Instructions for Upgrading to Windows Vista From a Legacy Windows OS

Check this out: we've just today launched a page that clearly explains how to upgrade your existing system in-place from a legacy Windows OS to any Windows Vista version; or, in the case of certain systems, whether you'll need to perform a completely clean installation.  Certain legacy OS' require a full system installation while others will allow for an in-place upgrade.  Depending on where you're coming from and where you're going, you should determine which scenario applies to you -- which you can easily do via this handy little chart:

For example, per the above chart, you'll note that if you're moving to any version of Windows Vista from 64-bit Windows XP or Windows 2000, you'll be required to perform a complete re-installation of the OS.

Pretty handy.

Comments

  1. yuhong
    Posted on: August 05, 2006 at 11:07AM  
    Upgrades from XP Media Center to Vista Home Premium should not be allowed because it is not a true subset of XP Media Center because it is based on XP Professional, not Home Edition
  2. daniel
    Posted on: November 09, 2006 at 6:38PM  

    Is there a possibility to buy any of the Vista 64-bit versions in retail?  

  3. Michael_Moor
    Posted on: January 31, 2007 at 11:33AM  

    Hey "Nick White",thx for share

    ---------

    http://www.dl4all.com

  4. madvirus
    Posted on: February 14, 2007 at 5:52AM  

    I am planning to update my PC to windows Vista 64-bit ultimate edition but I would like to know how I know my softwares are going to run ... I used the advisor but it is only for 32-bit (My OS is Windows XP Media Center)

  5. Nick White
    Posted on: February 16, 2007 at 8:53PM  

    Hey madvirus:  check out my post on Windows Easy Transfer at http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/02/15/using-windows-easy-transfer.aspx for some tools.  While they're only for 32-bit machines, there are links to other resources that may be of help in your case.

  6. gerrys
    Posted on: April 04, 2007 at 12:52PM  

    I initially started with Windows 2000 professional. I then purchased the upgrade to Windows XP professional. A few times, I have had to reformat my disk and reinstall. When I do this I have to find my Win 2K disk, install that, then find my XP upgrade disk and install that. This takes quite a bit of time. If I purchase the Vista Home premium upgrade and I need to reformat for any reason, will I have to reinstall 3 operating systems?

  7. Nick White
    Posted on: April 12, 2007 at 6:58PM  

    Hey gerrys:  I've got a potential answer for you.  The Windows Vista upgrade package requires a base OS to be installed.  So, here is one option:

    - Clean install Windows Vista without the product key.  It will go into the grace period mode.

    - Re-install Windows Vista with the upgrade product key and activate it.

    This can get you to the final stage of installation in 2 steps instead of 3 as you describe.

    Hope this helps.

  8. Johnny19
    Posted on: October 24, 2007 at 10:56AM  

    hi guys, i have a question!i have vista home premium, and now a want to upgrade to ultimate edition!i know there is a way via "Anytime Upgrade", but i wanna upgrade via vista's dvd!i have the latest updates installed, and a lot of software installed also!is that kind of upgading possible, and will i keep my programs, data and settings?

    thanks in advance

  9. pwrmx24
    Posted on: May 22, 2008 at 1:06AM  

    I have a scanner that does not have 64 bit drivers.  Is there anyway to install the 32 bit driver and get Windows Vista to run it?

  10. ravindra106
    Posted on: March 17, 2009 at 2:18AM  

    Another great one! keep sharing things like that dude

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  1. Posted by: Vistalogy on January 05, 2007 at 7:50PM

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