Vista Questions

Ashok_2

Quick question - right now I'm on media centre on my laptop and will be upgrading to Vista as soon as it's out.. Does it make a difference whether I just upgrade or format and do a fresh install to Vista? I was worried if I formatted I'd lose drivers etc..

Also when buying USB freeview sticks, my current one is MCE/XP compatible - will it be compatible with Vista?

sco0ter

According to Microsoft Technet Forum you dont have an option for fresh install hence the UPGRADE label..

BTW this is supposed to only apply to the Voucher redemption scenario and not the retail upgrade that will let you clean install... Only time will tell.

My Freeview stick was XP only compatible and worked in Vista RC2

Ashok_2

sco0ter wrote:

According to Microsoft Technet Forum you dont have an option for fresh install hence the UPGRADE label..

My Freeview stick was XP only compatible and worked in Vista RC2

It won't have the UPGRADE label as I have paid for and preordered the full version (not upgrade version) so does it make a difference whether I upgrade or format?

Blacksheep1979

alot of drivers will be different for xp to vista - still don't know why people are upgrading, especially on a laptop.

sco0ter

Format would be the best option... As long as you use the files and settings transfer wizard then you should retain most of your XP settings

cherry_snaps

Hi,

You can check if your hardware is compatible with Vista before upgrading, I recommend you do this. MS call it the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, and can be accessed at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

If the check picks out Hardware that is not compatible, check the manufactures site

You can run Windows XP on the same machine if you have 2 partitions on your Hard disk.

I am have installed Vista business and have not found dramatic advantages of vista yet. Anti virus SW is a problem

BIG NOTE: backup before you do anything

Andy

Ashok_2

sco0ter wrote:

Format would be the best option... As long as you use the files and settings transfer wizard then you should retain most of your XP settings

Okay thankyou, and what would be the downside if I choose to upgrade?

Ashok_2

cherry_snaps wrote:

Hi,

You can check if your hardware is compatible with Vista before upgrading, I recommend you do this. MS call it the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, and can be accessed at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

If the check picks out Hardware that is not compatible, check the manufactures site

You can run Windows XP on the same machine if you have 2 partitions on your Hard disk.

I am have installed Vista business and have not found dramatic advantages of vista yet. Anti virus SW is a problem

BIG NOTE: backup before you do anything

Andy

Thanks, I already did the check and I pass everything. I think I might install Vista on a new partition (but I wouldn't be sure on how to go about creating a new partition etc.. and getting it all right), and then slowly switch completely.

I was going to transfer all my documents, music, movies etc.. to my external hard drive, and then just reinstall the programs. I wasn't sure about what to do about my emails and email settings though.. How did you go about backing up?

Thanks.

sco0ter

Just remember there is not a lot of software that you are running now that will be VISTA ready.. Some will require updates and some will require you to purchase a whole new product.. Antivirus and Firewalls seem to be the biggest headache

Seagull

Ashok wrote:

Okay thankyou, and what would be the downside if I choose to upgrade?

You 'could' inherit existing problems, if there are any with your current operating system ? I'd always go for the format and fresh install option.

Ashok_2

Seagull wrote:

You 'could' inherit existing problems, if there are any with your current operating system ? I'd always go for the format and fresh install option.

I want to create a separate partition and then do a fresh install but so I can still go back to XP in case anything goes wrong etc.. But I'm not sure how to go about it, any threads th t would explain it, as I'm sure someone will have asked before?