Sorry!! I am sure this has been addressed already but I can't find it. I want to try Windows 7 beta but I only have one computer and am concerned that a crash could really be disastrous and cause me to lose everything. So I really need to know the safety/risk factor in downloading and installing the Windows 7 beta. Also, if I did run it successfully, how would I keep from losing anything after August?

What I would recommend is to go out and get another hard drive and install Windows 7 on it with your primary drive disconnected.This will allow you to test and all your data and programs will be safe on the other drive. When August comes, you will be able to use your current operating system and have a spare drive as well. Or you could clone your existing drive to another and install Windows 7 as an upgrade and then still have your existing drive safe.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/D/B/FDBFC5A5-51CD-4C8D-9F18-7BCC3810498E/Windows%207%20Beta%20Release%20Notes.htmThis is some release notes you may want to read the site has some pre instructions that everyone needs and suppose to read.It should helptomchambliss@bellsouth.net

I agree with Lead3...I installed Windows 7 on a different hard drive . It is Beta and only good until August. I have another HDD with Vista installed and all I have to do is put that back into my computer and off and running. I dont have to worry about Vista getting "hurt" I keep my important info on Vista but still can test programs and such on Windows 7

@harryward Here are a couple links for you if you have not already read them. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-faq.aspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-installation-instructions.aspx Like Lead3 said, if you want to test out Windows 7 w/out losing anything, go out and get another hard drive and use that WITH YOUR PRESENT HARD DRIVE DISCONNECTED as so you dont inadvertently do something to your present working drive. Since it sounds as if you would be in a bad state if you lost your information, you definitely need to take the proper precautions and adhere to established best practices.