS, you need to have the hardware capable of running it (usually).

It just struck me as odd that Windows don't allow for an upgrade, and facilitate another avenue for purchase of new products (64-bit version of XP assumed).

I'm on Vista and I've just passed the 5 year mark with this PC. For me, XP was a flop. Vista, once tweaked, has been pretty damn good (winsxs folder being the only untweakable aspect). I suppose I should plan for Win 7 / 8.

Believe it or not, I'm considering investing in a cheap system to see if I can still get W2K Pro to install on it. I have a batch of older programs with 16-bit installers, and for £200-£300, I could have what would be a super-fast W2K system. If I got 3-5 years out of it, it would be a bit of nostalgia and fun. Not sure about drivers though.

The only drawback is that for it to be a good setup, I would need a KVM, and the better ones start at £100 plus, which is 30% or more of the system budget. Sigh.

In reply to a post by camieabz:

The only drawback is that for it to be a good setup, I would need a KVM, and the better ones start at £100 plus, which is 30% or more of the system budget. Sigh.

I use a product called maxivista which providing the computers are on the same network is great. Unfortunately it still does not work with Windows 8. Once installed on the computers you can use a single keyboard and screen on up to 3 machines or you can switch it to 2 or three screens for your main PC

On their site though they have a link to a Software KVM which says it does and is actually free. If it does what it says on the tin then it has a few advantages over a physical KVM like copy and paste between computers. I have no connection with either product.

Though not an answer to your question, would it not be better to have all your data files, on a separate partition, so if any problems occur or you need to reinstall or install a new version of your OS, it can be done without affecting your data (and your profiles, settings or email if they are regularly backed up to the data partition).