Do I need to do a backup?

Create a system image of W7 on another partition or on an external hard drive.

Don`t bother with W8, it`s garbage, and you`ll be switching back.

It`s like using 7 with a different look, a terrible look. JMO

hi, i think you best option would be to look at installing it in virtual drive .unlike addram i'll let you decide for yourself ,not everyone hates it ,i actuall like it ,so go forth and enjoy
Running Windows 8 from a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk drive)

Lady Fitzgerald said:

You should already be making frequent backups, anyway. Definitely, you need to before making any major changes.

+1 It should be a routine.

essenbe said:

Lady Fitzgerald said:

You should already be making frequent backups, anyway. Definitely, you need to before making any major changes.

+1 It should be a routine.

I totally agree with making frequent backups and/or system images a routine. They have saved me having to do a clean install of windows on more than one occasion.

Of course backing up is essential. On the matter of making a system of your Windows 7, upgrading to Windows 8 I wonder if an image restore back to Windows 7 could cause activation issues. That is I wonder if your Windows 7 key is excluded after an upgrade. Other members may be able to comment.
Given it's a trial you should be fine. Installing the trial on a different internal HDD may be better or in a VM as recommended by WHS.

Probably your easiest option is to install it in VMware Player. I run my Windows 8 on VMware from an external USB attached SSD. Runs beautifully and is very fast. It's worth trying for a couple of months. Then you will know whether you like it.

VMware Player - Install Windows 8

One of the advantages of installing it on an external SSD (not HDD, too slow) is that you can use it on different systems.

AddRAM said:

Create a system image of W7 on another partition or on an external hard drive.

Don`t bother with W8, it`s garbage, and you`ll be switching back.

It`s like using 7 with a different look, a terrible look. JMO

So now after you got the Gold Member badge you feel you are the supreme authority capable of telling The Absolute Truth?

One of the most arrogant, uninformative, full of BS statements I have ever seen on the SF!

I feel sorry I congratulated you for the Gold Badge. This post alone put you in my ignore list.

Bye. Kari

Bazingle said:

Thinking of trying Windows 8 free 90 day trial.

Me too but perhaps not the trial because I think I'd need longer to play around now and again.
I think it's sort of ok for people to have passionate views but I'm with you...try it and see.