Teching It Easy: Windows Vista

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Quick Start Guide and FAQs

for getting up and running with Windows Vista.

By Andre Paul Da Costa

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Windows Vista is the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows client operating system. Vista was

in development for the past four to five years, it features vast improvements to the desktopincluding a graphically rich user interface called Windows AERO, Instant Search capabilities,enhanced Security, Multimedia, 64-bit computing, improved deployment and tighterintegration with the Web through new features such as Sidebar Gadgets and Really SimpleSyndication (RSS). Included in Vista are new under the hood features such as WindowsPresentation and Communication Foundations and a new version of the .NET Framework forcreating powerful, connected and more secure applications.

Revised October 1st, 2007.

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Please note, its not gospel and because of the variety of configurations out there some of therecommendations might not be applicable to your system.Should I upgrade to Windows Vista or do a clean install?

Upgrading to Windows Vista 32-bit requires that you replace your existing installation of Windows XP 32-

bit by doing what is known as an “in place upgrade”. The installation process

replaces Windows XP files and retains your existing applications, personal files and settings. Of course, this requires careful thought and planning.1. Checking to make sure that all your installed applications and existing hardware devices arecompatible.2. Acquire any necessary updates that you might need to apply before upgrading to ensure yourexisting applications and hardware devices function after installing Windows Vista.3. Ensuring that there is enough Disk space to store temporary files and the operating system inaddition to your applications and files.4. Enough memory to efficiently run the operating system and your applications.5. Acceptable processor speed.Choosing the right platform is also important; there are no upgrade paths from Windows XPProfessional x64 to Vista x86 or x64 or Windows XP x86 to Vista x64. You cannot launch Vistax64 setup in Windows XP x86, if you do so, you will receive an "invalid Win32" error, you haveto boot off the DVD. A clean install which involves formatting the drive, getting the right driversand reinstall your applications, is always the best route, which guarantees a glitch lessexperience which in some cases can occur from upgrading.

For more information:

(http://www.windowsvista.com/64bit)

How do I install Windows Vista?

You have two choices, you can either upgrade from Windows XP by launching setup fromwithin Windows

(only Vista x86 supports upgrades from Windows XP x86)

and choose the

upgrade option during the installation wizard; (Vista requires that you have a minimum 13 GB’s

of free disk space before upgrading). You can also start a new installation by booting from theDVD drive, (make sure the boot drive in your BIOS is set to the optical drive).

Note:

If you want to upgrade Windows XP 32-bit make sure you launch setup from withinWindows XP SP2; upgrades are not supported by booting from the DVD. Upgrades are notsupported for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition at all; Vista x64 requires a clean installation.

How do I do a clean install with the Windows Vista Upgrade media?

Boot with the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD.2.

Click “Install Now”.

Do not enter a Product Key when prompted.4.

When prompted, select the Vista product edition that you do have.