Windows Vista?

Question

I want to upgrade to Windows Vista, I know that it doesn't have all the bugs out yet so I am going to wait for at least the first SP, and I know that I want Ultimate. So for my question, I want to wipe my hard drive before I upgrade, so does anyone have any tips on the best way to go about this . . . good wipe programs, good sites for programs. Which version of Windows Vista to get, because I was looking at newegg.com and they have like 8 different versions of Vista Ultimate. And I am also curious as to what people think of Windows Vista so far? Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

I was lucky enough to be an official Beta test for Microsoft. As a result, I have the unique experience of following the software from it's first initial release states, to the final production (or RTM) state that it's in now.

From that experience I can tell you that from a generic user's standpoint, it's more or less similar to XP, with a few minor operating changes, and some significant UI (User Interface changes).

However in the background, what you're not seeing is a new way of securing your system. It's loaded to the proverbial gunnels with new security measures. Which some (as parodied in the Apple Ads) find annoying.

The best version of home users would be Windows Vista Home Premium.

And the best method for wiping you existing hard drive would be to use the Windows installer itself. When you put in the Vista disk, the install dialog will walk you through all the steps, including formating (read: 'wiping')

Answer 2

Well, I had Vista RC1 and RC2 on my computer for a while. They're pretty neato if you ask me, but i'm not ready to leave my XP yet. I, as well, am waiting to see what the first wave of them brings as far as bugs and etc.

as far as drive wiping, when you install Vista, it does give you an option to full-format any/all of your hard drive partitions. But i know Symantec has a drive wiping software, as far as some other progams, as well. but i dont really know too much about that ( you can find those on newegg as well.)

And as for the different versions, I know there's a full version, an Upgrade version, and assorted OEM versions if you're doing a fresh system build (which i doubt is what you're doing, from the sounds of it)

hope this helps.

Answer 3

Get the Vista Ultimate OEM version. It's tons cheaper but you don't get the nice pretty packaging that you do with the retail version but who the heck cares if you can save $200. The OEM version comes either 32-bit or 64-bit Vista. You do not get both discs.

Backup all your stuff.

Pop in the Vista disc when you reboot. The Vista disc should boot up automatically or you will be prompted to press a key to boot from the drive. If it doesn't boot then go in to your CMOS settings and reconfig the boot sequence.

format your C:\ from within the vista setup.

Follow the instructions on screen...

Done.

Answer 4

Put the Install disk into your DVD/CD drive.
READ THE SCREEN as the install progress!
It will allow you to delete all partitions! Do that; DELETE all PARTITIONS, make a 25GB partition for VISTA, and format it into NTFS!

You can make your system a dual boot by doing a clean install of your current operating system.

Just follow the instructions above and clean install
your current operating system FIRST. Be sure to install your motherboard drivers and utilities from the motherboard CD.

Then, in the unused partition, install VISTA. On boot time you will get a boot menu that allows you your choice!

Answer 5

If everyone refused to buy vista then maby they would finish fixing xp and actually create an operating system that was worth the price they charge. vista is not a new operating system it is xp with some patches, fixs, repairs, critical repairs and a new name and the standard eye candy to make you think it is a must have..xp is 2000 with fixs, patches repairs and eye candy....windows vista upgrade is worth 20 bucks and not a GOOD idea...

Answer 6

Just reformat your computer. I am assuming you are using windows XP. Just stick the purple disk in that says "operating system" then turn the computer off. When you turn it back on it will say something like "boot from cd" or skip or soemthing, boot from cd and then you go through the process. Its quite easy. I havent done it in a while but somewhere along the lines you press "f8". I know this probably doesnt help but I tried.

Answer 7

I have home premium and agree its the best, as its cheap, but not too cheap, and has a lot of great features in it! I think ultima is a waste of money, for 2 extra things.