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Home > Windows Vista Help > Frequently Asked Questions

Should I upgrade or choose a clean installation?

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Published on 24 January 2007

If you want to keep all your settings, programs and files intact, run the Windows Vista disc from within Windows and choose to upgrade; if you want to start from scratch (back up your files first!) then choose Custom (advanced) instead.

Installation versions

A Fresh Start - If you are really set on starting anew, make sure you've backed up your files first!
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Comments


wbt
Is it correct that if you choose to upgrade then microsoft cancels the eula serial number of the xp you have upgraded from?
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01/02/07 | 07:29
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c00k1e
Is it correct that WinXP must be installed on your PC in order to upgrade and therfore a clean install with the Vista installer asking for the WinXP cd not be doen..?
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02/02/07 | 10:32
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joe_little1
You at least need the xp disk i think. as you will be asked for it in the Upgrade process!! Also as you need win xp files i think.
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08/02/07 | 09:46
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Bantams
I would always go for the clean Install option dont want any Old XP nasties left on the PC :)
Click once to vote this item up the content rankings  1 Votes
04/02/07 | 02:43
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milservuk
Well, I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to Vista Home Premium. I replaced my BT Voyager 1055 wireless adapter for a Gigabyte GN-WBKG and Vista installed fine with no problems whatsoever. It took about one and a quarter hours and rebooted four times, but everything went swimmingly. I just need to find my way round now, particularly the security settings so that I access the 'My Music' folder containing my collection of CDs. Cheers
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20/02/07 | 03:47
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lancastrian
I have XP Pro OEM can I upgrade Home Premium from this,I would want to do a clean install by formatting my HDD I am aware that I need to back up and can do this from Easy Tranfer to an external drive or 2nd HDD which I have
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21/02/07 | 03:10
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snowwv
i had xp and did the upgrade and had nothing but problems with all my software including trend micro av although every thing was supposed to be compatible. reformatted the hard drive and put vista on as a clean install and almost every problem i had went away. Definately do the clean install the upgrade isnt worth the headaches!
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22/05/07 | 12:25
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