Nov152012

Can I upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 without losing data?

Erlis Dhima asks:

Some time ago a Windows update appeared to update to Windows 7 SP1! I hid the update since I was unsure if I should apply it or not. What would you suggest?

I don’t want my programs or anything to get messed up. Is it like an upgrade from a version of Windows to another (like from Vista to 7) where I need to install my programs again… Does it affect my files?

Thanks in advance!


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System: Windows 7
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12 Answers -

0 votes

Alan Wade

November 15, 2012

You can safely upgrade to SP1 without any loss of data, files, programs etc.

Erlis Dhima

Thanks Alan! I really appreciate your answer! I will do the update then!

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Terafall

November 15, 2012

Usually it is safe to update to SP1 but backup in case something went wrong

Erlis Dhima

Thanks for your suggestion!

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Bruce Epper

November 15, 2012

Updating your system with a service pack does not affect your programs and data. It is merely a bundle of all of the released hotfixes and patches up to the release date of the service pack that are all installed at the same time. If you have been keeping your system up-to-date with all of the previous patches, the service pack won’t even be changing many of the operating system files anyway.BTW, upgrading from Vista to 7 in most cases does not require reinstallation of your programs either unless you are shifting from 32-bit to 64-bit or vice versa or going from a more expansive edition to a lesser one (Professional or Ultimate to Home Premium for example).

Erlis Dhima

I’ve done all the lasted updates. But I will try do install this update too!

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Owaseye ILEMOBAYO

November 15, 2012

yes

0 votes

Jan Fritsch

November 15, 2012

Usually neither an update nor upgrade requires the reinstallation of software – only if the installed version is incompatible with the newer system.

As for the Service Pack 1 it should be safe to install without having to do any reinstallation or updating of other software. Basically a service pack is a like the last 100+ security updates and a bunch of new updates packaged into a single installation.

Not messing things up or losing data is another topic – it’s a risk with any and everything you install. If your system is already “full of bugs and errors” the update could fail and render your system unbootable. If you never faced any issues until now SP1 should install without any problem.

Erlis Dhima

My windows os doesn’t have any bugs ’till now, so I should probably install this update! :) Thanks for your answer!

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Stanimir Mihov

November 15, 2012

Its not usual for data loss to occur during a Service Pack Update

Erlis Dhima

Thanks for your comment!

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Lisa Santika Onggrid

November 15, 2012

You can upgrade without losing anything. I was reluctant too but then I tried my luck. It’ll ask for reboot but that’s all. Go on and update:)

Erlis Dhima

Thanks! I will do this update! :)

November 15, 2012
0 votes

Nikhil Chandak

November 15, 2012

Yes u can !

0 votes

Rakesh Mishra

November 15, 2012

u can upgrade only your instALLED software will be lost

Alan Wade

No installed software will be lost with a normal upgrade.

November 15, 2012
Erlis Dhima

Don’t worry! I did the upgrade and everything went fine! :)

November 16, 2012
Alan Wade

Glad it went well :)

November 16, 2012
0 votes

Yogiraj Mishra

November 16, 2012

Yes You can ! there is no probs in that its fully safe.

0 votes

Qin Tang

November 19, 2012

It’s better to backup your data before updating your system.

0 votes

prasad kondaveti

December 4, 2012

you can upgrade