windows vista?

Question

if i upgrade to windows vista, will that erase all of my other files? if so, how do i back them up? like my programs and pictures, ect.. HELPPPP

Answer 1

You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing an upgrade copy of Windows Vista. It depends which version of XP you have if you can do a In-place upgrade or a clean install. I would reccomend you check which version of Windows Vista will work on your PC before you install any version of Vista (download the Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor here http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx?wt_svl=10008VHa1&mg_id=10008VHb1 )

Installation options:
In-place Upgrade

You can upgrade in-place, which means you can install Windows Vista and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous edition of Windows.

Clean Install

Upgrading to Windows Vista with a clean install means that you should use Windows Easy Transfer to automatically copy all your files and settings to an extra hard drive or other storage device, and then install Windows Vista. After the installation is complete, Windows Easy Transfer will reload your files and settings on your upgraded PC. You will then need to reinstall your applications.

Click here to find out all the upgrade paths to Windows Vista. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx?wt_svl=10043VHa1&mg_id=10043VHb1

Answer 2

Do you know how to use a cd burner, that would be the best way. Also, vista upgrades on an older sysytem is not the best idea, and yes it will wipe out everything in my doc, pics, etc.

Answer 3

If you use an upgrade, your files you mentioned will stay intact.
However, you may want to back up your favorites in IE and your contacts in Outlook on a disc. (C:\Documents and Settings\\Favorites.........C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook)
Your other files should be safe.
Always nice though, to have a back up of all your files.
Suggest you either do it on another hard drive - (ideal)
Or through a series of dvds or cds. _(make sure you mark what is on them though).
Hope this helps!

Answer 4

No..all you do is stick in the cd, quickly hold the power button till ur pc shuts down, then when it starts up click f2....or f3 for setup, and when it all loads...exit the setup. then it will take you through the process automatically, and you can choose to keep your programs, or erase the whole hard drive, hope this helps.

Answer 5

Please, do yourself a fav, dont waste your time, I do more downgrade from Vista to XP then upgrade XP to Vista in my job.

People always think newer is better, not always, Vista is a prime example.