How to Upgrade Versions of Windows XP

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista or Windows 7 may be intimidating to the average user due to the number of editions and options. In order to begin the upgrading process, you must determine if your computer's hardware is compatible with a newer version of Windows, if you'll need to purchase or download new versions of software or device drivers and back up your personal data and files. While you can perform an upgrade from Windows XP to Vista in many cases, you will need to perform a custom install when upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Windows Vista or 7 upgrade disk
• External storage or CD/DVD burner and blank CD/DVD

Instructions

Before Upgrading

1. Download and install the Windows Vista or Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The Upgrade Advisor will inform you of any potential hardware issues that you may encounter when upgrading and will tell you if you can upgrade to a 64-bit operating system.

2. Compare the features of each operating system upgrade. The Ultimate editions have the most number of features, but you may need them. Buy according to your needs.

3. Purchase your Windows Vista or Windows 7 upgrade disk.

4. Download drivers for your hardware devices that are compatible with the version of Windows you chose. Store the drivers to an external storage device or medium.

5. Upgrade any hardware to devices that are compatible with your upgraded version of Windows.

6. Download or acquire software that is compatible with your upgraded version of Windows.

7. Download, install, and run Windows Easy Transfer to copy all of your personal files and settings, if your desired upgrade option requires that you perform a "Custom install." Save your backups to an external storage device. Do not save on your internal hard drive.

Upgrading Your Windows Operating System

1. Boot up your computer. Update your antivirus software, then disable it.

2. Insert the upgrade disk at the Windows XP desktop.

3. Click "Install Now."

4. Allow Windows to "Get important updates for installation." Read and accept the license terms, then click "Next."

5. Choose either "Upgrade" (if you're upgrading to a compatible version of Windows Vista) or "Custom Install" (if you're upgrading to a version of Windows 7 or an incompatible version of Windows Vista).

6. Select your current Windows XP hard drive partition. Click "Next."

7. Click "OK."

8. Following the on-screen prompts, including allowing the Windows installation to restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean installations tend to work best when upgrading your operating system, although you will have to manually back up and re-establish your files, preferences, and data. You should also reformat your hard disk.

• You must perform a clean installation if you are upgrading Windows XP to any version of Windows 7.

• You can upgrade Windows XP Home 32-bit to most versions of Windows Vista.

• Installing a new operating system can cause problems. Back up all of your data before upgrading.

References

• Microsoft: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7
• Microsoft: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista
• ComputerWorld: How to Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows XP to Windows Vista Upgrade Chart
• Microsoft: Windows 7 Version Comparison