Singapore, October 23, 2009 - For a smooth and successful migration to Microsoft® Windows® 7, users are recommended to start by doing a full system and data image backup followed by a seven-step process created by Acronis (http://www.acronis.com.sg), a provider of affordable, scalable storage management and disaster recovery software.
In its upgrade checklist, Acronis points out that Windows Vista users should be able to perform a simple upgrade to Windows 7, but getting data from Windows XP may involve more planning as moving from XP requires users to reload applications from scratch.
The Acronis checklist calls for consumers to:
1. Back up the entire existing operating system with a disk image before upgrading to Windows 7. If there are problems, the disk image will allow simple rollback to the old operating system.
2. Be prepared for the possibility that some applications may not yet be compatible with Windows 7. Check compatibility of specific applications before installing Windows 7 or use software like Acronis to create a separate disk partition for the new operating system. Use the XP or Vista partition to run applications that can't be migrated to Windows 7.
3. Use the backup image to migrate data quickly. Imaging backup tools capture all files, applications and system settings, avoiding the need to individually transfer data. For total assurance, Acronis software can convert the backup (.tib) file into a virtual hard disk file (.vhd). Run the original XP or Vista machine as a virtual one in the new Windows 7 environment.
4. Create and keep a clean backup image of the new Windows 7 installation. This will avoid the need for a long re-install process in case of problems later.
5. Develop good backup habits. Set up an automatic backup schedule for full protection.
6. Store an additional copy of the backup image on a removable storage device in another physical location for greater security.
7. Validate the backup to ensure that it is ready for recovery.
Compatible with Windows 7, Acronis True Image Home2010 features an enhanced, easy-to-use user interface, Acronis Nonstop Backup and expanded support for virtual hard disks.
Acronis is a global cyber protection company that provides natively integrated cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint management for managed service providers (MSPs), small and medium businesses (SMBs), and enterprise IT departments. Acronis solutions are highly efficient and designed to identify, prevent, detect, respond, remediate, and recover from modern cyberthreats with minimal downtime, ensuring data integrity and business continuity. Acronis offers the most comprehensive security solution on the market for MSPs with its unique ability to meet the needs of diverse and distributed IT environments.
A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis has 45 locations across the globe. Acronis Cyber Protect is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 20,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses. Learn more at www.acronis.com.