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Follow these steps to upgrade your copy of Windows XP to Windows Vista:
1. Insert the Windows Vista DVD into your DVD drive and choose Install Now.
Vista churns away, preparing to install itself.
2. Choose Go Online to Get the Latest Updates for Installation (Recommended).
This step tells Vista to visit Microsoft's Web site and download the latest updates — drivers, patches, and assorted fixes — that help make your installation run as smoothly as possible.
3. Type your product key and click the Next button.
The product key usually lives on a little sticker affixed to the CD's packaging. No product key? You're stuck. You can't install Windows Vista without a product key. (If you're reinstalling a version of Vista that came preinstalled on your PC, look for the product key printed on a sticker affixed to the side or back of your PC.)
Don't select the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online check box. You can do that later, after you know that Vista works on your PC.
 | Write your product key on top of your Windows Vista DVD with a felt-tip pen. (Write on the side of the CD that's printed.) That way, you'll always have your valid product key with your CD. |
 | Windows Vista's Activation feature takes a snapshot of your computer's parts and links it with Windows Vista's serial number, which prevents you from installing that same copy onto another computer. Unfortunately, the Activation feature may also hassle you if you change a lot of parts in your computer. |
4. Read the license agreement, select the I Accept the License Terms check box, and click the Next button.
Take an hour or so to read Microsoft's 25-page license agreement carefully. You need to accept the license terms before Microsoft allows you to install the software.
5. Choose Upgrade and click the Next button.
Upgrading preserves your old files, settings, and programs. If this option is grayed out, it means that your hard drive isn't big enough. It needs up to 15GB of free space to install Vista.
Vista's Compatibility Report lists any software or pieces of your PC that Vista can't handle. Write them down so that you can update them later.
6. Choose your country, time and currency, and keyboard layout; then click the Next button.
If you live in the United States, click the Next button. If you live outside the United States, choose your country, time and currency, and a keyboard language to match your language.
7. Choose Use Recommended Settings.
Vista's recommended security settings keep Vista automatically patched and up to date.
8. Choose the current time and date, and then click the Finish button.
After rummaging around inside your PC for a few more minutes, Windows Vista appears on the screen, leaving you at the logon screen. But don't rest yet. Run through the following steps to complete the process:
• Use Windows Update. Visit Windows Update and download any security patches and updated drivers issued by Microsoft.
• Make sure that Vista recognizes your software. Run all your old programs to make sure that they still work. You may need to replace them with newer versions or drop by the manufacturers' Web sites to see whether they offer free updates.
• Check the user accounts. Make sure that your PC's user accounts work correctly.
Welcome to Windows Vista!
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