how do you upgrade to Windows Vista with Windows Xp?

Question

do not delete this question

Answer 1

First, I would not upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista and here's why.

First, you would probably find that some hardware does not have the drivers to work with Vista.

Second, you would probably find that some of your software doesn't work with Vista.

Third, you would probably get frustrated with Vista at first; trying to get some of the things that you already know to work. You will also be frustrated by the "ARE YOUR SURE" crap that keeps coming up when you install software or hardware. Let's put it this way... your hardware, software and YOU might not be Vista Ready.

But proceed to check your computer manufacturer's website and check the driver section for your exact model. Be sure to check each and every device that is built-in. Download those drivers.

Then go to your Printer and Scanner manufacturer's website. Download those drivers.

BURN a CD of all of your important data, since you will LOSE IT ALL. BURN another CD of these drivers that you downloaded.

Check other devices that you own for the appropriate drivers. (Your router is probably OK, since it is already programmed).

Now check the Microsoft website for full compatibility, and use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx?wt_svl=20409a&mg_id=20409b

Keep in mind that Microsoft has many errors in their compatibility list. Some of the drivers that you download might have errors too. The whole darn thing is risky and time consuming. Be sure to have your original Windows XP system disk or restore disk ready if the whole thing does not work out for you.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

Hello,

(ANS) I know this may sound a bit cynical but are you absolutely sure you REALLY want to upgrade from windows XP to windows Vista. Frankly, I think you would be taking a step backwards in my opinion as Vista is NOT as good an operating system as XP.

**A couple of other points you should be VERY aware of before you do anything at all.

No.1 Upgrading from XP to Vista is the most risky way to install vista and is potentially fraught with more problems.

No.2 If you go for an install of Vista on present or current XP hardware you will be extremely disappointed, why? because old XP hardware is NOT suitable for Vista.

No.3 See or read the minimum system requirements for Windows Vista on Microsoft's website BEFORE you do or buy anything. I think my previous point will become clearer to you.

**I know I did it, I have the T shirt as they say. I installed Vista Ultimate on old XP hardware (which works great with XP) and it was dog slow and aweful. I went back to XP and am very happy to.

**I have as a windows veteran user ( I have used every version of windows since it was invented) I would say that windows XP is definitely the peak or best version of windows ever. Why is this? because it has the right balance of user friendliness & not too many features & functions and can be tuned to work at high speed non of which can be said of Vista. Vista has a massive foot print & gobbles all the memory you can throw at it and its slow slow, its also still very buggy in contrast to XP.

**Vista requires a higher hardware specification just to run it, and I'm not talking about getting it to perform well or at high speed.

**If you still really want to have Vista then buy a new PC and buy Vista on DVD disk with a full user license otherwise I think you will be disappointed.

**There are other problems with Vista too not just the basic hardware specification but problems with driver compatibility, & also program compatibility too. Its a pain frankly and its going to take another 10-12months to settle down too.

PS: I wont be buying or using Vista myself now or in the future. Stickying with XP.

Hope that's useful?

Kind Regards Ivan

computer veteran, MCSE trained.

Answer 3

Do not upgrade XP to Vista,you will find a lot of programs don't work and some Vista programs may not work at all or buggy .Better off buying a computer wth Vista already installed.

Answer 4

You don't if you're smart. Vista has various issues and many people that have used it (including two of my coworkers who are Windows Administrators) say it is not ready for prime time. The drivers are severely lacking (I know one couple that complains because their printer which did photos flawlessly under XP won't print many things even with updated driver supposedly for Vista and even the things it does print it causes fuzzy outlines.) The security routines on Vista are said to be maddening as well.

There is a reason that Apple is highlighting people actually downgrading to XP from Vista in their commercials.

Answer 5

As suggested, in Windows, insert the CD and it should autorun and you follow the instructions. Side note: Certain versions of XP require certain version of Vista to update with. Side note: If the Upgrade cd key has already been used, upgrading will not work until you have another key.

Answer 6

Don't! Think very carefuklly about that one. I want to downgrade back to XP because nothing works with Vista that worked on XP. You have to buy everything vista compatible or download stuff to make everything work, at the moment it's a complete nightmare.

I know that didn't help with the question, all the advice you need will be on the microsoft website. www.microsoft.com

Answer 7

The advice to stay with XP is sound and wise--especially if you run a lot of audio and video processing programs. Vista is looking more and more like ME did a few years ago and there is talk that it will be scrapped for another OS in a year or so.

Heed the caution--stay with what works and be safe.

Answer 8

Purchase the Vista "upgrade" software. insert the DVD into your drive and restart your computer. When asked, choose to upgrade instead of clean install. That's about it. Vista should install and leave all of your files as they are.

Personally, I prefer to do a backup and then a clean install. Seems to work much better in the long run.

Answer 9

Purchase the Vista "upgrade" software.

Answer 10

purchase a windows vista upgrade DVD and license. start windows xp, insert vista DVD, follow the prompts.

easy as that.