ugrade to 8.04 LTS

[stoppage]

In upgrading from 7.10 to next Ubuntu version, is there a way to keep original settings please?

[martrn]

Yes, It should (say should) keep you settings if you upgrade via the 'upgrade' method. Eg boot into your normal ubuntu session and then upgrade. http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading-8.04

Do not do a fresh re-install (eg boot via the CD or DVD) if you wish to keep your settings. Doing a fresh reinstall should cause you problems, and can / usuall does wipe your hard drive. Check for any problems with know hardware, before you upgrade.

[Rocket2DMn]

Indeed, an upgrade will preserve your settings. Also, if you do your installs with a separate /home partition, if you ever do need to do a fresh install, your settings will be saved since they are stored in your /home directory. All you would need to do is do the install, re-instally your programs, and the settings would be already be in place.
8.04 is a good place to stay if you don't upgrade very often since it is a LTS release, supported on the desktop for 3 years.

[stoppage]

Great! Obliged for the help