Will I lose all the data stored on my laptop? Can I upgrade without backup
(will it do it automatically)? Thanks

An upgrade to Windows XP Pro is a smooth transition and will not affect your
current programs or files if you use the following procedure:

1. Purchase a conventional "Retail Upgrade Version" [boxed] of Windows XP Professional.
2. Uninstall your antivirus program.
3. Perform a backup of your important documents and files to a CD, DVD, or other backup media.
4. Disconnect all hardware peripheral devices, except the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
5. While running Windows XP Home, insert the Windows XP Pro CD in the drive and select
the default "Upgrade" setup option. [Do not select "New Installation"]
6. Visit the Windows Update site to download all the critical updates.
7. Reinstall your antivirus program, then defrag your hard drive.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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"SC" wrote:

| Will I lose all the data stored on my laptop? Can I upgrade without backup
| (will it do it automatically)? Thanks

The upgrade from Home to Pro is safe an easy. Just insert the CD and follow
the onscreen instructions. Don't even think of upgrading unless your
computer is free of problems and free of viruses and spyware.

You should always backup before upgrading an operating system - the upgrade
process does not do this for you.

--
Ted Zieglar
"You can do it if you try."

"SC" <SC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:99BC739B-1B05-4B68-986E-C821041480C4@microsoft.com...
> Will I lose all the data stored on my laptop? Can I upgrade without backup
> (will it do it automatically)? Thanks

SC wrote:
> Will I lose all the data stored on my laptop?


Probably not. WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing
operating system while simultaneously preserving your applications and
data, and translating as many personalized settings as possible. The
process is designed to be, and normally is, quite painless. That said,
things can go wrong, in a small number of cases. If your data is at all
important to you, back it up before proceeding.

The upgrade from WinXP Home to WinXP Pro, in particular, almost
always goes smoothly, as both operating systems use the same kernel.


> Can I upgrade without backup


If you like gambling, certainly.


> (will it do it automatically)?


No.


--

Bruce Chambers

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