Wonder if XP is necessary with Vista?

Question

I recently bought a computer with Windows XP Media trial installed. I'm told that after the initial 2-month trial, I'll have to buy the full version. An upgrade to Vista was included free in the package.What I'm wondering is, is Vista complete software? Can I run it in place of the XP? Or is Vista simply a 'companion' to XP? Yes, I'm being cheap here-the full version XP will run about 150 bucks or so, but the Vista full version comes free, a supposed $200 value. Or will I need the XP for Vista to work?

Answer 1

I have never even seen this advertised. Either you get XP Media Edition or you don't. I am curious as to where you live and where you bought such a system. as a PC builder it's is not an option at this time. Avoid it. It requires a full version of XP,2000,98 whatever and must be valid. Also it is a new OS and will be full of bugs. Feel free to contact me for more info.

Answer 2

Windows Vista is a completely new and whole different operating system than XP. It is definitely not a companion to XP. However, if you are running XP then you can upgrade to Vista. The upgrade may actually do a completely clean install where it wipes your hard drive and causes you to reinstall your software and files. I own Vista Home Premium and LOVE IT! It was so easy to install. The upgrade version was more in my price range. The features and ease of use is so incredible. It's a much better OS. If you install Vista then you will be running it in place of XP. It will wipe XP, back up the files of the old OS into a temp directory that you can access later, and then give you a whole new start. I would suggest you purchase the upgrade version if you already have XP so you save some bucks, but if you are wondering if the price is worth it then the answer is yes. I love Vista. It was the most effortless and painfree install I have ever experienced. I sincerely love it. Just make sure you do your research and know if your computer is compatible, that your software is compatible for when you reinstall it, and that you have any updated drivers to install for your computer after Vista is done installing. But once you've finished, you will LOVE this OS. It made my day today. I'm not sure about your Windows XP Media trial version. My guess is that Windows XP Home or Professional came with your computer and it's not a trial version. The Windows Media Center, however, sounds more of what you have a trial for and, if that is the case, then Vista Home Premium will install a brand new version of it and you won't need the trial. I don't think that the Basic version of Vista comes with Media Center. I'm not sure. Just make sure your computer is Vista ready and if you have any questions you can always contact your computer manufacturer.

Answer 3

XP and Vista are two separate and distinct programs. XP will probably do everything you need unless you are into serious photo work, downloading music, etc. Let me give you a couple of articles which appeared in our local paper this week:

Information on Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/enterprise/default.mspx


Microsoft Extends XP Service (Buffalo News, 1/29/07)
REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - Qn the eve of the consumer launch of its new Windows Vista- operating system Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2007) Microsoft Corp. is extending the period in which it will offer support for the previous version, Windows XP.

Consumers who own Windows XP machines already were entitled to get customer service on the software up until April 2009. That date reflects Microsoft’s policy of curtailing its support for an edition of Windows two years after a new version hits the market.

Microsoft recently said consumers who still have Windows XP running April 2009 will be entitled to five more years of “extended support.” In the extended plan, consumers will still get security fixes, but instead of free service from the Microsoft help desk, they will have to pay for most assistance.

Microsoft said the move was meant to bring the support policies for consumers in line with what businesses already have.

Vista has been available for big businesses since Nov. 30, 2006, but hits the consumer PCs market as of Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007

Windows Vista – Specifications – Most Visible Features
Buffalo News, 1/29/07
Vista will add to Windows display deal with viewing photos, playing videos, recording and downloading music, and running the new “memory-gobbling” programs like Office Live. Needs:
800mHz speed, 1gHz better
512mb RAM minimum
20gb to run Vista
60-80gb hard drive

Answer 4

Not sure what the "trial" is, did you get this pc from a store? or secnd hand? The media is probably the trial, Xp should still work on the computer.... Depending on where you baught it from.. If you got it from compusa, or retailer, then your pc should continue to work.. ( The case of your PC should say VISTA READY if vista will run on it.)..