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How to Upgrade Windows XP to Windows Vista
Back up to a blank CD, flash drive, or external hard disk drive before upgrading.
A valid Windows Vista CD and product key are needed to complete the upgrade. XP can be upgraded to Vista using either a clean install or an upgrade install. The process that you will need to follow depends on which versions of XP and Vista you have. Before upgrading, determine which process you will need to follow.
Process: 1
Install Windows on a Hard Drive that already has a Windows
1. Step 1
Turn on your computer and insert the Vista installation CD as soon as your desktop appears. Click on the "Install now" option on the "Install Windows" screen that pops up.
2. Step 2
Click "Get updates" on the screen when asked if you would like to install important updates before upgrading. Windows updates will be automatically downloaded and installed in order to avoid problems during the upgrade to Vista.
3. Step 3
Type the 25 character Vista product key in the provided fields that display after Windows has downloaded and installed updates. Click the "Next" button to validate your copy of Vista and continue the upgrade.
4. Step 4
Agree to the terms by clicking the "I accept the license terms" icon. Click the "Upgrade" button when you are brought to the "Which type of installation do you want?" window. Your computer will complete the upgrade process and restart after finishing.
Process: 2
Install Windows on a Clean Hard Drive
5. Step 1
Start your computer and navigate to the Windows XP desktop. Place the Windows Vista CD in your computer's CD/DVD drive. Single click on "Install now" when the Vista installation window appears.
6. Step 2
Select the "Get Updates" option on the "Get important updates for this installation" screen. Allow Windows to download and install updates that will aid the Vista upgrade. Enter the Vista product key in the window that appears after the updates have been installed.
7. Step 3
Click the "I accept the license terms" button after reading and agreeing to the terms outlined by Microsoft. In order to complete the upgrade, you are required to agree to these terms.
8. Step 4
Click the "Custom" option on the page that appears asking which type of installation you would like to perform. Select the hard drive you would like to install the Vista upgrade on from the list of options. Click the "Next" button to continue. Windows will finish the upgrade process and reboot your computer as soon as it completes. Windows XP will now be upgraded to Vista on your computer.