How do I change my operating system and keep all my files?

Basically, I can't go into safe mode or any other start up feature in windows; so I've decided to un install windows for linux. However I'm not sure how to do so and keep my files.



It is essential that i know this as con merchants are charging me 拢35 to reinstall and 拢10 to save my files.



Help please!How do I change my operating system and keep all my files?
So let me get this straight? You have no idea how to back up your data and you are planning to install Linux? HAHAHAHAHA May God bless you, you really need his blessings.



Now I will give you some advice to save your data. Remove the hard disk from your machine and connect it to another computer. Copy the files over from your hard disk to your current computer being used.



If you have an external hard disk or really large storage space then boot from your linux distro's live cd and back up your data.



I would suggest openSUSE:



http://en.opensuse.org



Here are 2 more ways, if you have the windows installation disk then repair your installation via the setup cd then back up your files and install Linux.



The last thing for you to do is install Linux but setup a dual boot with Windows then copy your data over to linux and destroy the Windows and enlarge the Linux partitions to occupy the entire hard disk.



If you don't understand anything I typed its better you get a friend or a family member to help you out.



Good Luck and take care!How do I change my operating system and keep all my files?
You can install another copy of Windows to a different partition ( drive ) of your hard disk without losing any of the files.



To do this, select new installation, select a different drive, eg D drive or E drive since your existing Windows is in C drive.



You will end up with 2 Windows operating system on start up. Just use the newly installed Windows.



Alternative 2, you can repair the existing Windows. Just mount you Windows CD, select boot from CD, and select new installation.

At the next stage, you will be given an option to enter ' R ' for repair of the Windows OS. Press ' R ' and follow the screen instructions to complete the repair.



Alternative 3, just leave the existing Windows alone, don't make any changes, and download a copy of Linux Live CD from internet, using a different computer of course.

Boot up your computer with the Live CD will let you see all your files in the existing Windows.How do I change my operating system and keep all my files?
Create a partition on your hard drive using a program LIKE Partition Magic. When you have done that, simply copy all the files you want to keep onto your new partition (Will just look like an extra hard drive symbol)... When you have copied all the files you want, just install linux and choose C:\ or the drive letter your windows is installed on. It will then wipe windows, install linux and leave the partition in place for you to access when you load linuxHow do I change my operating system and keep all my files?
Step 1

Access the %26quot;Control Panel%26quot; from the Start menu.



Step 2

Select the %26quot;Performance and Maintenance%26quot; category.



Step 3

Select %26quot;Back Up Your Data%26quot; from the Task menu.



Step 4

Use the %26quot;Back and Restore Wizard%26quot; option and then click %26quot;Next.%26quot;



Step 5

Select %26quot;Back Up Files and Settings.%26quot;



Step 6

Select the option %26quot;Let Me Choose What to Back Up%26quot; and then click %26quot;Next.%26quot;



Step 7

Select the software you would like to back up. Typically, it is located in a similar location: %26quot;My Computer, C: Program Files.%26quot; Note: Check the box next to the software you would like to back up.



Step 8

Click on %26quot;Finish%26quot; to begin the backup process. When finished, click %26quot;Close%26quot; to exit.



For more information:1 877 854 6888How do I change my operating system and keep all my files?
Back up your files on an external hard drive or burn them to a data CD/DVD.