11 Steps to Upgrade Windows XP to Vista

Before you upgrade to newer Windows Vista from Windows XP operating system, please check your hardware capability in Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. You can download the program and check your PC system and report the detail is it capable or not to upgade to Windows Vista. To check your system the advisor need minimum Windows XP SP2 and .NET Framework 1.1 and MSXML 4.0. you can download the advisor here the file need space 6.6 MB.

On Microsoft website, the recommended Vista system requirement is depend which Version would you like to install. For Windows Vista Home Basic need 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor, 512 MB of system memory, 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space, Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory, DVD-ROM drive, Audio Output and Internet access. For Vista Home Premium / Business / Ultimate require 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor, 1 GB of system memory, 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space, support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
o WDDM Driver
o 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
o Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
o 32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM drive, audio output and Internet access. Also there’s additional requirement you can find on vista website.

If you already puchase Windows Vista and also you can create Windows Vista DVD except to wait the shipment, please make sure you follow the steps:

1. Insert Windows Vista software disc, double-click My Computer and find the Optical Drive. Find the Setup icon and click twice.

2. A window will open and ask if you want to check your notebook’s Vista compatibility online or to install the program. Click the Install Now button if your hardware already meet the requirement.

5. A new window will give you the option to go online to get the latest Vista updates or to install. If you don’t have an Internet connection or want to get the updates later, just click Install.

6. Input your installation key and click Next. You’ll arrive at the license-agreement page. Check the Yes box and click OK.

8. At the installation page, you’ll be asked whether you want to Upgrade (which installs Vista while keeping your files, programs, and settings intact), or a Custom Install (which installs Vista and removes all previous files, programs, and settings). Double-click on your selection. Usually performed the standard upgrade.

9. Vista will generate a Compatibility Report that shows which programs may not function with the new OS or those that may prevent Vista from installing. Take the appropriate action and click Next.

10. Vista will begin installation. The upgrade may take several hours to complete. Your machine will reset itself several times during this phase. It’s depend on your hardware configuration, usually takes 2 - 3 hours to finish the installation.

11. You’ll arrive at a Vista setup screen where you can install the OS with the recommended settings and click Next. Select your time zone and clock setting. Click next and you’ll arrive at a Thank You screen. Click Start to complete the installation.