How To Move From Windows XP Professional To Windows 7 Professional?

I have checked my DELL Latitude 6500 laptop running WinXP Pro using the Windows 7 upgrade advisor tool, and everythihng is a go. I also know that I need to do a good backup of my critical files and the pictures I want to keep.I have had many people tell me that before I make such a change in operating systems, do a backup first, because Windows 7 requires a clean startup, because there is no upgrade from XP to Win7.Is there an easy way to keep these work related files, and .jpg pictures using a simpler backup process than the software backup program called Acronis?I have also read that there is a program that will run at the same time as Windows 7, like a separate operating system called XP Mode. As I understand it, XP mode runs in a separate window on the Windows 7 desktop, much like a program, except it's a fully functional version of Windows XP. In Windows XP Mode, I think you can also access your computer's CD/DVD drive, install programs, save files, and perform other tasks as if you were using a computer running Windows XP.I am not sure Acronis can be installed on this DELL Out-of-Warranty Win XP laptop, if I am currently using it for my desktop with Win 7 Ultimate. Once the critical files and .jpg photos are saved on an external hard drive, can I bring them back onto the laptop on the same harddrive with the new operating system Win 7 files, or do I need to partition the laptop harddrive, or does it matter if I use them with Win XP Mode?