Introduction
This guide walks you through the process of performing an upgrade from a previous version of Windows to Windows Vista.
Upgrade Paths from Previous Versions
Windows 2000 Pro and all versions of Windows XP can be upgraded to Windows Vista with an upgrade license. No other versions of Windows can be upgraded to Vista. Upgrading from some older versions of Windows requires a clean install instead of an upgrade.
System Requirements
The computer you are installing Windows Vista on needs to meet some minimum hardware requirements to run Vista properly.
Home Basic
Processor: 1GHz (32 or 64 bit)
System Memory (RAM): 512MB
Hard Drive: 20GB with 15GB available for Vista
Video Card: 32MB Memory and DirectX 9 Support
DVD-ROM Drive
Home Premium, Business, Ultimate
Processor: 1GHz (32 or 64 bit)
System Memory (RAM): 1GB
Hard Drive: 40GB with 15GB available for Vista
Video Card: 128MB Memory, DirectX 9 Support with: WDDM Driver, Pixel Shader 2.0, 32bits per pixel
DVD-ROM Drive
Install Windows
Insert your Windows Vista DVD in your DVD drive while your old version of Windows is running.
Click Install Now to start the upgrade.
If your computer has broadband internet access I highly recommend selecting to check for updates during the installation.
Type your product key that came with your copy of Vista. I don't suggest selecting to automatically activate Windows. It is a good idea to use the computer for a while before activating the license. You don't want to activate a license on a machine Windows Vista doesn't work on. Press Next when you are ready to move on to the next step.
Accept the license agreement and click Next.
Select the upgrade option if your upgrade supports it.
I am assuming your installation supports an upgrade from now on and you selected to perform an upgrade.
Windows performs a quick hardware and software compatibility check and gives you a screen similar to the screen shots below if your computer fails.
Click Click here for more information and you get something similar to the screen shot below.
If your software or hardware is not compatible with Vista you might want to check the manufacturer for updated drivers or software.
Now the upgrade to Windows Vista starts. This can take a long time, so sit back and relax. Below are screen shots of the installation. Your computer will restart a few times.
Set Up Windows
Windows Vista is now installed and it's time to set up your new installation.
Click Use Recommended Settings.
Adjust your time and date settings and click Next when you are finished.
Select the place you will use your computer the most.
Click Start to boot up Windows Vista for the first time.
Before Windows Vista boots for the first time it must perform a performance check to see what features to turn on or off.
Now your computer should be running Windows Vista
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