Full version v upgrade

[Baxdaddy]

Since I have owned puters I have purchased WIN98SE upgrade and a full version of XP Home. Vista is already up for presale on Amazon and am wondering if I should go full or upgrade for Home Premium. If I get the upgrade will it work like 98 SE where you can put the qualifying product disc (WIN 95) in and rock on thru the install? Heck I don't even know what an XP upgrade disc requires. TIA!

[bruceb]

Since you have a Full Version XP CD then the upgrade to Vista
would work and be less expensive than buy the Full Install version

And yes, in most cases, windows will check to see if a prior
qualifying version is installed and may ask for that cd for a
min or so to verify that it qualifies ... no problem in most cases

[Sterling_Aug]

You may want to wait for awhile to get Vista until the driver support catches up with the hardware or if your PC is not less than a few months old. Support for Vista is very limited right now and many devices or special apps do not work yet in all situations.

Been there, done that, un-installed it in within a day

[Steve R Jones]

And, you should consider doing a clean install which works better for all versions of Windows.

[Shoreguy]

upgrade an operating system: dicey

upgrading an operating system that is completely new, relative to your current kernal: double dicey ...finely chopped actually

upgrading any operating system without fully backing up crucial data, not anticipating hiccups, or not ensuring your hardware is supported: puree'd

Make yourself a checklist of all the software and hardware you have on your box, before even purchasing the OS.

Go to each device / application maker and make sure they're fully ready (device drivers, patches, etc.) and supportive. Pre-download any updates, releases, patches, etc., that you'll need to have on hand. Dump them on a disc or floppy so you have them at your disposal if things go to fan-splat status.

You're bound to get 1-2 that aren't. Weigh the options, pros n cons. If you can live with the cons, go for it. Make a timeslot for yourself for at least 12 hours...yep, 12 hours...one never knows what one will encounter. Even if you're up and running in 3, that leaves 9 hours of life you've gained back.

Clean install: best method...no risky conversions.

Upgrade install: prepare for troubleshooting, support calls, frustration, anything that could make your 12 hours filled with non-productive 'get to really know your box-ism'.

Weigh the costs: Clean install from a full version lessens the chance of conversion/translation errors, faults, crashes, etc. ...key word: lessens

If the difference in price is worth the time you'd charge yourself in fixing any and/or all things you may encounter with an upgrade...go for it.

Just remember to also use the hardware/software checklist you make to remind yourself of EVERYTHING you want to back up before you install/upgrade the operating system.

[Midknyte]

I wouldn't even bother with Vista until SP1.

You always know the pioneers because they're the ones with arrows in their backs.

[Baxdaddy]

Only driver out there for my box is for the x700 video card. Guess I better slow down and really think this through. I think the difference between the upgrade and full version of Home Premium is only 40 bucks, if my senility hasn't got the best of me tonight! I do appreciate all of your comments. I would like to be the go to guy in my duty section for XP help. No telling when Uncle Sam will upgrade though. This day and age you almost need an IT guy in each office!

[IanMatthew]

Go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...y/default.mspx

....and get the Windows upgrade advisor RC. Updated from the previous upgrade advisor. Gives a much better overview of the stuff which needs updating.

[mireland]

You always know the pioneers because they're the ones with arrows in their backs.

LOL!