Questions about Updating Vista to 7

Hi I got Vista home Basic 32 and I amconsidering getting windows 7 Ultimate......32
My Question is this... Can I upgrade without losing my data files, or do I have to wipe everything off my Hard drive????? I know to do this I need to do this I need X amount of freespace omn my drive.... I do have a partitioned drive in 3 parts... C drive d drive and the 10gigs for the Vista files for backup and restore of my system files.....

If someone could help me with an answer it would be great.... Thank you very much....

Heres the answer Tom

You can upgrade with and upgrade DVD and not lose anything

Upgrade Install with Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums

or
you can do a clean install with an upgrade DVD and everything must be saved.

Why do a clean install? The answer is that you will have a more stable and better perfomring OS, if you do a clean install. It is my opinion that the only reason that an upgrade is offered is because it is easier and more people would desire to buy the new OS.
By the way, I have Seven and love it. When you are ready, I will give you detail instructions on how to mainatain your new OS.
Its this simple, Tom

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums

Almost forgot, Tom,
You may want to check out this website to be sure that your computer can handle Seven and that all the software is compatible
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Download - Microsoft Windows

Thank you for the quick reply.... It will be maybe tonight till I install it....

What if I got it from the Microsoft.com, would I still keep my data???

Ok I am almost reafy, just need to create restore point.....

and I am glad I found the link to Fences, I been using it alot......

Thanks again rich

Regardless of the source if you keep your data, the install will not be a good as a clean install.
I do not THINK that you can get it from Microsoft.com, There is an anytime upgrade but that is from one edition of Seven to another and not Vista to Seven. If I am mistaken and you can get it from Microsoft and you can keep your data, my advice is not to take that route.
What do you want an old car that has just been waxed and detailled and looks like new or a new 2012 car.
Its the same thing with the upgrades.

Im really glad that Fences was a help to you, we aim to please and feel great when we do.

K i my system is compatible, I am going to install windows 7 shortly.:D

Wish you luck with the install, once done, I know you will enjoy the OS.

TY rich...

Peter,
Here is my full post on maintenance. Usually, I give only the second half, but in your case, I am giving the full post. Some will not apply because your computer is not new, but follow the advice on everything that applies and you will be at the Forum, in the future, with help and not problems.

As soon as you get home with your computer:

Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install.
Should be done at the end and this software, although probably free for a while,
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.

Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates.

Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.

This is also the opportunity to download Adobe Flash Player

Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE.

Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.

Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.

Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

Optimize Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance

In addition, you may want to join our Seven Forum, for the most helpful information
http://www.sevenforums.com/