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View Full Version : A really dumb Windows 7 question - actually two of them.


canadiancowboy
November 28th 09, 08:40 PM
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.

My questions are:
1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
thoughts and advice about this.

2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.

3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
(or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
install of 64-bit at a later date?

Thank you for your attention,
Canadian Cowboy.

Bob Hatch
November 28th 09, 09:08 PM
canadiancowboy wrote:
> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
> displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
> Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.
>
> My questions are:
> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
> to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
> Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
> thoughts and advice about this.
>
> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
> support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
> checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
> will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
> understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
> Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
> not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.
>
> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
> (or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
> 64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
> install of 64-bit at a later date?
>
> Thank you for your attention,
> Canadian Cowboy.


Have you ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor?

If your computer is a brand name, have you looked at their support page
for Windows 7 drivers?

Have you looked at the support pages for all your attached devices, such
as printer, scanner, etc for updated drivers and software that are
Windows 7 compatible?

If the answerer to any of the above is "no", why not?


--
"To announce that there must be no criticism
of the President, or that we are to stand by
the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic
and servile, but is morally treasonable to the
American public."
Theodore Roosevelt
http://www.bobhatch.com
http://www.tdsrvresort.com

Ken Blake, MVP
November 28th 09, 09:21 PM
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:53 -0600, canadiancowboy
> wrote:

> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
> displays.


That was very like a driver problem, not a Windows 7 one.


> I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
> Windows 7 becomes stable ...


In my experience, Windows 7 has been completely stable, since it was
released to manufacturing back in August.


> ... and the software and hardware vendors have had
> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.


Drivers are an issue with hardware, not software. Yes, you need the
appropriate drivers for your hardware under Windows 7, and the
problems you had earlier were likely that you didn't have the correct
drivers.

But bear a couple of things in mind:

1. The drivers may have been available for your hardware back when you
first installed Windows 7.

2. The drivers for your hardware may never become available, no matter
how long you wait. If you have an older piece of hardware that its
manufacturer is no longer selling, he may not think that the time and
effort to develop a Windows 7 driver for it is worth it.


> My questions are:
> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
> to support Windows 7, ...


No, it's not a matter of "latest" version. It's a matter of Windows 7
version vs. Windows Vista version.


> ... should I expect any problems with my current
> Windows VISTA system?


Do *not* install Windows 7 drivers on a Windows Vista system. You are
just looking for trouble if you do this.


> I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
> thoughts and advice about this.
>
> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
> support Windows 7.


*What* anti-virus software do you run? Not all of it needs to be
upgraded.


> This suggests that my other software should be
> checked out too.


Yes, you should check everything, but let me point out that most
recent software runs just fine under Windows 7. It's mostly just some
utilities and some older applications that you are likely to have
issues with.


> If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
> will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
> understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
> Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
> not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.

> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
> (or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
> 64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
> install of 64-bit at a later date?


Three points here:

1. Why do you want Professional or Ultimate? The difference between
the edition is only about what features they contain, and for most
people, Home Premium is just fine (and will save a significant amount
of money).

2. If you stay in 32-bit mode, you can do an Upgrade instead of a
clean installation. Although many people will tell you that formatting
and installing cleanly is the best way to go, I disagree. Unlike with
previous versions of Windows, an upgrade to XP or later replaces
almost everything, and usually works very well.

My recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since it's much
easier than a clean installation. You can always change your mind and
reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

However, don't assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need
to backup your data, etc. before beginning. Before starting to
upgrade, it's always prudent to recognize that things like a sudden
power loss can occur in the middle of it and cause the loss of
everything. For that reason you should make sure you have backups and
anything else you need to reinstall if the worst happens.

3. The advantage of running a 64-bit version of Windows exist mostly
if you also run 64-bit applications under it. Bear in mind that there
are very few such applications available yet. If you are presently
running 32-bit Windows, you don't have any 64-bit applications, so to
achieve any advantage, you not only have to replace Windows, but also
your applications, *if* (and that's a big "if") 64-bit versions exist.
64-bit Windows also lets you use more than 4GB of RAM, but for most
people there is little to no advantage in doing so, unless you run
memory-hungry applications, doing things like editing video files or
large graphic images.

Also note that you will need 64-bit drivers for all your hardware.
Those drivers may not all be available, especially if some of your
hardware is a few years old. So it's possible that you might also have
to replace things like your printer, scanner, etc.

So the answer to your question is that it may not be a great idea
right now. That will undoubtedly change in the near future, but for
now, 64-bit Windows mostly means some extra trouble for little or no
benefit.

On the other hand, installing 64-bit Windows instead of 32-bit Windows
makes you able to buy 64-bit software as it becomes available, instead
of the older 32-bit versions. That means that installing 64-bit
Windows--even though it will do very little for you at present--puts
you into a better position for the future.

So the answer to your question is that it's up to you. Rather than
answering the question, I tried to give you some information to help
you decide for yourself.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

philo
November 28th 09, 11:58 PM
canadiancowboy wrote:
> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
> displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
> Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.


Windows 7 is stable. It's just a matter of whether or not drivers are
available.
When I first tested Vista I was a bit miffed as there was no driver at
all for my very common sound card.

When I checked the mfg's site a few months later , they had one...
and it worked fine.


>
> My questions are:
> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
> to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
> Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
> thoughts and advice about this.


I suggest you do not update any drivers unless there is some
functionality you need which is not present in your current driver
but is present in the new driver.

Any driver listed as being for Vista *and* Win7 should work
but I would not advise using a driver made specifically for one
operating system in another. (might work...but it might destroy your system)

>
> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
> support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
> checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
> will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
> understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
> Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
> not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.
>
> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
> (or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
> 64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
> install of 64-bit at a later date?
>

If you want to try out Win7 64bit...
why not just remove the HD from your machine and pop in another one...
then do a test install.

If it works...then go with it...
if it does not work out to your satisfaction...then no harm done

> Thank you for your attention,
> Canadian Cowboy.

peter
November 29th 09, 03:37 AM
I don't understand what's NOT compatible??
I build an old socket 939 system based on Nvidea chipset
with an old Nvidea 6600GT video card plopped in some old
DDR memory and then removed W7 RTM evaluation(Beta)
HD from an Intel system and installed it into the AMD Socket 939 system.
Upon 1st boot W7 changed all of its drivers to match the AMD system
drivers. Everything worked just fine after a requested reboot.
Loaded up some old programs.MS Works,MS Money,an old
Photoshop( and I mean old) plus some other old XP software
and it all works. Connects to my Home Network without problems.
The only thing "new" is AVG and Commodo Firewall.

maybe you can be a little more specific about what software that you have
that you are afraid "might" not work.

As for drivers for Hardware there is better support this time than there
was with Vista. Maybe you can list your hardware as well and somebody
can point you in the right direction.

peter
Canadian City Slicker

--
If you find a posting or message from me offensive,inappropriate
or disruptive,please ignore it.
If you dont know how to ignore a posting complain
to me and I will be only too happy to demonstrate :-)

"canadiancowboy" > wrote in message
el...
> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA to
> Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor displays.
> I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when Windows 7 becomes
> stable and the software and hardware vendors have had time to release
> updated drivers for Windows 7.
>
> My questions are:
> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed to
> support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current Windows
> VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for thoughts
> and advice about this.
>
> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to support
> Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be checked out
> too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode, will that
> negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My understanding is
> that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in Windows 7, that is
> referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode, not Windows VISTA
> compatibility mode.
>
> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional (or
> Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports 64-bit
> mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean install of
> 64-bit at a later date?
>
> Thank you for your attention,
> Canadian Cowboy.

Gordon
November 29th 09, 04:18 AM
On 2009-11-28, canadiancowboy > wrote:
> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
> displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
> Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.

Do yourself a favour. Take the clean install, it make take longer, but it is
quicker.

From my readings, Upgrading from Vista to 7 via the upgrade option is a road
paved with all sorts of nasty fish hooks.

canadiancowboy
November 29th 09, 05:52 PM
Hi Peter.

I did not want to annoy anyone in this newsgroup by giving a long
description of the video problem I encountered, but since you
asked....(Grin)

I have two LCD wide monitors connected to my PC. They function as ONE
monitor, because I have them connected together using a hardware adapter
device. The properties of my monitor are a Generic PnP Monitor on NVIDIA
Genforce GS250 (which has a 1GB of memory on it) card. This monitor has
a resolution of 2560 by 1024 pixels and my windows desktop is
automatically extended to it. It works very well in VISTA.

When I launch a game that displays in full screen mode such as Command &
Conquer 3, VISTA changes the monitor display so that I see the same
image on both monitors. When I exit from the game, the display change
back to the bit 2560 by 1024 pixel display. When I run an older game,
such as Command & Conquer the First Decade (and select the original
Command & Conquer game), Vista detects that Windows basic colour display
is required and adjusts the monitor accordingly. I do not get any
colour bleeds, and again the full screen display is shown on both monitors.

With Windows 7, the full screen display for both Command & Conquer
games) is shown in the middle of my 'big' monitor split between the two
physical monitors. As you might expect this makes playing the game a bit
difficult, and no, I cannot 'move' the display. What is worse is that
there is a lot of colour bleed when the older game is displayed. Yes, I
know that Command and Conquer the First Decade is marked as 'not
compatible' with Windows 7. I did try running it in VISTA compatibility
mode though, and it did launch.

I noticed as well, that Windows 7 does not support my monitor in maximum
resolution size, which is why I suspect that a new driver for Windows 7
is required. I did download and install what I thought was the correct
driver, but, it did not make any difference.

There were a few other oddities, such as programs that should have
worked (like Dragon Naturally Speaking V10.1 and Microsoft Office Word
2007) not launching even after a power off and reboot. Eventually they
did launch, but all my user settings were lost.

I've decided that when I go to Windows 7, it will be with a clean
install, and AFTER I have determined that I have all the correct drivers
for my hardware. I don't relish the thought of having to reinstall all
my application programs, but that is probably the safest route. It will
also give me the opportunity to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit mode.

Thank you everyone, for your insights, suggestions and comments.
Canadian Cowboy.

peter wrote:
> I don't understand what's NOT compatible??
> I build an old socket 939 system based on Nvidea chipset
> with an old Nvidea 6600GT video card plopped in some old
> DDR memory and then removed W7 RTM evaluation(Beta)
> HD from an Intel system and installed it into the AMD Socket 939 system.
> Upon 1st boot W7 changed all of its drivers to match the AMD system
> drivers. Everything worked just fine after a requested reboot.
> Loaded up some old programs.MS Works,MS Money,an old
> Photoshop( and I mean old) plus some other old XP software
> and it all works. Connects to my Home Network without problems.
> The only thing "new" is AVG and Commodo Firewall.
>
> maybe you can be a little more specific about what software that you have
> that you are afraid "might" not work.
>
> As for drivers for Hardware there is better support this time than there
> was with Vista. Maybe you can list your hardware as well and somebody
> can point you in the right direction.
>
> peter
> Canadian City Slicker
>

milt
November 29th 09, 10:54 PM
Gordon wrote:
> Do yourself a favour. Take the clean install, it make take longer, but it is
> quicker.
>
> From my readings, Upgrading from Vista to 7 via the upgrade option is a road
> paved with all sorts of nasty fish hooks.
>

As has been true with every upgrade from one version of Windows to the
next...

Alex Clayton
November 30th 09, 02:57 PM
"Ken Blake, MVP" > wrote in message
...

>
> So the answer to your question is that it's up to you. Rather than
> answering the question, I tried to give you some information to help
> you decide for yourself.
>
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>
>

This has probably been brought up, but about the up grade. I have a new Dell
that offered it. I got the disc the other day, but have seen a lot of people
saying it was all kinds of trouble. Since I have not yet used the new
laptop, other than to make sure it works, there is nothing to lose if I have
to re install, but can I do a what I keep seeing called a clean install with
the upgrade disc Dell sent me or would I have to buy W-7 to do this?
I was originally waiting to get a blank BR disc to make a back up recovery
disc for the system before I tried the up grade but all the people saying
there was lot's of trouble has me wondering about trying.
I did buy 2 new laptops on black Friday for gifts for Wife and one of the
kids. I ran them a little to set them up and put in antivirus, and MS office
2007 for them. The W-7 OS seems easy so far from what little I used it. I
just figured that since I have not used the new Vista laptop yet, if I could
just do a clean install off the upgrade disc then why not.
I am assuming if I do, then if a major problem comes up, I would still be
able to use the restore disc I am going to make to go back to Vista, then
use the upgrade disc to go back to W-7?
I am NOT real, or even close to being tech savvy so I am just looking for
the easy way to this this for dummies so to speak. <G>
BTW, Vista 64 bit home Premium on the new laptop if it matters.
Thanks.
--
Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.
Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza.
--Dave Barry

Pastor Dave[_2_]
January 27th 10, 04:01 PM
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:53 -0600, canadiancowboy
> spake thusly:


>As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
>to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
>displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
>Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
>time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.
>
>My questions are:
>1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
>card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
>to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
>Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
>thoughts and advice about this.
>
>2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
>support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
>checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
>will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
>understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
>Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
>not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.
>
>3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
>(or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
>64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
>install of 64-bit at a later date?
>
>Thank you for your attention,
>Canadian Cowboy.

I would (and always do) do a clean install of Windows7 Ult x64.

Btw, you don';t have to wipe your drive first. It will do it
for you during the install, if you so choose (watch carefully
for the option on the right screen during the install).

I would never upgrade to Win7! Always install clean! :)

--

Pastor Dave

The following is part of my auto-rotating
sig file and not part of the message body.

"There are some that only employ words for the purpose
of disguising their thoughts." - Voltaire

Ken Blake, MVP
January 27th 10, 09:13 PM
On Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:01:34 -0500, Pastor Dave <newsgroup-mail @
tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

> On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:53 -0600, canadiancowboy
> > spake thusly:
>
>
> >As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
> >to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
> >displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
> >Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
> >time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.
> >
> >My questions are:
> >1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
> >card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
> >to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
> >Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
> >thoughts and advice about this.
> >
> >2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
> >support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
> >checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
> >will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
> >understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
> >Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
> >not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.
> >
> >3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
> >(or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
> >64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
> >install of 64-bit at a later date?
> >
> >Thank you for your attention,
> >Canadian Cowboy.
>
> I would (and always do) do a clean install of Windows7 Ult x64.
>
> Btw, you don';t have to wipe your drive first. It will do it
> for you during the install, if you so choose (watch carefully
> for the option on the right screen during the install).
>
> I would never upgrade to Win7! Always install clean! :)



My advice is the exact opposite. Although many people will tell you
that formatting and installing cleanly is the best way to go, I
disagree. Unlike with previous versions of Windows, an upgrade to
Windows XP or later replaces almost everything, and usually works very
well.

My recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since it's much
easier than a clean installation. You can always change your mind and
reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

However, don't assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need
to backup your data, etc. before beginning. Before starting to
upgrade, it's always prudent to recognize that things like a sudden
power loss can occur in the middle of it and cause the loss of
everything. For that reason you should make sure you have backups and
anything else you need to reinstall if the worst happens.

One additional point: if you are currently experiencing problems, I
withdraw what I say above. An upgrade will often exacerbate problems
rather than solving them.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Tony Harding[_2_]
May 28th 10, 12:44 AM
On 01/27/10 15:13, Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
> On Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:01:34 -0500, Pastor Dave<newsgroup-mail @
> tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:53 -0600, canadiancowboy
>> > spake thusly:
>>
>>
>>> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did an upgrade from Windows VISTA
>>> to Windows 7, and then backed out due to problems with my monitor
>>> displays. I am thinking of doing this again, in a few months when
>>> Windows 7 becomes stable and the software and hardware vendors have had
>>> time to release updated drivers for Windows 7.
>>>
>>> My questions are:
>>> 1. If I update all my hardware and software drivers (eg monitor, video
>>> card, sound card, etc) drivers to the latest versions that are supposed
>>> to support Windows 7, should I expect any problems with my current
>>> Windows VISTA system? I would think not, but thought it best to ask for
>>> thoughts and advice about this.
>>>
>>> 2. I already know that I have to upgrade my anti-virus software to
>>> support Windows 7. This suggests that my other software should be
>>> checked out too. If I run software in Windows VISTA compatibility mode,
>>> will that negate the 'not compatible' status for most software? My
>>> understanding is that when software is said to be 'not compatible' in
>>> Windows 7, that is referring to running it in 'native' Windows 7 mode,
>>> not Windows VISTA compatibility mode.
>>>
>>> 3. Would it be better to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional
>>> (or Ultimate) in 64-bit mode (yes my hardware configuration supports
>>> 64-bit mode), rather than stay with 32-bit mode and then do a clean
>>> install of 64-bit at a later date?
>>>
>>> Thank you for your attention,
>>> Canadian Cowboy.
>>
>> I would (and always do) do a clean install of Windows7 Ult x64.
>>
>> Btw, you don';t have to wipe your drive first. It will do it
>> for you during the install, if you so choose (watch carefully
>> for the option on the right screen during the install).
>>
>> I would never upgrade to Win7! Always install clean! :)
>
>
>
> My advice is the exact opposite. Although many people will tell you
> that formatting and installing cleanly is the best way to go, I
> disagree. Unlike with previous versions of Windows, an upgrade to
> Windows XP or later replaces almost everything, and usually works very
> well.
>
> My recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since it's much
> easier than a clean installation. You can always change your mind and
> reinstall cleanly if problems develop.
>
> However, don't assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need
> to backup your data, etc. before beginning. Before starting to
> upgrade, it's always prudent to recognize that things like a sudden
> power loss can occur in the middle of it and cause the loss of
> everything. For that reason you should make sure you have backups and
> anything else you need to reinstall if the worst happens.

i.e., verified backups.

Google