How can I test/debug the update process of my app from WP8 to WP8.1?

Question

I am just about to release a big update to my app, which is currently WP8 only and I don't want users to lose their local app data.

1) Am I right that all the local data of the WP8 app is still available in the local folder afterwards?

2) Can I use the update background task to prepare the upgrade? Or does this only apply to WP8.1 → WP8.1 upgrades?

3) Is there any way besides providing the WP8 app as a Beta app and updating it to the WP8.1 version there? Can I test this locally on my device/in the emulator? I know there's some /update flag for the application deployment tool but how does this work for WP8 → WP8.1?

I'd appreciate any help, maybe some of you have already done this. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

1) Correct. User data persists through an update. User data is removed when the app is uninstalled.

2) This is a WP8.1 feature. You would need to have the background task registered before the upgrade. It isn't useful for the initial install.

3) Try with a test app, but I expect that would work fine WP8 to WP8.1