whn u install a new version of fb2k replace d old one, ur settins will automaticly apply to the new version, if u wanna keep ur settin for special purpose like for another pc o else, go get a backup at
C:\Documents and Settings\[ur user name]\Application Data\foobar2000

sort album in playlist based on date,
at top column of ur playlist tere r 'track','artist/album',tittle',..all kinds of info rite?
right click and check the 'date' to enable date to be shown, and den click the date at the top column to sort based on date..

yes..its ok to install new version before uninstall the old one..and there are choices for you whether to keep the old settins or not..