[MsDorko]

Hi Everyone!

I am really interested in upgrading to Windows Vista. I am pretty lost though. I currently have a tablet PC with Windows XP. I has a sticker that says it is Vista capable. However, I am ordering more ram so I will have a total of 2GB. I am planning to buy the business upgrade version of Vista.

This will be the first time that I install an OS. I was wondering if someone could give me a quick overview over the process just so I have an idea about what I will have to do.
If I purchase the upgrade version will everything on my computer be lost? I can burn a copy of specific files that I need. However, I was wondering about all the drivers and other software that came preinstalled on my computer? Would I need to save all of these too? I have a Fujitsu tablet and under add/remove programs there are quite a few of different drivers. How will this affect the upgrade?

Yes I know I am new to this. But please me patience with me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jmwills]

The install of Vista, of which I recommend a clean versus an upgrade, is pretty much the same as a clean install of XP. Most of the issues I have seen come from sound card drivers and older legacy programs. (Google Clean Install of Vista)
Most third party apps are quickly catching up with updates and I notice on my copy of Ultimate there is a section in the Control Parnl expecially for Tablet PC's.

 

[JohnWill]

Yep, I'd make SURE that Vista drivers are really available for all your hardware before you launch this upgrade project. And yes, I also recommend a clean install, not the upgrade install.

 

[MsDorko]

Thanks!

 

[bigk]

Just so you know, Windows: Vista wont ship to consumers until January 30, 2007.

Bigk

 

[MMJ]

Yep, I'd make SURE that Vista drivers are really available for all your hardware before you launch this upgrade project. And yes, I also recommend a clean install, not the upgrade install.

It shouldn't be that bad, once the install is finished it will connect to windows update and install the updates automatically.

 

[JohnWill]

It shouldn't be that bad, once the install is finished it will connect to windows update and install the updates automatically.

Dream on! If the hardware manufacturer's haven't produced the drivers for their hardware, Microsoft won't have them available. I hope you don't think Microsoft is writing all those drivers.

 

[MMJ]

Dream on! If the hardware manufacturer's haven't produced the drivers for their hardware, Microsoft won't have them available. I hope you don't think Microsoft is writing all those drivers.

Sorry, I read you post too fast. I thought you were saying to make sure that he has all the drivers with him.

 

[JohnWill]

Well, I was. The drivers that might be required for the laptop may or may not be available. I was suggesting that he insure that ALL the drivers be available before starting the upgrade.

Another point is if you're missing the chipset or network drivers, you'll have considerable difficulty connecting with Windows update to download them.

 

[MMJ]

So are you saying he should have them with him, he should make sure they are available, or both?

 

[JohnWill]

Figure it out.

 

[Bob Cerelli]

MsDorko,

You might try going to the manufacturer's web site to see the status of drivers.

If some are included with Vista that is usually mentioned.
If some are needed to be installed separately, it might be a good idea to download them ahead of time and burn them to a CD.