reinstall Vista

[SoundBytes]

Hi
I have a major problem with my laptop, so I have decided to reinstall, but
I would like to keep my data i.e films, music doc etc, is that possible and
how?

Thanks

Gordon

 

[Dave]

Hi
I have a major problem with my laptop, so I have decided to reinstall, but
I would like to keep my data i.e films, music doc etc, is that possible
and how?

Thanks

Gordon

The easiest way is with an external hard drive, your next option would be to
burn your personal files to DVD's or CD's or if you have access to another
computer you could get a cross over cable and temporarily store your files
there.

There are online storage options as well which could be quite handy but if
your on dial-up that wouldnt be the best option.

Having good back up disks is good practice anyways so I'd say burn your
files to a DVD or CD and then store them off location in case of a tragic
event.


Hope htis helps
Dave

 

[EW]

Hi
I have a major problem with my laptop, so I have decided to reinstall, but
I would like to keep my data i.e films, music doc etc, is that possible and
how?

Thanks

Gordon

Do you have a flash drive, sometimes called a thumb drive? It goes into
your USB port and acts as another drive onto which you can save thousands of
files (depending on size). If not, I'd recommend you get one for future
use! My 4 GB flash drive is invaluable for situations like yours, and
simply as a good backup location in case of hard drive failure.

EW

 

[SoundBytes]

Do you have a flash drive, sometimes called a thumb drive? It goes into
your USB port and acts as another drive onto which you can save thousands
of
files (depending on size). If not, I'd recommend you get one for future
use! My 4 GB flash drive is invaluable for situations like yours, and
simply as a good backup location in case of hard drive failure.

EW

Hi Again
I can't get to the files, I have a problem where I can't open explorer, it
just keeps saying there is a problem and explorer will restart, I have gone
though Google and lots of people with the same problem but no fix as yet and
most people say reinstall, so I have decided to do just that, I have lots of
holiday films and documents that I really need to save, some over 7 gig, so
I really would like to reinstall Vista and save them, even if I have to
reinstall then save files, then format and reinstall again

Thanks

 

[Dave]

Do you have a flash drive, sometimes called a thumb drive? It goes into
your USB port and acts as another drive onto which you can save thousands
of
files (depending on size). If not, I'd recommend you get one for future
use! My 4 GB flash drive is invaluable for situations like yours, and
simply as a good backup location in case of hard drive failure.

EW

Doh! I forgot about flash drives........yes good option.

 

[Ken Triebold]

Hi Again
I can't get to the files, I have a problem where I can't open explorer, it
just keeps saying there is a problem and explorer will restart, I have
gone though Google and lots of people with the same problem but no fix as
yet and most people say reinstall, so I have decided to do just that, I
have lots of holiday films and documents that I really need to save, some
over 7 gig, so I really would like to reinstall Vista and save them, even
if I have to reinstall then save files, then format and reinstall again

Thanks

Here is just a thought. If you can't get to the files on Windows Explorer,
try to get at them through "Computer". Click the Start button, then click on
Computer. All your drives should then be shown. Assuming your files are on
the C: drive, double click on the C: drive to see all the folders and files
in that drive. Because you said explorer will not work, I am not sure this
technique will work either, but it is worth a try. Good luck!

 

[Daniel]

I believe that if you insert your Vista DVD and run the install program,
choosing Upgrade, you will not lose your data.
I have done this often, you do lose updates to Vista but nothing else,
unless there is a problem with the install.

Just in case, backup the most important data, but 4Gig is not a lot of space
for a full backup, well not for me anyway.

cheers

Daniel

 

[SG]

Gordon,

If what Ken suggested about "Computer" doesn't work for you then try the old
trick with "Internet Explorer". Open IE, in the address bar type: C: and
press enter.