Installing Windows 7

What to do Before Installing Windows 7

I will be upgrading to Windows 7 from WinXP.  This is not a true upgrade as Win7 will have to be a clean install and will NOT import setting from my Win XP.

BEFORE INSTALLING:

1. Write down a list of applications to re-install and locate the Software for installation.
2. Backup documents\files to a separate or external drive.
3. Decide where you will install the new OS. (I am installing on a 2nd partition of my drive and Dual Boot)
4. Research applications that you will be re-installing for compatibility issues with Win7. (Older hardware and related software may have problems or may need updated software to be installed in Windows 7)
5. Backup the Boot Directory in case of problems.