Downgrading to Vista, will I keep the files I have on Windows 7?

[Hatashi]

I'm planning to downgrade to vista, (don't ask why) and I was wondering if I will keep the files I already have (images, music, documents) in a Windows.old folder, because I remember having that when I reformatted Windows 7 or something like that.

The downgrade to Vista is built in my Samsung notebook (F4 on Startup to repair computer) but I have images/music on this laptop that I can't lose, and I don't have any USB's or hard drives I can use at this moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[UsernameIssues]

.....I have images/music on this laptop that I can't lose....

Then those files should be kept on more than one media. Either online storage, external drive(s), CDs, DVDs or.........

As far as the files are concerned, they should always be kept in at least two locations. One on the hard drive and one elsewhere. What if the hard drive fails? How would you get those important files?

 

[kegobeer]

Is that really a downgrade, or is it just restoring the original Vista image that came with the laptop? Did it come with Vista and with the option to upgrade to 7?

 

[t-4-2]

I'm planning to downgrade to vista, (don't ask why) and I was wondering if I will keep the files I already have (images, music, documents) in a Windows.old folder, because I remember having that when I reformatted Windows 7 or something like that.

The downgrade to Vista is built in my Samsung notebook (F4 on Startup to repair computer) but I have images/music on this laptop that I can't lose, and I don't have any USB's or hard drives I can use at this moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please read this Microsoft Support artcle and instructions.....

How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder

It is always a sound precaution to backup all your personal files yourwant to keep in a portable media such as an external hard drive.
t-4-2

 

[Hatashi]

Thanks for the replies.

This is a Samsung laptop that comes with a recovery type of thing where you can always revert back to the factory state, that being Windows Vista, I have tried it once, but I can't recall if I kept the files from Windows 7.

Online storage is not an option since music alone is around 15gb.

 

[t-4-2]

Thanks for the replies.

This is a Samsung laptop that comes with a recovery type of thing where you can always revert back to the factory state, that being Windows Vista, I have tried it once, but I can't recall if I kept the files from Windows 7.

Online storage is not an option since music alone is around 15gb.

When there is more than one person responding to your question, and you want to reply back, click the Quote button under the person to whom you wish to reply.
That way we know which person you are directing the question to.
( Notice your last reply has been quoted at the top of my reply ).

 

[Ztruker]

Samsung restore will wipe out (format) the hard drive so you need to backup anything you don't want to lose before doing so. An external hard drive is the best choice.

 

[gregrocker]

Not only must you back up your files - even if the Samsung Recovery utility offers to do it for you - but you should also make your Factory Recovery disks from the partition if possible so you have a backup method if the partition Recovery fails - as we have happening in another post in this forum right now.

You're also entitled to clean reinstall the licensed version of Vista using the Product Key on the COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop (or under battery). You can google to find an installer ISO then follow these same steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7