Question by steviso: What are the precautionary steps to take when installing a new operating system on a laptop?
Usually laptops are bought with the operating system already installed on it, in my case it was Windows Vista. Also a recovery CD was made by the laptop.
Now I want to upgrade to Windows 7 partly because I think it is better and also because I need to format one of my partitions as it is very fragmented. Hopefully I can kill two birds with one stone. 
What are the steps, and preferably what programs to use…to save drivers and other important files need to install Windows 7 on the laptop.
Thanks
Best answer:
Answer by Isa
The issue is the precautionary steps, it is not a new operating system
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
first of copy all your imp. files and folder in any other drive then c drive (vista drive ) format the partition of windows ( i mean the vista drive usually the c drive ) (and dont do a quick format but instead of that do a normal format )
then install win 7 in c drive. install all mother board driver from driver cd ( which should came with the laptop ) then that’s it
Hi
-When you install windows 7 most if not all your drivers will be picked up by installer.But if you want to be on safe side,just download latest drivers(compatible with windows 7) from manufacturers website or just search over google your laptops model driver.
-Make sure you have installers for application like ms-office(if you use) and keep their serial numbers in pen drive or external hard-disk.
-During partition(while installing win 7) make sure you do not delete the partition you want to save.
Rest everything should be fine!!
Hope this helps!