Vicki said:
I just purchased Vista Ultimate, but I'm afraid to install it. I have a
couple of questions.
1 .Do I need to unistall my XP?
2. Will I lose my old programs, lint Printmaster, Roxio, ect?
3. Will I lose my files?
1. You don't uninstall an operating system. You can do:
a. A clean install with Ultimate, in which case nothing of XP will be left.
b. An upgrade of XP to Ultimate, in which case your data and possibly
programs will be left.
c. A dual-boot with XP, in which case you will have a choice of which
operating system to boot into.
2. Maybe. You need to check on the various programs' websites to see if the
versions you have are compatible with Vista. If they aren't, don't use
them.
3. If you do 1a. above, yes you will lose your files. If you do 1b. or 1c.
you probably will not. However, it would be very, very foolish not to back
up your data first. You should be backing up on a regular schedule anyway
because Stuff Happens.
Some other caveats:
1. Make sure there are drivers for all your hardware. See the general
drivers information below.
2. If you choose to do an upgrade, uninstall any antivirus/firewall/security
programs first.
How to install Windows Vista - covers upgrade and clean install
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918884
Dual Booting Windows Vista & Windows XP -
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/dualboot.html
Upgrading - MVP John Barnett -
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/upgrading_to_windows_vista.htm
Drivers - Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer
(HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.
To find out what hardware is in your computer:
1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model
machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor or System Information for Windows.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows
Malke
