Time is nigh to upgrade my OS from Vista Ultimate to Windows7 (Ultimate?)

Yes, I know it is a good idea to back up everything first.

In the normal course of things, will all existing "added" programs be left
intact on the new Windows OS?
Or do I need to dig out CDs and license activation keys to get them all up and running again?

The upgrade worked fine for me on a friends machine.

I can't help you with the files, But I had Vista, And made the change to windows 7...I like It a lot, much faster, and user friendly

Well, I think your need to reinstall all programs after your upgrading to Windows 7, because this is different to sp, it's a totally new system.

the best go for a clean install of win. 7 and re install again your programs.

I hate to say this because I know what you mean TWD, have to agree with Mike, I would wipe the hard drive clean.

Yes you have to reinstall all programs after installing W7 because up-gradation removes all your data from windows drive & it's good to have a backup of all your data and format the drive while upgradating.

sure.. this is different system, so you must back up all data and change the OS system... because 7 is not vista or not upgrade from vista