encrypted files and installing Windows 7-advice needed

Hi,
In the next few days I’m going to install Windows 7 over Vista . The problem is I have a lot of encrypted files and passworded winzip files. If I do a fresh or an upgrade to windows 7 what will happen to the encrypted files?


I bought the upgrade version of Windows 7. When installing it should I do a fresh install or an upgrade?

Hi Ewandude

I assume you mean encrypted with EFS (Windows' onboard Encrypting File System), well it's the same on Windows 7 so there should be no problems using them on 7. BUT do remember to back up your encryption certificate before you do the install, this is the procedure they recommend from Microsoft:



Also remember to backup the files

Regarding the zip files, just make a backup, and install winzip (or better yet winrar) on Windows 7 and you're good to go.

As you might deduce I would recommend you do a backup of your personal files and then do a clean install , never-ever do an upgrade it's just asking for trouble.

You can easily use your upgrade disk to do a clean install.

There's a good guide on Paul Thurrorts Winsupersite for just that.

Regards

RabidSquirrel

Thanks