backup help required

[T5]

I want to format my c drive and install win xp pro 64bit but I want to keep
all of my programs and files without having to reinstall the programs. I
have paragon drive backup and partition magic 8.0. is it as simple as
creating a backup of the C drive and copying it to a partition that I
create, then install the os onto c drive and then restoring the drive
image..... Is that how it is done?

I am so worried about losing data and programs. It takes ages to load the
office suite and antivirus software etc etc.

Here is whatI have.

C drive with xp pro 300gb

 

[DandyDon]

Jumping from 32 bit XP to 64 bit XP will require reloading everything. Get
mad, Get over it, Get it done.

 

[Bob I]

You can't do that, 64bit is a clean install, you will need to reinstall
your programs.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I want to format my c drive and install win xp pro 64bit but I want
to keep all of my programs and files without having to reinstall the
programs. I have paragon drive backup and partition magic 8.0. is it
as simple as creating a backup of the C drive and copying it to a
partition that I create, then install the os onto c drive and then
restoring the drive image..... Is that how it is done?

I am so worried about losing data and programs. It takes ages to load
the office suite and antivirus software etc etc.

Sorry, but you can not do what you want. There is no way to upgrade and you
have to install it cleanly. That necessitates your reinstalling all your
software.

You can backup and save your data, then restore it, but there's no way to do
what you want with your software.