How to Install Vista From an Upgrade Disc

Microsoft released Windows Vista in 2007 as a replacement for Windows XP. Vista adds a number of features to the Windows operating system, including a redesigned user interface, improved wireless networking capabilities and numerous security enhancements. Microsoft offers full and upgrade editions of Windows Vista. The upgrade edition lets you install the operating system on a computer already running Windows XP or 2000. It replaces the older version of Windows while preserving your existing files and programs.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 2000 or XP installation disc

Instructions

1. Turn on the computer. Wait for Windows to load, then insert the Windows Vista upgrade disc into the DVD drive. Click the Windows "Start" button, click "My Computer" and then double-click the DVD drive letter. Double-click the Setup.exe file to load the installation program. Click "Install Now" to begin the installation process.

2. Click "Go Online to Get the Latest Updates for Installation" when prompted. This downloads any updates Microsoft issued after releasing the operating system. If you do not have an Internet connection, click "Do Not Get the Latest Updates for Installation."

3. Enter the 25-character product key included with your copy of Windows Vista on the Type Your Product Key for Activation page, and then click "Next." Check the "Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online" box to activate your copy of Windows Vista with Microsoft. Click "Next."

4. Read the license agreement and click "I Accept the License Terms." Click "Next."

5. Click "Upgrade" on the Which Type of Installation do You Want? page to install Windows Vista over an existing installation. Otherwise, click "Custom (Advanced)" if you want to install Vista on another partition. This lets you run Windows Vista alongside a previous version of Windows. If you chose "Custom (Advanced)," select the partition where you want Vista installed. The setup program now installs Windows Vista on your computer. When the installation completes, your computer automatically reboots into Windows Vista.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that your hard drive has enough free disk space before beginning the installation. Windows Vista requires at least 5 gigabytes of hard drive space.

• Microsoft recommends backing up any important files and programs before beginning the upgrade process, just in case you encounter problems.

References

• Windows: Installing and Reinstalling Windows Vista
• Windows: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista
• Microsoft TechNet; Windows Vista Migration Step-by-Step Guide; March 2008

Resources

• Windows: Windows Vista