I'm upgrading from XP Home to Vista Home Basic...question?

Question

I'm in the process of buying a legit copy of Windows Vista Home Basic which is the upgrade for my PC. I'm curious to know if there's anyone here who would know what I'd have to do to get the upgrade to successfully install without any errors.

I'm thinking that I'd just have to install the DVD and it'll format my drive and do everything itself. And well I'm not worried about loosing 5 points to ask something I just might have answered myself I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So is there any steps like, formatting my drive myself to install the upgrade or I just stick in the DVD and it'll do everything by itself?

I'll pick the best answer within an hour...Thanks in advance for answering.

-Homer

BTW, my computer meets all requirements and supports the Vista software. I also ran the "Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor" coming back with an OK to upgrade

Answer 1

First, before you buy Vista, read this.

MS Vista – Pros and Cons
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=272182


AIM
http://www.aim.com/help_faq/starting_out/getstarted.adp?aolp=

Examine the various versions of Vista
Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx

Can your computer be upgraded to Vista?

Whether your PC can be updated depends on when you purchased your computer.
Here are some general rules of thumb to get you started.
If your PC was purchased between Oct. 26, 2006 and Mar. 15, 2007 then you are eligible for the FREE Express Upgrade to Windows Vista.**
If your PC isn't "Windows Vista Capable*" use the Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to get a recommendation for the edition of Windows Vista that is right for you.
If your PC is more than 1 year old - check first with the Microsoft Windows Vista Advisor Tool.
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista.

Microsoft Windows Vista Advisor Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Link to Vista versions and their capabilities: http://hpshopping.edgesuite.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/html/popup/vista_features.html?aoid=39158


Compatibility with older programs

There is no trouble loading earlier versions of MS Office such as Office 2003 on computers running the Vista operating system.

On the downside, there are vexing compatibility issues because Microsoft added so many bells and whistles to Office 2007 that they can be contained only in a new file type such as .docx in Word.

Unfortunately, .docx files cannot be read by the earlier versions of Office, so Microsoft offers a compatibility pack that can be downloaded to let Office 2000/XP/2003 view Office 2007 documents but with a number of features of 2007 absent.

Go to www.support.microsoft.com and use the search term “Office 2007 compatibility.”

Source: jcoates@ tribune.com (a writer for the Chicago Tribune)

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If you still want to go Vista, personally I would advise you to backup any files that are important to you, uninstall XP, then install Vista. You might also want to get a book or two. I just ordered a book from www.amazon.com (used books) on Vista as it came installed on my new laptop (which I have yet to open).

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/102-0073698-5249774?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks-used&field-keywords=Vista

Answer 2

Vista like all of Microsoft platforms is one of the very worse. Why do you thing that people all over the world, including Dell computers had to remove Vista from from their new PC, and reinstall Windows XP. To many complaints. The only platform that Microsoft ever put out that was almost 90% secure, required very few critical updates and worked with no problems was Windows 2000 Server. And that was because the platform was built for them in Australia, instead of Redmond, Wa. (MIcrosoft's home office). I used Windows 2000 sever until the bitter end. Never had a problem with this platform. The only problem was finding sofware compatible for the platform. And that is why I had to purchase a CD for Windows XP & Home. Big mistake, you will have a complete nervous breakdown with Vista. Not worth the hassle. The few problems that you have with XP, can be resolved. Even Microsoft has been forced to extend the end of life date for Windows XP platforms. Customer complaining all over the world about Vista. Minddoctor France

Answer 3

The DVD will have an auto update process that should be relatively painless. You can just put in the DVD and go through the install process.

Being slightly picky about my systems when I upgraded from XP MCE 05 to Vista Ultimate, I did it fresh install. Now if you only have the upgrade disk you will need to install it twice, but it would be cleaner than installing on a version of XP that was a few years used.

My advice: Backup your data and format the drive, you'll then use the upgrade disc to do a clean install entering NO serial number but selecting the version of Vista that you bought. Once you get this Vista installed you'll then have to reinstall vista from inside the install. And this time DO enter your serial and poof! fresh install (or relatively) of Vista to start with.

Answer 4

Make certain that your XP computer meets the minimum requirements for Vista Basic.

That's the biggest, most important piece of info I can pass along.

The basics are:
1. Large enough hard drive with enough free space
2. Processor power
3. RAM
4. Decent video card.

Microsoft's website has a Vista Readiness Tool that you can run on your computer that will tell you if your computer will be a good candidate for the upgrade.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I always say good luck to those who wants to upgrade from a working XP to Vista.