Update or Clean Install of any New OS. What about my Files, Applications and Drivers ??

This post is for Single OS users, not for dual OS users. Feel free to read though.

When switching from Operating Systems one question that is always asked is : ” What about my files and applications, will they still be there ?” Well in theory when switching keep this in mind; you can switch from “X” OS to “X” OS if you want to definately keep your files but to switch from “X” OS to “Y” OS you can’t always be to careful, e.g, X = Windows, Y = Linux.

Lets just say you were switching from Windows to Linux and you wanted all your applications from Windows to be on your new Linux OS. That can’t happen by default. You first have to install Wine onto your Linux distro by going to the Add/Remove Programs option. It is impossible, to my knowledge to use Linux applications on Windows, this is mainly because Linux installers are .tar.bz files. Whilst Windows installers are .exe files.

Now that you understand more slightly about the installation files for Windows etc. I can go on.

If you were moving from Windows to Windows its very easy. For example, in the Windows Seven installation you can choose to just update and this will keep all your files and drivers.

Thats All Well and Good.

BUT. If you wanted to install cleanly (If you are like me and have two OS’ on your PC and just want one) then this will get rid of everything …. EVERYTHING … on your PC except from your new OS. You will then really miss your old files and cool apps you have downloaded. Well your answer is you have to Backup your files, before you off to your start menu and copy the Program files onto a disc …. STOP !!! It doesn’t work and probably never will. What you need to do, to save downloading more installers, is from now on keep all your installation files, if you haven’t, check your recycling bin, you probably haven’t emptied it in ages. Just restore the Installation files and put them onto a disc. As well as this put your valuable photos and other text documents onto the disc. Then when you are finished with all the Installation of your New OS you have these installation files ready. Easy Peasy.

Now for Drivers,

CLEAN INSTALL : You should know that Windows should automatically detect your devices etc and install the required drivers. IF however you have installed your drivers with a disc, for example your Network Connection could be one.  You may need to salvage your discs which contain these drivers. Otherwise if you have some trouble with installing your drivers you can search for them on the Internet.  You may be able to copy the .dll file of the drivers onto a CD but this is not a garauntee. I have heard online of software that can do all this for you and put your Drivers on a Disc. I haven’t seen proof though.

UPDATE : Windows should obviously keep your files.

When it comes to Linux and Drivers,  From my experience Linux can’t so easily pick up Drivers as easily as Windows. This is the only problem I have had with Linux. The Only Driver that has failed me is the Microphone Driver.

Hope this helped slightly,

Will Zam You Later,

Jack