if i upgrade to windows vista will i lose files from the last os????

Question

hi!....im after buyin the new windows vista!....and im afraid to install it!......because i think i'll will lose all my files!=[ so could any one tell me will i lose my files or not!?!?!??!?!?thanks!

Answer 1

No, though it would not be a bad idea to back it up just in case.



I must, however, ask: Why are you installing Vista? Why not a better, free operating system, such as Ubuntu?

Answer 2

All of your applications should move over when you upgrade. But you should definitely back up your valuable files. Most of your drivers should update automatically and most Vista drivers work for Windows 7 if there is not a new one available yet. If you have more upgrade questions head to the Windows Canada page on Facebook for personalized help. Cheers, Andy Windows Canada

Answer 3

No. you will not lose your data.... if you read and chose the right option

There is a 3 option that installer offer to you,



1. you can upgrade the old OS and use all setting & document from old OS ,



2. you can replace the old OS with the fresh installer (It mean the Vista will format first before install the new one)



3. You install the VISTA with you old OS, so you will have 2 OS in one computer. But not in 1 partition, it mean you have build another partition first before using more than 1 OS.





But before you install the VISTA it is better to backup your data first for minimal the risk of lost data.....

I hope this will help you

Answer 4

I would run the compatability test from M$ first......many companies do not have drivers that work with vista...so your printer,wireless etc may no longer work.

There is an option to upgrade in place,which means keeping your files,settings and installed programs.......however back up all your files as this could go horribly wrong! Many 2000/Xp programs are not Vista compatable so as I said research first!

As to Linux,well as long as you're not computer illiterate everythings fine.....plus you'll save $100's if not $1000 on software,and you won't need to worry about malware or defragging your HD every week either! : ) most Linux distros can be run from a CD/DVD as a 'Live' disk.......so you can try it out without installing on your HD!! How cool is that!

Answer 5

Hi u will not lose those files if they are not inside windows\ directory..



But the problem is that all thye programs that were installed might not work properly anymore cuz u might have to re-install everything again...



but other than that all ur files from the last OS will be intact

Answer 6

So I'm not going to answer your question like a Linux moron (sounds like you have Windows, and you want the next version of Windows), but why Vista? Vista can't do anything better than XP at this point and it throws in some tricky and irritating things. I would say sit and wait for SP1 for Vista to arrive.

Answer 7

no ross,as with windows xp ,vista has a option to transfer your previous files to your new operating system

"files and settings transfer wizard" will safely transfer all your files and documents from windows xp to windows vista,however its best to make another back up on removable media such as external hard drive or dvdrw,just to be sure

on factor when upgrading from windows xp to windows vista is program compatibility,some of your programs from xp may not work properly in vista,or may require a patch to work correctly

drivers are another issue with vista,although over the last few months most of the hardware manufacturers have brought out updated drivers for their hardware and devices

some manufacturers actually have a specific transfer hardware package such as the Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Vista(http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=265952&CatId=912),The easiest way to upgrade from Windows XP to Vista, preserving all your essential data, settings and files! The Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Vista takes care of the hard and complex work needed to migrate from your Windows XP system to the next-generation Vista environment. Simply install the provided software CD onto your XP-based computer. Then place this transfer cable into each USB port of both the XP and Vista PCs. The Easy Transfer Wizard will automatically appear, letting you choose which items to copy over. In just a couple of mouse-clicks, your important settings, along with photos, music, images, spreadsheets and documents will begin to be transferred over, all using high-speed USB data rates. It truly is as simple as that!

i hope this helps ross!

good luck mate!

Answer 8

you shouldn't lose anything when upgrading but to be on the safe side i would make a backup of all your important files and folders...the only problem that you might have after the upgrade is that some of your programmes might not work...i have had this problem with my laptop which came with vista...

Answer 9

If you choose upgrade all software and files will be there. But if you install clean new version all your files will be moved to a flie called windows.old, but u will lose ur softwares. Your graphics and sound card drivers and also direct x will not be lost either way though.

Answer 10

Upgrades are a pain. You sometimes do lose files, or they won't work on the new OS. Back them up first.

Answer 11

is your pc ready for vista? if not, dont install it. if yes, you may or you may not lose files depending on how u install it. You need a help from a comp tech to help u install vista.

Answer 12

go and buy a flash drive and save all of your stuff to those then install windows vista

Answer 13

No,you will not lose any files,but i would wait a while longer before you up grade.I did and wished i had not,there's still allot of issues with the system and it will do your head in.

Answer 14

when you upgrade from any windows there's always a chance of losing your data....

so back up all your files.....

why upgrade at this moment as vista is so unstable/drivers not working etc......

take your chance.....if you want... pot luck.....

Answer 15

no you will not lose anything .. you have the option when u install ... as it upgrades old system files .. keeps your files. i always back up importnat data ... nothings for certain ... x

Answer 16

you might lose file I was told vista is bad my friend can't even get enternet with vista Qwest don't reconize it

Answer 17

Transfer it on a CD, USB flash drive or HDD drive just make a back-up.