Not at all. Since at least VS10, all you need is your VS 8 serial number. You buy the upgrade and either get the CD versions or download it (3 separate links, all of which should be downloaded, but only the first two of which contain necessary program files and templates etc. The third is a couple of bonus programs...) On installation, you will be asked to insert the earlier serial number on which the upgrade was based, as well as the new one for VS11, of course. That's it.
Then go to the Ulead website and install, first, a patch dated 6 November 2007 which will fix various problems. And if you have bought VS11 PLUS (which I recommend), then download and install the Hot Pack which will upgrade VS11+ to VS11.5 free of charge...
If you have trouble in your initial install, with specifically an error message relating to the SDK encoder, then there is a more recent patch specifically for that. But ONLY install it, after reading its explanatory notes carefully, if indeed you do have trouble installing VS11. Otherwise, just ignore it completely.
You should also go to the Microsoft DirectX website and download and install the latest update patch for your DirectX 10 which is the version which runs under Vista. The latest patch is dated November 2007 and it fixes things in both DirectX 9.0c (XP) and 10 (Vista). Some people have had difficulties in the VS11 burning module, specifically in seeing previews of menus etc. But the DirectX patch seems to fix that.
Good luck, and welcome to the Forum. Feel free to come back with any questions that might arise!
