Install vista sp1 (After previous install failed)

[Adam01]

Hi all,
The last time I installed windows vista (home premium) sp1 from windows updates, it failed to install after boot, and kept failing on each boot. So I re-installed via the system recovery option at POST (PC has a seperate partition with windows backup files)

So its been a month sinse then, most of the stuff is installed on this pc now.

What is the chances of this happening again?
I cant quite the remember the error code, but it was when the post-boot install was doing something to the registry.

I would back everything up, but I havnt got enough dvds/cds to do it.

Is it worth upgrading, through windows update or through ms downloads?

[maxamis4]

Your back up options

Well there are several options you have. First realize something its Windows, by nature a company of this size will constantly be attacked and will be targeted so that virus, spyware, malware will be made to break it. So your likely hood of having to reinstall with in the next two years is very good.

So here are your options:

1. Buy a backup solution for your files and pictures:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=linkstation&searchbtn.x=0&searchbtn.y=0

Buffalo linkstation has always worked for me and its reasonably priced. You can look up your own storage solution and that should be enough. Keep in mind though that the linkstation is a hard drive and eventually will fail as well so be mindful down the future that you might need to replace your backup.

2. Switch to a Operating System with less of a chance of crashing:
MAC,GOS, ubuntu, Novel (highly recommended OS)

The disadvantage is that you will have to learn it all again. Advantage most applications are geared towards being free.

3. invest in an online backup solution with a company. This seems to be the way to go for users with minimal IT back group and it is relativity cheap for what they do: https://secure.logmein.com/US/products/backup/
but there are others on the web so by all means please do some research on online backup solutions.

hope this helps