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    Possible Loss of Data ???

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by jaboyle, Aug 24, 2008.

  1. jaboyle

    jaboyle Notebook Geek

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    Long story short,


    I currently have windows XP, I also have just recieved a version of 'Windows Vista Home Premium'. Basically my computer (which has an XP operating system system) is full of my programmes and games and software of all kinds.

    What im wondering is if I insert the windows vista disk and click install, will it wipe my computer and make me start a clean slate and therefore lose my data that is currently on my computer hard drive???

    Please answer and explain a.s.a.p

    Mnay kind regards
     
    jaboyle, Aug 24, 2008
    #1
  2. metril

    metril Notebook Deity

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    You can do an upgrade install. This will not erase any of your data, though if the upgrade fails, then you risk losing data. It is best to do a clean install of Vista because this is much more stable than an upgrade from XP to Vista. Backup all your files if you do a clean install. Programs will have to be reinstalled after a clean install.
     
    metril, Aug 24, 2008
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  3. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You need to back up your personal data when doing OS upgrades. But to play it safe. With upgrades and complete reinstalls, you can choose to not wipe your hard drive but I wouldn't risk it.

    Regardless you will need to reinstall all your programs and reconfigure all your settings for the new OS. Those cannot be saved.
     
    Greg, Aug 24, 2008
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  4. jaboyle

    jaboyle Notebook Geek

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    Perfect, so whats the risk of losing data if the update goes wrong.

    Is it a common problem updating and the link to loss of data??

    Thanks again
     
    jaboyle, Aug 24, 2008
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  5. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    Microsoft does a pretty good job making the upgrade process go smoothly. However it's possible to run into some issues. It's possible some programs & drivers may not respond to the OS change happily.

    The wisest course of action is to back up your files, get your hands on some vista drivers, and dig up all your programs installation discs. From that point you could either upgrade or clean install... At that point you may as well clean install, right?

    There is no risk in attempting an upgrade as long as you have your backup. Clean installs are cleaner though :).
     
    Gregory, Aug 24, 2008
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  6. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    ^^agreed.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Aug 25, 2008
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  7. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    Many many things could go wrong. Any show stopping errors could leave you with neither a bootable copy of XP nor a bootable copy of Vista. But your data is still there! Honestly, a 250GB external harddrive can be had for less than $100. It is an easy backup and peace of mind. While Microsoft offers upgrade paths from XP to Vista, they recommend you do a clean install, which wipes your system and starts all over.
     
    surfasb, Aug 26, 2008
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