2007-03-26 08:31:42 · 6 answers · asked by autobot_1985 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Save what you want, format, then load your desired OS. It's best to start fresh.
2007-03-26 08:34:20 · answer #1 · answered by Demetrius 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Step 1) Backup any personal files (documents, pictures, video, etc.)
Step 2) In the case of upgrading to Vista, make sure that EVERY program you have on your current machine is Vista compatible. If not, decide if you still want to go ahead with the upgrade.
Step 3) If upgrading, make sure you get an upgrade disk, not a new install disk.
Step 4) Make sure that you have all the installation disks, programs, links to downloaded software, etc. for all your programs currently on the machine. Again in the case of upgrading to Vista, you may need to reinstall some applications.
Step 5) Once you have everything saved on a CD/DVD or external hard drive, you can start upgrading.
Yes it is a lot of work to do ahead of time. But once you upgrade (especially to Vista) then there is no going back, and if there are problems, you won't get your old files back.
2007-03-26 15:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by wyntre_2000 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From XP to Vista there is an upgrade advisor that you can download and run. From pre-XP to XP there are checks that the system can run before installing. Run whichever one is applicable and read what it tells you carefully. If at all possible, you should look at exceeding the required minimums, not just meeting them.
Once you determine what version you are going to upgrade to, you should back up all of your sensitive data to some outside storage method (memory sticks, CD/DVD/ portable drives, etc) and check to make sure that the backups work. To upgrade without losing your installed programs, do the Upgrade install. If you want a fresh start (AND have the discs for all of your software) you can do a Fresh install.
I know the XP installer has an option to let you uninstall XP and go back to your previous OS (selectable when you do the upgrade,) but I don't really recommend it. If you are not sure of the upgrade, don't do it.
2007-03-26 15:40:45 · answer #3 · answered by Michael B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For windows I have found that upgrading is better starting fresh. The reason is, if your system or legacy software isn't working correctly you can uninstall with out losing everything on your computer.
If you have all your software on CD or disk then a fresh install is O.K. just make sure you back up all of your data ie saved games, documents etc.
Good luck
2007-03-26 15:41:26 · answer #4 · answered by Knighthawk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put in an upgrade disk and follow the instructions and recomendations
2007-03-26 15:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by Mike C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WITH UPGRADEBAL CD!!!
2007-03-26 15:35:05 · answer #6 · answered by shtarkel 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋