Yosemite data loss

[jmags]

I want to update from SnowLeopard to Yosemite but cannot get any of my back ups to work (external hard drive/time machine). Has anyone updated without a major back up or data loss?

Thanks.

 

[grahamperrin]

Without reference to Yosemite: if your backups are nonexistent or unreliable, be prepared to lose original data when you least expect it, and be prepared for that data to be irrecoverable. That's not unduly pessimistic, just realistic; all hard disk drives fail, eventually. Plus Murphy's Law, and so on.

With reference to Yosemite: it's a free upgrade from Snow Leopard, but I strongly recommend making an investment of some sort in reliable backups before proceeding.

Last but not least, glance at/through the few topics that are pinned at the top of the Yosemite forum. It'll minimise the risk of disappointment. Enjoy!

 

[jmags]

thanks very much for your swift reply. I have various things backed up in various places (being a PhD student you can't be too careful!), but as this is the first update my computer has undergone I'm having panics! My brother has updated fine without any issues but as you said this will be when my computer, reliable for 4 years, decides to implode.

Thanks again