Due to musical software and midi connections i want to add to my computer, i need to upgrade to xp home, professional, or vista since there are no supported drivers for my xp media center edition. if i were to upgrade, would all of my existing files (word docs, mp3s, etc.) get wiped out?
2007-06-25 12:28:23 · 4 answers · asked by mobsterman182 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
To do a proper install of XP, etc, you should format your hard drive. That would wipe all of your personal files, so, first you must do a backup of these files. You can burn them to CD's or DVD's. Personally, I use a second hard drive that I store a second, or backup, of all of my data.
2007-06-25 12:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by Ron M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you purchase the "Upgrade " version of the new operating system i.e Windows XP Pro Upgrade, all of your files will be there when the upgrade is complete. However, the golden rule is to back up All your files to an external drive BEFORE you attempt the upgrade. You should only upgrade to Vista if your system passes the Compatability Wizard from Microsoft.
Good luck,
2007-06-25 12:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by allstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea of course if you download or restore any system on your pc its gonna restore all your settings and wipe out everything so i recommend first buy an external hard drive before you download a new operating system ps i got media center 2 and the program should let you download it or it should work beacuse the drivers for media center are the same for pro and home but it just has more stuff so instead of upgrading i recommend get a better program like sony acid for cheaper or you for midi files get a freeware one for free of tucows.com or download.com and save ur files and money
2007-06-25 12:38:44 · answer #3 · answered by Dre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only a fool performs an upgrade without backing their data up first. During installing an upgrade your files should not be erased, however there are times when the upgrade goes bad leaving you no alternative but to reformat (erasing everything) and reinstall.
You computer will run faster and have more free space on the hard drive if you instead of performing an upgrade you format your hard drive (erasing everything) and install as this erases all the viruses, spyware, unnecessary files, and other garbage that accumulates.
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Format Drive and Reinstall Windows
The following procedure erase everything on the hard drive.
Backup your data. Find all your drivers and software and software keys now and develop a plan on how you will reinstall them.
http://blog.angrypets.com/2006/01/ultimate_prefla.html
http://www.thefuhrmans.com/reformat_hd.htm
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp
Keyfinder Thing 3.1.6
http://www.download.com/Keyfinder-Thing/3000-2094_4-10561260.html?tag=lst-0-1
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Optional: Wipe the drive
All data on the drive will be overwritten.
This is often recommended when you are trying to get rid of a spyware /virus infection or before you sell your computer to eliminate the chance that any personal information can be recovered.
Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) free
http://www.download.com/Darik-s-Boot-and-Nuke/3000-2092_4-10165154.html
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=61951&package_id=58479&release_id=439240
DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.
Wipe Methods
Quick Erase YES
Canadian RCMP TSSIT OPS-II Standard Wipe YES
American DoD 5220-22.M Standard Wipe YES
Gutmann Wipe YES
PRNG Stream Wipe YES
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Format and Reinstall Windows
Optional: When you format enter "fdisk /mbr" to format the master boot record.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6132_102-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=49909&messageID=593967
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/69013
Reformat and install. (Cleans drive loses all data)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx
http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp
2007-06-25 12:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋