How to Upgrade to Vista From XP

Windows Vista provides a number of improvements over Windows XP. The first thing you may notice after your upgrade is a new, modern look and feel, with more animations and functions using the Aero interface. A breadcrumb trail makes it easier to explore files on your computer. Vista has an improved firewall and advanced security features as compared to XP. You can even preview images in file explorer without having to open the image in its original program when you upgrade to Vista from XP.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Choose the Right Version of Vista

1. Find a better firewall, instant search features, IE 7 and the spyware application called Windows Defender on the Vista Home Basic version. Networking and sharing files has also been made easier with Vista Basic.

2. Focus on multimedia entertainment with the Vista Home Premium edition. You get the same features found on the Basic edition plus: Aero interactive desktop, Windows Meeting Space, Slideshow, Media Center, Media Center extenders, Backup Scheduler, DVD Maker, games and Movie Maker in HD.

3. Choose the Vista Business edition for all of the features of the basic edition plus Aero desktop, Windows Meeting Space, SlideShow, Complete PC Backup and Restore, Fax and Scan and Remote Desktop Connection.

4. Select the Vista Ultimate upgrade to get the options on other editions plus BitLocker Drive Encryption. All of the files on the computer are encrypted by Vista Ultimate so they can't be read by computers hacking into the system.

5. Use the Vista Enterprise edition for businesses looking to make networking and mobility easy and secure. You can also use Subsystem for UNIX-Based Applications and a multilingual user interface for communication between 35 languages.

Upgrade to Vista From XP

6. Back up your important files onto a removable disk. You shouldn't lose any information in a simple upgrade, but play it safe by backing up your important files.

7. Place the Vista installation disk in the appropriate drive and look for the product key or activation code in your Vista material.

8. Choose the "Standard" installation option when the menu pops up on your screen.

9. Enter the activation code, fill out the registration page and accept terms and conditions in the licensing agreement when prompted.

10. Start the installation and answer questions regarding your preferences for the new Vista upgrade.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the best results and performance with Vista when you perform a clean upgrade from XP. A clean installation will remove all information on your hard drive and create a better flow of information for Vista.
• Use Microsoft's "Vista Upgrade Advisor" to see how well your current peripherals will work with the new operating system (see Resources below).

Resources

• Microsoft