Updating to the latest viewer- Instructions that should be on the viewer download page

[valerie Inshan 5,260]

If you are just upgrading to the latest release:

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1. Is it necessary to uninstall the previous version, or will setup install over the old one.

No need to uninstall, the update will be done automatically over the old one.

2. Is it necessary to back up settings, etc before installing a newer version? If so, how is this accomplished?

No. Your settings in the new update will be the same as the ones you had in the previous version.

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Typically, when you install a new version of the Second Life Viewer, you can simply install over your existing version.  However, if you are experiencing problems, one of the first things to do is completely uninstall your current version and reinstall the same or a newer version.  Sometimes this is referred to as a clean install.

A clean install may help if there is an unusual issue affecting the Viewer user interface (UI), or if a Resident is having difficulty loading UI elements such as windows or menus. It can also be done to restore lost settings or return things to a default setup, if somehow the settings in the Viewer have changed or become unusuable. It doesn't usually hurt and can sometimes fix things that otherwise defy explanation.

It's important to clear out temporary Second Life files (such as the cache) when reinstalling.

Note: Uninstalling deletes your chat and IM logs. If you want to keep them, save the files before you uninstall. See Chat and IM logs for more information.

In this case, you may have to adjust some of your settings in the new viewer (such as graphics preferences). All the rest will be safe. I am not aware of a back up function for Second Life settings.

http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/How-to-uninstall-and-reinstall-Second-Life/ta-p/1375231

[valerie Inshan 5,260]

If you are just upgrading to the latest release:

---

1. Is it necessary to uninstall the previous version, or will setup install over the old one.

No need to uninstall, the update will be done automatically over the old one.

2. Is it necessary to back up settings, etc before installing a newer version? If so, how is this accomplished?

No. Your settings in the new update will be the same as the ones you had in the previous version.

---

Typically, when you install a new version of the Second Life Viewer, you can simply install over your existing version.  However, if you are experiencing problems, one of the first things to do is completely uninstall your current version and reinstall the same or a newer version.  Sometimes this is referred to as a clean install.

A clean install may help if there is an unusual issue affecting the Viewer user interface (UI), or if a Resident is having difficulty loading UI elements such as windows or menus. It can also be done to restore lost settings or return things to a default setup, if somehow the settings in the Viewer have changed or become unusuable. It doesn't usually hurt and can sometimes fix things that otherwise defy explanation.

It's important to clear out temporary Second Life files (such as the cache) when reinstalling.

Note: Uninstalling deletes your chat and IM logs. If you want to keep them, save the files before you uninstall. See Chat and IM logs for more information.

In this case, you may have to adjust some of your settings in the new viewer (such as graphics preferences). All the rest will be safe. I am not aware of a back up function for Second Life settings.

http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/How-to-uninstall-and-reinstall-Second-Life/ta-p/1375231

[chuctanunda 3]

Hi,Valerie. thank you for your concise and very helpful answer to my question. I couldn't find this information anywhere on the viewer download page.

[valerie Inshan 5,260]

You are welcome! That's true there are no instructions on the download page. For any question you may have when experiencing a problem or having a doubt, Second Life wiki and Google are your best friends! :-))