Old Files Concern

Well, that depends entirely on how you install Vista. If you install Vista
as an upgrade, and you have programs installed that are not compatible, you
will most likely lose your system (example, AOL or Norton products). If you
install Vista as a clean install, then you will not have any of your XP
programs or any files stored there. Either of these ways, at the end of
May, 2007, Vista Beta will stop working. Also, once Vista is installed,
there is no way to go back to XP without destroying your programs or your
files, either.

If you install Vista on a separate hard drive or on a separate partition,
known as dual-booting or multi-booting, then no you will not lose any of
your XP programs or your files, since XP will still be fully functional on
your computer.

You also may install Vista in a "virtual" location, created with VMWare or
VirtualPC.

In any event, please don't install Vista on a computer that you rely on or
depend upon. It is meant only as a test vehicle for professionals who know
what they are doing, or as a curiosity for avid hobbyists, who also know
what they are doing.

--
Mark

My favourite so far: Unknown device has been correctly installed.


"Vin Lauria" <VinLauria@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:462B7828-B061-453E-90A9-0857DE0CE8B3@microsoft.com...

> If I were to install Vista on my computer, would all my personal files
> (Pictures and stuff.) from XP remain intact?

To reinforce Mark's answer, do not install Vista on any production or
primary home computer. Period. While some recommend at least using a
separate hard drive or at least a separate partition, be aware that you
could still lose the data on your machine even doing that way. If you are
not set up with a computer for testing, then wait for the final release of
Vista.

If you choose to proceed anyway, be aware that there is no rollback from
Vista to XP.

"Vin Lauria" <VinLauria@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:462B7828-B061-453E-90A9-0857DE0CE8B3@microsoft.com...

> If I were to install Vista on my computer, would all my personal files
> (Pictures and stuff.) from XP remain intact?