Trying up upgrade Windows Vista

NiftyDigits

castle96 wrote: »

Poppy
I am in EXACTLY the same boat as you and get the same messages/failures to log in.
I use Modzilla Firefox when I HAVE to but still use IE as all my favourites/saved sites seem to sit there. There is not a complete list of these shown when I use M/FF.

Been looking at a new computer (which !?), though there is still life in this one and like anyoe else, I have change.
Vista is being supported til Apr. 2017 apparently

I don't know why you two are waiting until the last minute to do something about it. Simply swap the hard drive and install a new OS to the new drive. Details on request. Ignore Fightsback's comments. They are of no use whatsoever.

castle96

"Simply swop the hard drive" etc.!!! If only we knew how. Can u kindly provide full FULL details. What to buy, how to do it , what "OS". Thanks

NiftyDigits

castle96 wrote: »

"Simply swop the hard drive" etc.!!! If only we knew how. Can u kindly provide full FULL details. What to buy, how to do it , what "OS". Thanks

Of course, Please supply full details of your machine. Brand name and model number in the first instance.
Then we'll take it step by step. You might not be able to do it as quickly as an experienced Techie, but you can definitely do it.

Whilst you are sitting around doing nowt, back up your favourites:

Open Internet Explorer.
Open the Import/Export Wizard. ...
A window will pop up asking how you want to import or export your browser settings. ...
In the next window that appears, select Favorites then click Next.
Select the folder that you want to export and then click Next.

castle96

HP Pavilion a6421.uk Desktop

"Open the Import/Export Wizard. ... " - where is this please

NiftyDigits

castle96 wrote: »

HP Pavilion a6421.uk Desktop

"Open the Import/Export Wizard. ... " - where is this please

Click here and scroll down to Method 3

As to your machine, you can decide between copying your data to an external hard drive and then clean installing Windows 7 to the existing hard drive or taking the side of the tower and swapping a few cables in order to install an SSD. Example: Toshiba 120GB Q300 2.5" 15nm SATA 6Gb/s SSD £30.96

Once again, I'll guide you through step by step whichever way you decide.

Have to go out for a bit. back later.

Personally prefer the SSD idea as your original hard drive has to be eight years old. Why trust your data to such a old thing?

Don't buy anything until a clear decision has been made.

castle96

I have copied the favourites folder to an external hard drive on which I aleady have all documents and photos.
So you are talking about wiping the Vista from the HD and completely installing Win 7 (why not 8/8.1) onto the HD - yes ? Wow
(or as you say, a complete leap of faith for me - installing a SSD)

Would the first option work* with my machine ? Isn't it too old ?
(previou post - "
Regarding buying 7,8,10 you could try an upgrade to 7 but a. computer may be too old (unlikely) b.you're not very technical. Windows7 OEM licenses are cheap but c. activation can be tricky.")
What would this 'give' me ? A more modern OS ? I wouldn't 'have to' go to Windows 10 then ? (Why not go the whole hog and wipe Vista and instal 10 ?)
If * is OK, you are saying "don't buy a new machine, 'just' change the OS."
Maybe I am best off taking it to a shop to do this ? I know it all seems so simple to you, but not to me.
POPPYRED- you been following this ? What would/are you doing ?

NiftyDigits

castle96 wrote: »

I have copied the favourites folder to an external hard drive on which I aleady have all documents and photos.
So you are talking about wiping the Vista from the HD and completely installing Win 7 (why not 8/8.1) onto the HD - yes ? Wow
(or as you say, a complete leap of faith for me - installing a SSD)

Would the first option work* with my machine ? Isn't it too old ?
(previou post - "
Regarding buying 7,8,10 you could try an upgrade to 7 but a. computer may be too old (unlikely) b.you're not very technical. Windows7 OEM licenses are cheap but c. activation can be tricky.")
What would this 'give' me ? A more modern OS ? I wouldn't 'have to' go to Windows 10 then ? (Why not go the whole hog and wipe Vista and instal 10 ?)
If * is OK, you are saying "don't buy a new machine, 'just' change the OS."
Maybe I am best off taking it to a shop to do this ? I know it all seems so simple to you, but not to me.
POPPYRED- you been following this ? What would/are you doing ?

Gosh you do ramble a bit

So, let's do the fiddly bit first.

To create the magic, you'll need an empty USB flash drive. Do you have one to hand?

We aren't going to bother with the SSD at this stage. We'll get you on to Windows 7 with a clean install. Even with that, you'll notice quite the difference.
Windows 7 cos you'll have the opportunity to reserve Windows 10. If you buy Windows 10, you are stuck with it.