Installing Vista Over XP?

TheFrog · #1 06-30-2009, 06:58 AM

I am very confused. I have a desktop running XP Pro. I also have a laptop running XP Home. I have a full CD (Not OEM) for the desktop (XP Pro) but have mislaid the disk for the laptop (This was pre-installed so only a recovery disk).

I would like to install Vista on the desktop and install the XP Pro disk on the laptop. If possible I would like to retain all programmes etc on the desktop but don't mind doing a clean install on the laptop (it runs so slowly and takes minutes to start and even load such programmes as Firefox).

Obviously I would need to purchase a copy of Vista (Full or UPG?).

Can anyone foresee any problems please?

DaveC2003 · #2 06-30-2009, 05:03 PM

1) To upgrade your PC from XP PRO to Vista, you will require either Business or Ultimate editions to retain your programs (a bit costly

). Vista Home Basic and Premium editions will require a rebuild and therefore your programs are lost.

I would use Vista on your laptop because XP Home can be upgraded to any edition of the operating system.

2) Why do you want to upgrade to Vista? I would wait until Windows 7 is released and get that instead. Windows 7 is more reliable than Vista. It is released on October 22.

TheFrog · #3 07-01-2009, 03:29 AM

Thanks DaveC2003

My main reason for upgrading (?) is to speed up my laptop if possible. Believe me I have never met another machine as slow. It can take over a minute just to load Firefox (or IE) and at times simply seems to hang up and then unfreeze. I have tried just about everything I can - more ram, latest drivers etc but still no better and I am quite frustrated. I defrag regularly and also use a registry cleaner.

It is a Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo (never again). I'm quite happy to do a clean install and to be honest my desktop is running well so I don't NEED to change it.
I'll probably take your advice and either get Vista or wait for Windows7 (is it really worth waiting for?)
Thanks for your reply.

Brian

shadowcreak · #4 07-08-2009, 11:13 PM

Hi thefrog, you can actually download Windows 7 RC right now (Its not the finished product but verry close), I am currently using it as I speak, I find it more stable than Vista allready. When I made my switch from Windows XP home edition to Windows Vista home premium, I found my computer to actually run slower, being that Windows vista effects take more ram, How ever, Windows 7 seems to run slightly better then I remember Windows XP, and IMO Windows 7 even looks better than vista! If you would like to install Windows 7 here is the link http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win.../download.aspx be sure to read up on it to make sure if you want to try it or not. Good luck

TheFrog · #5 07-09-2009, 02:32 AM

Hi shadowcreak - thanks very much for your reply. W7 sounds as if it is perhaps what I am looking for, so will definitely look at the link you gave me. Thanks again.

B

v8ornot2v8 · #6 07-09-2009, 12:04 PM

When I switched to Vista, my computer ran slower too, as it takes up more space on your hard drive. I would go for Windows 7 - skip Vista.

TheFrog · #7 07-10-2009, 02:43 AM

Thanks v8ornot2v8's .

I'm giving it serious thought. The only thing I don't like is that it sends info to MS - something I'm very wary of.

B

hanpreyayo · #8 07-14-2009, 04:07 PM

hey the frog i noticed that you want to upgrade to vista to speed up your comp....... not gonna work computers with 2gb ram run crappy on vista. i have an 8gb ram pc and vista with no progs running uses 30% of my physical memory ( you do the math ) i would upgrade the amount of ram in your comp or buy a new one. this might also help....

1. go to start/run type in "msconfig" this should bring up the configuration window.
2. click the check box / button (whatever it is) next to selective start up.
3. click the startup tab
4 look through the program list and remove any unwanted programs from stating (BEAWARE on what you are unchecking it may be a critical windows process)
5. restart your comp
( if this does not speed it up i would run antivirus programs my favorites are MalawareBytes , avast ,and comodofirewall + defence beware these programs use up alot of ram and my slow your computer down even more.)

if none of these work then you have no option but to 1. upgrade ram 2.buy new comp 3.reinstall your operating system. For new computers the best i have came across that is cost effective is the "Gateway lx6810-01"
it is alittle over 800 bucks at best buy but has an astonishing 8 gb ram but a crappy 400 watt power supply

hope i help even though i talk/type to much lol

enjoy....