Is this safe? (Restart..)

[robertpro2a]

Hello,
Having some issues, trying to determine if it is my custom web style, so I'd like to start over, yet keeping all the user/posts/avatar data. Two questions please.

I'd like to remove ALL of the files on the FTP, and do a temporary redirect so when my users visit my page, it will take them to a "Under Construction" page.

#1During this time, I will install the forum software under mysite.com/temporary_location/ that they cannot access. I will do all the testing/upgrades under this directory. When it is to my liking, I can just change the location to "forums".

Is this okay?

#2 Is the album photos and avatars saved under the FTP? What information will I lose?

Plus I'd rather do this every time a new upgrade is out, I do not like "overwriting" files.

Thank you.