Upgrading from Windows XP Media Center Editon to Vista

[Guest]

I am interested in upgrading to Windows Vista, but I do not know if I really
should, or if I even can. I have a Dell Windows XP Media Center Edition PC.
I have a TV tuner installed, and a bunch of photos in the galleries. I do
not have much information on the computer, and I can simply put all my
pictures and documents in one of those USB memory cards. So the loss of
information would not be a problem for me if I have to have everything
erased. My question really is if you think it would be worth it for me to
upgrade to Vista, and if it really is that much different than Media Center
Edition? Also, during the install, do I just boot up my computer, put the CD
in the CD drive, and run the installer, or is there something different I
have to do?

-Byron

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you install and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor,
it will provide information on which editions of Windows
Vista are appropriate and/or recommended for your computer.

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

Top Ten Reasons to Upgrade to Windows Vista
http://www.btxformfactor.com/item/35/1.php

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

I am interested in upgrading to Windows Vista, but I do not know if I really
should, or if I even can. I have a Dell Windows XP Media Center Edition PC.
I have a TV tuner installed, and a bunch of photos in the galleries. I do
not have much information on the computer, and I can simply put all my
pictures and documents in one of those USB memory cards. So the loss of
information would not be a problem for me if I have to have everything
erased. My question really is if you think it would be worth it for me to
upgrade to Vista, and if it really is that much different than Media Center
Edition? Also, during the install, do I just boot up my computer, put the CD
in the CD drive, and run the installer, or is there something different I
have to do?

-Byron

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

The question is whether or not there is something in Vista that you need. If
not, then there is no reason to upgrade a system that is working perfectly
well as is. Should you decide to, then backup all your files as a precaution
before you do anything. Upgrading is as simple as inserting the DVD and
running setup. You will insert your Product Key, then go find something to
do for an hour or so. Also, check with Dell as to the suitability of your
machine for upgrading to Vista, not all of their systems should be upgraded.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

I bought the Newegg deal of MCE2005 OEM with the free Vista upgrade. Once I
perform this upgrade, can I reinstall MCE ,if for some reason I don't like
Vista, or is the COA now tied to the upgrade, making downgrading difficult if
not impossible?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

You can go back to MCE2005 if desired, you just will have to do a clean
install to a formatted disk. There is no uninstall option.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

There won't be any problem reactivating MCE with the coa that was tied to
the upgrade?

 

[Guest]

There won't be a problem reactivating MCE with the coa that was tied to the
Vista upgrade?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

No, at worst you may have to phone it in, but there's no reason you can't
reuse it.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org