XP Home to Vista Home Premium Clean Install Question

I guess before I start, should I go ahead and do this? I have a Z61t T7200 w/ 2gb ram, intel integrated video (before santa rosa, whatever number it is). I assume this should work reasonably well for Vista w/ Aero.

Now for the actual questioning...

For doing all these "clean install guide" installs, do I need to do a regular upgrade to vista first, or can I jump into the guide directly running xp home, and go ahead and clean install vista from there? Is there an easy way to get all of my programs up and running with some backup program, or do I need to install all of my programs? How about backing up my documents and files? Does any of the TVT software let me just backup my files? Thanks.

 

You do not need to purchase a full retail version, but you will need to purchase a Vista "upgrade". Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116143

You might even be able to do it with an OEM version like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116202

I haven't personally use the OEM version so check into that. I'm uncertain of the requirements and limitations.

This link might help you with transferring files: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/easytransfer.mspx

 

A "clean install" usually means completely formatting the drive, and installing a fresh copy of the OS. This means that it doesn't matter what you have on the drive before in terms of an OS, because you will be wiping it clean. This also means that you will have to reinstall all of your programs.

So you just need the new OS on a cd and that's it. Nothing else is required to do a "clean install".

 

A clean install means installing the OS from scratch so no upgrade needed. As for you programs you will need to reinstall them all back in.

 

I bought when there was the "free upgrade" via mail in rebate time frame. So I have that upgrade disc. Will that work?

 

Yes it will work, but it won't be a clean install. It will just be an upgrade of ur OS.

 

I can't use the DVD that moduslink sent out to me? Do I need to buy this one? http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=froogle&product_code=52591952&pfp=XSELLCUSTVW

It's $5, so I don't really care. I can handle that. But what I don't want to wait for is the shipping time

But from what you're saying (adinu), I think I need to get that disc from compusa if I want a clean install, and I can use the upgrade dvd from moduslink if I want a regular "dirty" install. Am I correct?

 

So let me see if I understand you.

1. You have Windows XP now.
2. You want a CLEAN INSTALL of Vista.
3. You have a free upgrade DVD to go from XP to Vista.

What I think you should do.
1.Back-up your data.
2.Use the disk to upgrade to Vista...even if it is not clean. (If it is free of bloatware then great. You're done.)
3.Purchase the Vista "anytime upgrade" DVD to do the clean install following the link in my sig.

I think that should work.

 

1. You have Windows XP now.
--My Z61t came preinstalled with XP home

2. You want a CLEAN INSTALL of Vista.
--I want this!

3. You have a free upgrade DVD to go from XP to Vista.
--I got the upgrade DVD after mail in rebate for XP home premium from Moduslink. Not sure if it's the same as the CompUSA one.

Sounds like I should give it a shot with the DVD I have, if works, great, if not, buy the other one. Does anyone know for sure whether or not the DVD I have is the same?? I'd be easier just to do it once, that's why I want to find out first.

 

Use the disk you have now to get Vista. THEN if that works but you still have the bloatware you can use the use the anytimeupgrade DVD to do a Clean install.

You can not use the anytime upgrade DVD to go from XP to Vista unless you want to spend some $$ (if it is even possible at all).

 

Ok, so I'm getting a bit confused, I think. Let me see if I have this right...
I know that my moduslink upgrade DVD should get me running vista, but with a lot of junk like a regular install from the manufacturer. Since this is an upgrade from XP home, I don't really have a true standalone copy of vista. Now to try a clean install, the disc I have might not work. If that's the case, can I then buy the $5 anytime upgrade disc and clean install after I've used my moduslink DVD already? Do I need to do both steps?

 

That's not true at all. Doing a clean install with the anytime upgrade DVD is not dependent on what OS you already have on the hard drive. In fact, you could use the anytime upgrade disc to do a clean Vista install on a brand new empty hard drive. The anytime upgrade DVD is the same exact thing as a regular Windows Vista disc just with different branding on it.

Assuming someone owns a Windows Vista license, she can wipe out her current bloated-setup and clean install Vista within one process. I suggest making this easiest by viewing the clean install guide in my sig. Of course, the OP doesn't have an anytime upgrade disc, that's why........

No need to follow bloated guides and pay $5 for an anytime upgrade disc. There's a trick to do a clean install with only a regular upgrade (as opposed to full version) Vista disc.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

Paul Thurott on this site suggests clean installing a first time WITHOUT putting in the product key. Then when it is done, "upgrade" from an unactivated-Windows Vista to an activated one by clean installing again, but this time you can put in your product key. So in essence, you've "upgraded" per your upgrade disc's functionality, but also did a clean install. For all other ThinkPad-specific tips related to clean installing, visit the install guide in my sig.