If you plan on adding Windows Vista to your
current Windows XP-based computer, we suggest that you run the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to ensure that your PC is ready for the
edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install.
Upgrade Paths from
Previous Versions
For many of you, the Windows Vista experience will begin
with the purchase of a new PC. For others, the experience begins by upgrading
your current PC, and it's important to understand your upgrade options. Your
choices depend on the version of Windows that is currently running on your PC
and the type of computer hardware you have to run certain features. Here’s how
you can start planning for an upgrade to Windows Vista.
The options
You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft
Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding or better edition of Windows
Vista by purchasing and installing an upgrade copy of Windows Vista. If you're
upgrading multiple PCs in a household, you can save time and money with the
Windows Vista Family Discount.
Installation options
You can upgrade in-place, which means you can install
Windows Vista and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were
in your previous edition of Windows.
Clean install
Upgrading to Windows Vista with a clean install means that
you should use
Windows Easy Transfer to automatically copy all your files and
settings to an extra hard drive or other storage device, and then install
Windows Vista. After the installation is complete, Windows Easy Transfer will
reload your files and settings on your upgraded PC. You will then need to
reinstall your applications.
The table below outlines the upgrade options mapped to the
different Windows Vista editions.
Notes:
If you are currently using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP
Professional x64, you are eligible for an upgrade copy to a corresponding or
better edition of Windows Vista, but a clean install is required.
Upgrade copies are not available for versions of Windows earlier than
Windows 2000. These earlier versions of Windows require you to install a full
copy of Windows Vista.
If the edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install will result in a
loss of functionality over your current edition of Windows, you will need to
do a clean install, or install Windows Vista to a new partition on your PC.
Your PC and Windows
Vista
While selecting the edition of Windows Vista that's right for you, it's
important to clearly understand what hardware your PC will need to ensure the
features you want will run reliably.
If you plan on adding Windows Vista to your current Windows XP-based
computer, we suggest that you run the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to ensure that your PC is ready for the
edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install.
We also recommend that you review the system requirements for the edition
of Windows Vista that you want to run. This information will also help you to
determine if your PC is ready for the
edition of Windows Vista that you want to install.
Some product features are only available in certain editions of
Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.
