Upgrading from Windows XP Home

Question

When I install Windows Vista, does everything on my computer get removed? Or do I just upgrade to Vista and keep everything that I had on my Windows XP?

jmwills · Answer

With these versions, the upgrade capability does not exist, so everything will be lost.  That is unless you install Vista on a separate partition.

Znod · Answer

I think you can install over XP Home, but am not sure. If so, a Windows-old folder will be created. It will contain your files and many other things you will want to trash eventually. But, regardless, be well backed up. None of your programs will remain installed. Message Edited by Znod on 10-02-2006 02:01 PM

jmwills · Answer

There is NO upgrade feature in Vista at the moment, period.

Znod · Answer

I was talking about installing over not upgrading. I am not sure why you think "there is no upgrade feature ..." I upgraded from 5384 to 5472 to whatever was next (5536?) to 5600 and, finally, to 5728. In other words, I upgraded at every step except from XP Pro--which also is possible. I did an install over when moving from XP Pro to 5384.

Message Edited by Znod on 10-03-2006 02:42 PM

Message Edited by Znod on 10-03-2006 03:39 PM

Message Edited by Znod on 10-03-2006 03:40 PM

jmwills · Answer

Vista to Vista, then yes, there probably is a way to get that done, but why, with a beta.  Clean install and get that junk out.  The 'old Windows' folder may be created during a write over of XP but I doubt it since there is no way to go back to XP without a clean install.

Znod · Answer

Upgrade saves much time and labor intensive activity. And, my upgrades have never been deficient to, and often have been much more problem free, that the systems of those who have done clean installs. I have never had any install-related problems. Note that you currently can upgrade at least from XP Pro. And, the Windows-old folder definitely is created given a Vista install (of at least the earlier Vista versions) over at least XP Pro. I am positive; there has been much discussion elsewhere of this topic.

Message Edited by Znod on 10-04-2006 09:58 AM

Message Edited by Znod on 10-04-2006 09:59 AM

Znod · Answer

But, he and I have been talking about moving from XP to Vista the whole time. Maybe that's why we keep disagreeing. As you say, I think, one way to go back to XP from Vista is to do a clean install. You also could use a Disk Image, of course. Well, and, maybe you could install over (I doubt it), but I sure wouldn't want to do so. Message Edited by Znod on 10-04-2006 11:55 AM

jmwills · Answer

I guess you could call it an upgrade, but you can not reverse it.  The only way to get XP Pro back is a clean install.  That is unless you are seeing different versions than what I have.  Mine always say, the upgrade feature has been disabled or some such verbage,

davejohn · Answer

I used Vista RC1 to 'upgrade' XP, if you can call it an upgrade.  Vista will wipe out XP but transfer all your programs over to Vista, at least the ones that it thinks are Vista compatible.  Before it would install on top of XP it gave me a list of programs I had to uninstall first.  The 'upgrade' install takes a lot longer than a clean install.  Even then some of my programs wouldn't run properly.  So I wiped it out and did a clean install, reinstalling the programs.  A much better solution IMO.   My final setup was to install Vista in it's own partition and dual boot.  I doubt I'll be going to the final version of Vista until I buy a machine that comes with it.  I used Acronis True Image to restore my XP system.   Dave

Znod · Answer

What programs didn't work given the upgrade, yet worked with a clean install? Here is a list of my well-working programs after all those sequential upgrades:

http://homepage.mac.com/donv1/.Pictures/Vista/Programs.GIF.

I'd be interested in knowing what your's are.

P.S. What is the formula here for making a "working" link? I figured it out once, but it is too much trouble to do so again. And, I never got it quite right anyway--even though my links would work.

Message Edited by Znod on 10-04-2006 09:11 PM

Message Edited by Znod on 10-04-2006 09:14 PM

jmwills · Answer

Break the line at the end of the link by hitting ENTER.

davejohn · Answer

I didn't make note of all the programs, there were about 5 or 6 that Vista said to uninstall.  The 2 I recall were Trend Micro Internet Security 2006 and Photoshop Elements 4.0.  Once I did a clean install Elements installed ok, although Vista warned it may not be compatible.  It sees to work fine.   Dave

anigma · Answer

I think I'll do a clean Vista install, I want a fresh start.
One final question. I have this Topcom card, but it's only for Windows 89, 2000, and XP. Would this card work with Windows Vista? Or do I need to wait until companies start producing wireless cards for Vista?

anigma · Answer

So, i have just downloaded Vista, and now I'm getting ready to install it. I just burn it as an image with Nero, and then put the cd in the cd-room? Should i reboot when i'm done burning it? Or should I just insert the cd into the cd-room and install?

Wish me luck :)

bennaiqbal · Answer

If you upgarde, you will have all your softwares and documents avaliable and if u do a clean install you lost every thing. Be carefull wile installing because you Dell PC Restore by Symantec may get lost.   Visit my thread reagarding the ways to Download The New Windows Vista:   http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=vista&message.id=1470   Benna

Windows General

Upgrading from Windows XP Home

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