Several scenarios were not mentioned such as, if a user previously chose to point the data directory to be in a different location than default, nor the differential of services versus user and vice versa. Spanner in wheel conditions.

I use stock Boinc 7.14.2. the WCG client is just a reskin of the icons; it shouldn't mess anything up. That's odd.

Finally figured out the issue. It applies to both BOINC and all of the branded installers.

The 32 bit Windows installer reads and writes its registry keys to Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Wow6432Node/Space Sciences Laboratory, U.C. Berkeley

The 64 bit Windows installer reads and writes its registry keys to Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Space Sciences Laboratory, U.C. Berkeley.

This behavior is done by the operating system transparently to the application. See https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desk...tion-data-in-the-registry

So if you are upgrading from 64 bit version to the next 64 bit version, it reads the registry settings (like data directory and installation directory) from what you selected last time you installed. Same thing if you are going from 32 bit -> 32 bit version. However, if you cross between versions from 32 bit to 64 bit or from 64 bit to 32 bit then since the registry settings from your previous installation are not found, then you get the defaults.

We are looking at options now.

Note: This isn't to say you can't cross over - just that you need to reselect your installation options manually when you upgrade.
Note2: Most people go with the defaults and these people won't notice any issue at all.

The news article starts with "We're happy to announce an updated version of the software which runs World Community Grid. You can begin to install the upgrade here ."

The here links to the download page.

Ummmm I'm a noob so don't judge but when you install it, do you need to delete the previous version you already have on your computer