Before updating to Windows 8.1 it is important to back up your files just in case something goes wrong.
In Windows 8 there is a program called File History. This program will back up the folder contents of :
Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders and the OneDrive files available offline on your PC.
In order to use this service connect a blank USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive.
Move your mouse cursor to the lower right hand side of your computer screen and select search.
Enter File History Settings in the search box and click File History Settings when it comes up in the search box.
Select the drive letter of the drive you want to backup to and select Turn on File History.
You can also back up your files manually.
To make a copy of the file you can right click and select copy, than right click where you want to copy it to and select paste.
Some file locations to consider backing up...
My Documents
My Pictures
My Videos
My Music
Downloads
Before updating to Windows 8.1 you will need to check a few things.
1) Make sure you have enough space on your hard drive. The windows update takes about 4gb of space.
2) In the Control Panel search for Windows Update, and check for updates, install all available updates.
3) Temporarily turn off you ant-virus program.
4) Connect to a reliable internet connection. It is best to use a wired connection rather than WIFI.
Updating to Windows 8.1
1) Go to the Metro Start Screen by hitting the windows key on your keyboard.
2) Select the store tile.
3) Select the Free Windows 8.1 update tile.
4) Wait for the update to complete
After the update
1) You will need to accept the license terms.
2) Select Express Settings.
3) Input the login username and password you were using with Windows 8.
4) Set up your OneDrive cloud storage.
5) It will now check for any new updates.
6) Make sure you turn your anti-virus program back on.