Blain Barton's "Top 5" things to consider when moving to Windows Vista
After many discussions with my customers around moving to Windows Vista, I took some time to put my own personal list together to help assist them.
Here are my "Top 5" things to follow when moving to Windows Vista:
#1 - Look at the upgrade paths to Windows Vista before you "break the seal" on your new, sleek Windows Vista package. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing an upgrade copy of Windows Vista.
#2 - Run the Windows Upgrade Advisor at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx?wt_svl=20409a&mg_id=20409b This small software tool will scan your computer and create a report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you to choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.
#3 - Run the Windows Easy Transfer at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2B6F1631-973A-45C7-A4EC-4928FA173266&displaylang=en The Windows Easy Transfer helps you to easily move the files and settings stored on your PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or even Windows Vista to a new PC running Windows Vista. Windows Easy Transfer will automatically transfer things like: User Accounts, Files and folders, Email messages, settings, and contacts, Photos, music, and videos, Windows settings, Program data files and settings, and Internet settings. What about my applications Blain? !!!!
#4 - Run the Windows Easy Transfer Companion (For Applications :) - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=39F724EB-4E37-4BE0-ADFC-786786E73E50&displaylang=en&clcid=0x409 The Windows Easy Transfer Companion (WETC) is a program that you can use to help transfer programs from a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) to a computer that is running Windows Vista. WETC does not replace Windows Easy Transfer. Instead, WETC is an independent program that complements Windows Easy Transfer. You can use WETC to transfer many kinds of programs between two computers that are connected by an Easy Transfer Cable or by a network connection. For a list of applications that will transfer, check out: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931696
#5 - If you are purchasing a new machine from Dell, HP or other OEM vendors you might want to get all of that trial software off of your machine, I like the PC Decrapifier, a free utility at: http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/home "When did I ask for this?" you ask. Well, you didn't and that's where the PC Decrapifier comes in. The PC Decrapifier attempts to remove all of the crap on your PC that you never asked for or wanted. To manually remove all of this stuff by hand can take at least an hour (depending on the severity of the infestation.) The PC Decrapifier will detect the 'crap' on your system, you choose what to uninstall, then sit back and let the PC Decrapifier work its magic.
GOT HARDWARE? Check out all Windows Vista Devices! http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/Default.aspx
Go for it, enjoy!
