how to reformatting my comp without losing any of my data?

Question

for information,im using windows xp gold edition and wanted to upgrade in to windows xp professional sp2.can i just install it?
what is the risk tad i'll be facing?

Answer 1

Make sure that the Windows XP Pro disk is an UPGRADE. When you go to install the software, you will be asked whether you want to overwrite everything with a fresh install or perform an upgrade. As long as you choose the upgrade option, all of your data will be saved. I just did this exact thing today as a matter of fact. No matter what though, I would suggest burning your most important data to a CD/DVD.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You would have to spend a lot of money for the upgrade. Since you don't even know how to back up your data, then i would say that you really would not benefit from the upgrade. Windows is an operating system, it does not have to be a status symbol. Keep windows XP or even "downgrade" to 2000pro (which i actually like better). There is not much that Xp professional can do that XP home cannot (unless you have a variety of people using your computer and you want personalized accounts and controls for each of them). So basically save the money and upgrade your monitor or your RAM, you will actually be able to TELL the difference with those. Even if you get it for free, you will probably be getting a pirated copy. A pirated copy is not bad because it is morally wrong, it is bad because Microsoft no makes it very difficult (almost impossible for someone at your level of computer expertise) to bypass their serial number security for any long period of time. Windows Genuine makes it near impossible to get windows updates and even blacklists you from downloading some programs off of websites (even non-Microsoft ones) solely on the merit that you did not pay their steep prices for the marginally better XP professional.

Answer 3

if u r going to upgrade only than while upgrading don't select to format the partition just install the windows on current partition. your data won't be deleted. just for precaution burn the cd of ur important data. I've done this many time and i never lose my data
If u know how to use windows than i think u can do this easily.
by this method even ur installed programms also won't get any problem and u don't have to install all programms again. best of luck

Answer 4

save your data, music and photos, your favorites and cookies, your email and addressbook to outside media first.

CD, DVD, or another computer are all examples of other media.

If you are buying an upgrade the support professionals at Microsoft will be on-hand to walk you through the process. The phone numbers are on the website.

Answer 5

no rsik... it's an upgrade.... but because Im not a certified computer technician... all u have to do is to backup all of your files... Im saying is that put your files in a different drive.... like puting it in a flash drive... or if you have another HDD in your PC.... put it there.... and after installing SP2... put it back to your original conent folder....