Can I do a clean install with an UPGRADE DVD of Vista Business from XP Media Center?

Question

I have been hearing different things regarding clean installs with upgrade DVD's. Going to Vista Business from XP Media Center requires a clean install according to the Vista Web site but can you do this with an upgrade DVD?

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

Answer 1

I would go with the clean install that way it will insure that there is no conflicts when you unknowingly grant Microsoft and the federal government complete access to all of your personal files and information.
That is what Vista does best.
Oh, didn't they tell you that?
I wonder why?
Microsoft has worked very closely with the federal government on this one, in the interest of homeland security of course.
With Vista the spyware is built right into the operating system.
What, you didn't know about that?
Maybe you should do some research first before you just accept it as the best and greatest thing ever.
Maybe it's time to think Mac?

Answer 2

Yes, you can use the upgrade DVD.

You'll need to boot your computer to the DVD, it will scan your computer to find qualifying products for the upgrade and will obviously find Windows Media Center. Once it finds it, it will give you an option of installing on top of Media Center OR doing a clean install by formatting the drive first.

I would suggest the later. Any time you can avoid an upgrade, I would avoid it. The reason being is you have files from two different operating systems on there and sometimes that can cause problems. By doing a clean install, you'll be fine.

HOWEVER, as you know, you want to make sure you have your device driver files (but Windows generally detects the vast majority of them) and have backed up any important data.

Answer 3

you can do clean install with that UPGRADE DVD of Vista Business .. and every file and driver will be gone from your computer you will need to reinstall your display card drivers your modem drivers your soundcard drivers and all your software all over again if you do a full clean install ./.. do you have the back up drivers cd ? and have you back up your software ? do you have your windows os cd.? think before you do a clean install .. you can just install vista without having to do all that work over again

i like the way microsoft say this

Clean install

Upgrading to Windows Vista with a clean install means that you should use Windows Easy Transfer to automatically copy all your files and settings to an extra hard drive or other storage device, and then install Windows Vista. After the installation is complete, Windows Easy Transfer will reload your files and settings on your upgraded PC. You will then need to reinstall your applications.

you dont have too do that at all you can install vista on too the hard drive and not have anything lost at all so much fore microsoft saying that