Installing Windows Vista - FAQ
Can my computer run Windows Vista?
You'll first want to check to see if your hardware is compatible with Windows Vista. That can be done though the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor on the Microsoft website.
You'll then want to know the basic system requirements for Windows Vista. You'll find those
requirements on the Microsoft website.
What should I do before installing Windows?
The following is a short list designed to save you time and help you avoid problems during installation:
- You'll want to update whatever antivirus program you're running. Let it run a virus check and then shut it down. Now, don't forget to enable the antivirus program after you've installed Vista!
- Before any software installation it's a very good idea to back up your files! Ideally, you'll want to back your files to an external hard drive, disk, dvd or cd.
- Reconnect to the internet so you get the latest installation updates. These are vital as they may contain security updates and/or hardware driver updates that can help with installation.
- And lastly, check your hardware for compatibility with Windows Vista. Windows make this process easier with their Vista Upgrade Advisor
Should I upgrade my current Windows or perform a clean installation?
You can upgrade your current Windows if you want to keep you your files, programs and personal settings from your current version of Windows.
Follow a clean installation if you want to install Vista to a specific drive or partition. You can also set up a
multiboot system on your computer.
There are two (bit) versions of Vista for you choose from. For detailed info on installing or upgrading 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, go to Installation choices for
Windows Vista (32-bit) or Installation choices for
Windows Vista (64-bit) online.
Can I uninstall Windows Vista?
Curiously, you cannot uninstall Windows Vista! Instead you'll have to reinstall your previous operating system which will then replace Windows Vista.
To reinstall your old operating system you'll need the original installation disc. Then follow the instructions above (back up your programs and files etc...), insert the installation disc and follow the installation prompts to reinstall the old operating system.
In order to regain the hard drive space taken up by Windows Vista you'll need to reformat the disk during the reinstallation process.
BEWARE: If you choose this option, do not do so before you've backed up/saved the programs, files, folders, etc... basically whatever you want to keep! Choosing reformat prior to reinstalling your operating system means everything that was there will be lost and only the reinstalled operating system will be present. Once you've reinstalled your previous operating system, reinstall the programs, files, folders, etc... that you backed up for safe keeping.
For information about removing Windows Vista from a multiboot system, see
Uninstall Windows Vista on a multiboot system.
Will my programs work with Windows Vista?
Most programs written for Windows XP should work for Windows Vista. Older programs for older versions of Window may run poorly or not at all. More information about program compatibility can be found
here.
As a side note... and an FYI.... Windows Vista uses the
NTFS file system. When upgrading a computer using Windows XP and the FAT file system, it will be upgraded to NTFS. The swap to to NTFS can affect program compatibility.
Linear Mode
