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Need some ideas of what to do. Xp to windows Vista.

Discussion in 'Windows Vista' started by dtedder2, Apr 18, 2014.

  1. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    This is my problem, I have a Vostro 200 dell computer that has windows Vista on it from the factory that runs fine. I also have an old dell dimension 4700 500 gb hard drive 4000 mbs. memory that has xp on it that runs fine also. That is my backup computer if things go wrong, I can work it out using it.
    Now that windows has dropped xp, I want to install Vista onto the older computer, but I don't have a disk.
    Is there a way to download windows xp to Vista with out buying a new disk, or is this just a waste of my time?
    I'd hate to know that I have to go buy a new computer, just to satisfy microsoft, if you know what I mean.
    Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks
     
    dtedder2, Apr 18, 2014
    #1
  3. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Sorry guys, I have my bm and gbs wrong. should be 500 mb hard drive and 4 gb memory. on the older computer. Need coffee! lol
     
    dtedder2, Apr 18, 2014
    #2
  4. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    No one way or another you have to buy at least a Windows upgrade disk to do that and these days about the only place you would find a Windows Vista disk is on eBay. If the unit has 4 Gb ram and a goo gb hard drive I would bet you would be better off doing a clean install of Windows 7 which is a much better OS and you can do it with an upgrade disk but it must be a clean install.
    http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-128512
    Before doing anything though you should run the Windows Upgrade advisor to make sure what is on the older system is compatible with Windows 7.
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20
     
    Rich M, Apr 18, 2014
    #3
  5. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    OK, Time for a change. I'm thinking this is'nt going to be an easy fix.
    Thanks for your help.
     
    dtedder2, Apr 18, 2014
    #4
  6. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    No you are right about that. But it would be a change for the better.
     
    Rich M, Apr 18, 2014
    #5
  7. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Like I said, this is a very old computer, and only used as a backup. At this point, the hd. is clean, and waiting for me to make my mine up, as to what Op.to use.
    By the way, where can I find a Windows 7 upgrade disk at?
     
    dtedder2, Apr 19, 2014
    #6
  8. Plastic Nev

    Plastic Nev SUPER MODERATOR IN MEMORY

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    Before looking for a disk, run that Windows upgrade advisor first, as linked to in Rich's post #3
    No point getting a disk if the system can't run it.

    You should still be able to obtain a Windows 7 disk from most dealers and E Bay, though if using E Bay, make sure it is a new and unused disk. Also go for the full disk, upgrade disks are known to be problematical in some circumstances.

    Nev.
     
    Plastic Nev, Apr 19, 2014
    #7
  9. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    eBay is the easiest place where you will see the most, but some stores still stock it as Nev suggested, but when you buy on eBay make sure you get media and a license not just a disk. An upgrade disk is a full Windows disk with a switch to recognize another version of Windows on the pc so in reality used the way I suggested it has to work. You might be able to find a full version oem disk for less and that would be easier because you just install it once but be sure once again it has license and media. Just the disk won't do you any good. Oh and as Nev suggests you will waste your time if you don'y run upgrade compatibility first and determine if there are Windows 7 drivers for your chipset, video, lan and audio on that pc. Just installing Windows will not simply make any of the above hardware work correctly.
     
    Rich M, Apr 19, 2014
    #8
  10. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Who said that with tachnology that life is going to be easier? I guess I'll just have to jump in with both feet, and see where I land at.
    I'll run the compatibility, and tell ya what happens before I get in to deep.
    Thanks for the help.
     
    dtedder2, Apr 19, 2014
    #9
  11. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    Hey we are here for the long haul keep us posted....
     
    Rich M, Apr 20, 2014
    #10
  12. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Well do. Have a nice Easter.
     
    dtedder2, Apr 20, 2014
    #11
  13. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    You as well.
     
    Rich M, Apr 20, 2014
    #12
  14. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Hey guys, I have ran the campatibitly program and found a few things that I can address later. The bad thing is, that I'm having problems with finding the right Windows 7 disk. All that I can find is the 64 bit version, I need the 32 bit version with media and license. Can some one lead me to the right op disk?
    Thanks
     
    dtedder2, Apr 21, 2014
    #13
  15. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    Last edited: Apr 21, 2014
    Rich M, Apr 21, 2014
    #14
  16. Plastic Nev

    Plastic Nev SUPER MODERATOR IN MEMORY

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    I will add that the genuine full Microsoft Windows 7 package comes with both 32bit and 64bit disks, you are only allowed to use one or the other, not both under the license conditions.
    Be wary of anyone selling just the 32bit version, they may already have used the 64bit version, the license will have been taken up by that and will not work with the 32bit.

    Nev.
     
    Plastic Nev, Apr 21, 2014
    #15
  17. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    Hey Nev you are right assuming the version of Windows came that way. Oem versions you buy as either 32 bit or 64 bit whereas retail upgrade cd's have both 32 and 64 bit dvd's and so on as each one is different but your point would be definitely valid on an upgrade version of Windows 7.
     
    Rich M, Apr 21, 2014
    #16
  18. dtedder2

    dtedder2 Junior Member

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    Thanks for all of your help. I well look into these links and see what I need to do next.
    Be back soon.
     
    dtedder2, Apr 21, 2014
    #17
  19. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    Hard Drive:
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    Power Supply:
    Seasonic 750 watt
    Hey Nev you are right assuming the version of Windows came that way. Oem versions you buy as either 32 bit or 64 bit whereas retial upgrade cd's have both 32 and 64 bit dvd's and so on as each one is different but your point would be definitely valid on an upgrade version of Windows 7. Thank God this all stops with Windows 8.1 and there will be no more oem vs retail versions.
     
    Rich M, Apr 21, 2014
    #18

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