New OS

Say I wanted to install a new OS (Windows 7, Ubuntu etc.) Would I lose all the programs I have on the computer?

Yes, unless the OS is able to be in-place Upgraded.

Programs always have to be reinstalled when an OS is clean installed or reinstalled.

ty for your response, so I would need to have it installed already so I wont lose the files and programs?

Only Vista can be in-place Upgraded to Win7, and it needs to be the correct version to Upgrade.

Within Win7 you can use Anytime Upgrade to change to a higher version, which works with a retail Product Key as well.

Plus there is a workaround to change between versions within Win7 if you have the desired version Product Key.

Anything other than that has to be clean installed.

Damn, that sux.