I have managed to get myself a copy of the beta version of Windows Longhorn and have a couple of questions before I go ahead and install it.

Firstly, will I lose all my data after I have installed Longhorn?

Secondly, will I still be able to use the same recovery discs that came with my PC?:If so, will it boot to windows XP or Longhorn?

If you could answer me these questions it would be great.:)

Thanks guys ;)

Craig

I'm not even going to ask where you got it at. If it is a legit "copy" than there should be an upgrade install to allow you to keep all your files. If this is a not so legit d/led copy, I'd make sure it works before messing up your main pc, install it in a "spare parts" pc or something. Either way, your recovery discs will not work anymore. They will only be good for re-installing xp , and whatever drivers are on them..............here's my 2 cents: M$'s OS are buggy a lot when they are released, so a beta version is most likely have a lot of issues, I'd don't think longhorn is due to be released for a while yet. A d/led beta, your asking for trouble..........like I said my 2 cents..........

edit- back everything up, either way!!!

So my recovery disk will still work, just restore it to windows XP??

yeah, but you'll be looking at a complete re-format to re-install xp, meaning you will loose all data on your hard drive when you go back.

I think I'm willing to take the risk :)
I just put the disc in and from wot i can see there is a file transfer wizard.

let me know how it turns out, I'm kinda curious to see what longhorn is all about :)

Of course, will let you know ASAP ;)

I've heard that Longhorn is not even Beta yet it's still at the Alpha stage so exspect it to have alot of bugs.

OK, thanks for advice.

Just to let you know my install plan. I am going to do it like this because I have just recovered from severel serious virus's and still have severel bugs left on my computer.

As follows-
Reboot hard drive using recovery disc>run windows as normal (bug and virus free :) )>install service pack 1a>install longhorn

lmk weather you think I should bother installing the service pack or even going through the above procedures at all please ????

Here's an interesting site to look at
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/longhorn_alpha.asp

The releases or Longhorn are not even BETA yet. They are 'Release Candidates'. They are very buggy and most of the new features aren't even complete yet, a lot of them are missing!

I would seriously think about installing it on your main PC as an operating system. It would be a far better idea to put it on a spare PC as was suggested.

There are more than 2 yrs to see LongHorn in market. Second point - it is still in Alpha stage. Even MS Certified Beta testers like our member Harry O will (officially) receive it after a year or so. I am not asking how you got it. ;)

The setup process consists of three phases. Step One, you’ll enter your product ID, agree to the licensing agreement, and choose the installation partition. In Step Two, Longhorn’s files will be copied to the system. The system will then reboot and you’ll be presented with Step Three, which prompts you to enter account names. Longhorn installation is now complete. Believe me, you can have Longhorn up and running in only about 15 minutes. :rolleyes:

Well, as said by so many above; to start with LongHorn, First step should be backing up every byte of data.

Thanks, I will take the last two posts into account :)

you're wasting your time. I don't think you can get good hardware support (drivers etc...) and there's a newer build out 4015 i think. My friend installed it on the computer. It's retarted. Still looks like XP, but crashes a lot.
I don't see what's the hurry - it's still looks like XP now. It's not even close to being finished. If you want longhorn that bad - just go download the THEME!

It looks very nice but is in very early stages of development. So really what would be the point in having it on your system if the Driver and Software support is limited. also I would expect it to crash and gve lots of errors ect. From the previews I like it a lot, I love that side bar that replaces the taskbar, is there anyway you can get that for XP?.

I installed it people and had a look around. I was unable to setup my internet connection so I'm back on XP. It was damn good while it lasted tho. I don't wanna have to wait another 2 years until its finished :sick:

I answer to the previous question yes you can get that for XP by using either DesktopX or Windows Blinds. ;)