Right now I am running Linux version 2.6.9-34.ELsmp (root@yort.fnal.gov) (gcc version 3.4.4 20050721 (Red Hat 3.4.4-2)) #1 SMP Mon Mar 13 11:43:06 CST 2006 on my Dell laptop (x64). Right now, I am downloading the .iso files for an upgrade. What are the things that can go wrong? (Yes, I have enough disk space so that will not be a problem.) Will the entire volume be deleted first, so I will lose all my installed programs and files, and hence I will need to back them up, or will I be able to upgrade with my existing file system intact? What other possible issues would I need to look out for?

Hi astallard,

welcome to LQ.

Sounds like you need to read the RedHat upgrading documentation. I guess it should be available from where you downloaded the iso.

Evo2.

FWIW, you're dealing with a man-made machine and man-made code. The list of possible problems is most likely endless.

To help minimize that possibility:

Verify the md5 checksum on the ISO once it's downloaded.

Burn the disc at a SLOW speed for optimum data integrity.

Read the instructions in their entirety to insure that you understand each step before attempting the upgrade process.

And ALWAYS back-up your data before performing system changes.

Cheers and good luck!

a question ??
are you really tiring to update the ancient " Red Hat 3.4 "on a new 64bit computer?????
not if you install the current rehl 5.4
that will require a reformat