Upgrading OS Question

[SkimmyMcG]

I want to try Windows 8 for the first time, my main concern is if I can keep all my files since I have no way of backing it all up (225GB's ish of stuff) I currently have Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit, I want to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro 32-bit. Can I do this and keep all my files? Thanks in advance!

[DIV1D3]

If you don't format the drive, and just "Upgrade" than the files of the previous OS will be stored in a "Windows.old" folder. 

[XTankSlayerX]

You should try Windows 8.1, its a lot better than win 8

[SkimmyMcG]

You should try Windows 8.1, its a lot better than win 8

What's the difference?

[OriginalPromise]

What's the difference?

Once you download 8, you can update to 8.1 for free, it doesn't matter.

8.1 brought many bug/stability fixes that 8 suffered from. 

(Also the once disbanded start menu)

8 was Microsoft's mistake, and 8.1 only addresses it, for free.

[ross06187]

ok

 

 I have no way of backing it all up (225GB's ish of stuff)

 

This sets of major alarm bells.  you need to understand that hard drives just die and you need to keep you data in at least two places.  if you not you just as well formatting you computer and wiping all the data as it will do it for you eventually.

 

So i would recommend that you spend the 50$ or £40 on a external  500gb drive.

 

or get could storage i think drop-box is at 1tb for 10$ a month  but have a look around

 

to answer your question

 

doing a upgrade will keep all your files. in theory but it it goes wrong you computer will not be boot able. it is just a good idea to take a copy before messing with the os is such a big way.

[SkimmyMcG]

ok

 

 

This sets of major alarm bells.  you need to understand that hard drives just die and you need to keep you data in at least two places.  if you not you just as well formatting you computer and wiping all the data as it will do it for you eventually.

 

So i would recommend that you spend the 50$ or £40 on a external  500gb drive.

 

or get could storage i think drop-box is at 1tb for 10$ a month  but have a look around

 

to answer your question

 

doing a upgrade will keep all your files. in theory but it it goes wrong you computer will not be boot able. it is just a good idea to take a copy before messing with the os is such a big way.

I plan on getting a 1TB hard drive when I can afford it and installing a 62-bit OS on it, but that could take sometime until I have the money.