Laplink has disclosed details of an update to its PCmover tool that will enable Windows XP users to upgrade seamlessly to Windows 7, keeping all files, applications and settings intact.

PCmover already enables users to migrate their entire environment when they upgrade to a new PC, even if the replacement system is running a different version of Windows than their current PC.

The soon-to-be released version of PCmover updated for Windows 7 will enable users currently still using XP to perform an in-place upgrade to the new platform on their existing PC, according to Laplink.

The company believes that there will be demand for such a tool, as Microsoft is only providing an upgrade path from Windows Vista. XP users will have to perform a full install of the new operating system, although Windows Easy Transfer will enable users to keep files and settings.

"By taking the same logic employed for a new computer migration and applying it to the single computer upgrade process, we are able to provide users with an easy-to-use tool that performs an in-place upgrade," said Laplink chief technology officer, Jack Wilson.

Laplink also said the updated PCmover can migrate user email data from Outlook Express or Windows Mail to Microsoft's new Windows Live Mail.

As well as Laplink's direct USB-to-USB connection, the new version will also allows users migrating to a new PC to use Ethernet the same way. Using Laplink Ethernet, two computers can be connected instantly with a simple physical connection without relying on other hardware such as a router, according to the firm.

Another key feature is provision to upgrade seamlessly from a 32bit version of Windows to a 64bit one.

"If you have 32bit Vista and wish to upgrade to 64bit Windows 7 in order to address more than four gigabytes of memory, that upgrade is not supported by Microsoft. PCmover properly handles all issues related to 32-bit and 64-bit upgrades and migrations," said Wilson.

01 Sep 2009