As we all know when it comes to new operating systems there are always going to be issues with some software programs and hardware devices. With Windows Vista the problems have been much larger then before and to ensure that all your current hardware and software will work under Windows Vista there is a program provided by Microsoft called Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
Since the release of Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista and all the updates that have been released Vista is not as problematic as it first was and is now more than ready for the average home user to start using. There is always something missing however which is why before you even think about installing Windows Vista you should run the Upgrade Advisor.
The following tutorial is going to show you where to get Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor then how to install and use it to ensure that you will have minimal issues if any at all.
Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor Here!
Now I will walk you through installing this small (But important) piece of software:
1. Locate the file you have just downloaded which should be named WindowsVistaUpgradeAdvisor, Double Click the file to start the install wizard.
2. You may be presented with a security warning at this point asking you to Run or Cancel, Click Run.
3. There should now be a Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor window on display, Click Next
4. License Agreement, Select I Agree and then Next (if you agree of course!)
5. You will now be asked where you would like to install the program, the default location should be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor\ Assuming you have your operating system installed on C: drive if you are happy with this Click Next.
6. Select Create Desktop Shortcut and Click Next.
7. Click Close, Installation is no complete.
I will now show you how to run the program and find out if you would be faced with issues when upgrading to Windows Vista:
• On your Desktop there should not be a shortcut icon to run Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, Double Click this to start the program.
• Once the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor window is displaying Click Start Scan
• While the Scan is taking place (Which may take a while) you can read through the Tabs at the bottom explaining in more detail what you will get in what versions of Windows Vista.
• Once the Scan has completed Click See Details.
• First of all you should select the Version of Windows Vista that you wish to install on the left hand side.
• Now if you scroll down you are displayed with Three important points
1. System Requirements
2. Devices
3. Programs
• Click See Details on each of these in turn to find out if there will be any issues with upgrading to Windows Vista.
• If you do have any issues that require action I would HIGHLY suggest that before you even consider installing Vista you resolve these issues, most software now have versions for Vista but there are some that still do not. Check there websites for details.
• If anything does require attention it’s likely that the Upgrade Advisor will point you in the right direction.
• For any reason if there is something that you don’t understand in the list there is a Print Task List in the top right of the See Details pages, print off a copy and take it to your local PC shop for advice. They should be able to explain anything that you don’t quite understand.
That’s all there is to it really, if the Upgrade Advisor says that you will have issues resolve them before upgrading. If everything is good then go for the install (please make sure you backup any important information first, as with computers anything can and more than often does happen!) and the last thing you want is to lose all those priceless photos and important documents.
Another point to note, when installing Windows Vista if you are asked if you would like to download updates from the internet as part of the installation, if you have an internet connection I would suggest that you say yes to this. It will save you a great deal of time later and also give you all the latest updates meaning that the problems that you could face will be much less.
