Backing up files

[Hector]

I am getting ready to move to Vista and since I have a 64bit processor I have
pretty much decided to go Ultimate Vista 64 bit edition.
I currrently have a Pavillion with an AMD 64 bit cpu at 2.41 GHz somewhat
slow compared to current boxes.
SOP is to back up my current files.
When I do the installation I understand that I will have to reformat the
hardrive and I was wondering what wil happen to my current XP files.
Will I be able to back them onto Vista or will they become useless?
Also what is to be with my Office 2007 application since it is a 32 bit app.
Can I upgrade it to 64 bit?
Also how much memory would you recommend that I install, 4 or 8 GB?
As usual I would like to thank you for your help & advice

 

[Big D]

I am getting ready to move to Vista and since I have a 64bit processor I have
pretty much decided to go Ultimate Vista 64 bit edition.
I currrently have a Pavillion with an AMD 64 bit cpu at 2.41 GHz somewhat
slow compared to current boxes.
SOP is to back up my current files.
When I do the installation I understand that I will have to reformat the
hardrive and I was wondering what wil happen to my current XP files.

Reformatting wipes the disk clean, so they will obviously be gone.

Will I be able to back them onto Vista or will they become useless?

If you're talking about installed programs - useless.

Also what is to be with my Office 2007 application since it is a 32 bit app.
Can I upgrade it to 64 bit?

No such animal. They will run fine.

Also how much memory would you recommend that I install, 4 or 8 GB?

The more the merrier, but I'd bet 4GB would be fine.