Just did a fresh install, and wow, i can notice the speed difference... of course im loading all my music and photos on now, but hopefully that shouldn't slow it down too much.

Will a clean install wipe a bootcamp partition?

I wouldn't think so, because the OS X and bootcamp are in completely different sections of the HD.

I did an upgrade and had no problems AT ALL. I was surprised considering everybody says they're unsafe.

Ok all...
I noticed a couple of people are asking similiar questions in this thread and others... but to date I haven't seen replies.

Background:
I did a Upgrade Install on my MBP - but like many hit the blue screen issue.
Two x atempts later, two restart attempts, and an overnight wait...
I did an Archive and Install and all seems to be working fine.

(Mac mini upgrade install worked fine first attempt).

How long do you recommend keeping the "Previous System" folder?

For those reading this - Mac OS X install disks come with three options:

Putting in the install disk defaults to an upgrade install - which puts the new Mac OS X over the top of your existing one - and keeps all data / apps / settings etc.

Fresh Install / Erase and Install - which basically wipes everything and starts with a clean slate.

Archive and Install - moves old Mac OS X to a "Previous System" folder, keeps all apps / settings / and user accounts (if you select that option) but then installs a new / fresh version of the Mac OS X.

My MBP seems to be all good now - and even did the latest Software Update for Keychain and Login.

How long do I keep the Previous System folder?
Now Leopard seems to be good, and it's even restarted with the latest software update - Trash it? Keep it on Ext HDD?

I'm leaning towards Trash (its 18GB)... the Setup disks that came with my MBP (latest model) can always put Tiger back on... and I have retail family pack of Leopard.

All thoughts / views / considerations would be muchly appreciated.

I am thinking the same thing. I have heaps of storage so I am tempted to move it but still, its a lot of wasted space potentially.

I am concerned if I trash it something may not have been migrated and I should move it now before the delete.

What is the difference between upgrading and doing a fresh install using the migration assistant?

I will be doing an update. As an IT Manager I need to know that it is seamless, and I can do this on all my computers. I am not going to do a clean install on all the macs I will eventually be updating. I have always done updates, and have never had problems with it, so if you want to know how it goes, I will post an update here, after I have done mine, and you can judge for yourself....

Clean install for me as well. I've got enough hangups from my past, don't need my 'puter having them too...

Did archive and install option with preserving user accounts - bad: can't log in
Did clean install and import existing accounts - bad: can't log in
Clean install and create new account - all OK

Performed an upgrade. In the Finder sidebar: Retained all Places from Tiger: Desktop, username, Applications, Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures.

I then tried a fresh install. In the Finder sidebar: Desktop, username, Applications, Documents

Anyone know how to get the other Places back onto the sidebar?

I did an upgrade as well, and haven't experienced any problems.

No problems doing an upgrade here... I even discovered later that I had an ancient copy of APE installed!

i wrote a bit of a diatribe message to a friend of mine on facebook about my experiences with upgdrading to leopard on two machines - iMac and Macbook...its pretty long winded so I won't post unless asked but i think i've been pretty comprehensive with it, let me know if anyones interested in reading it and i'll post it.

Worked that out. Simply drag any folder, actually ANY app/files whatever into the Places sidebar and it should be good to go.