windows XP laptop. Can I move to Vista ?

[pityackafromblyth]

I have a Windows Vista laptop, 5yrs old. My first computer, and self taught on it.  I have been given an Acer laptop which runs Windows XP.  It seems slow compared with the Vista, but does have a sticker showing " Windows Vista Capable".  I am in possession of all the discs/dvd's which came with the Dell Vista.  Will it be an easy job to install the Vista system using those discs, or will it be a bit too complicated for me ? (Aged 70+)
I appreciate I would lose all data, etc on the Acer relating to XP, but presumably a backup of everything to an external hard drive (using Macrium Reflect backup) before I start any 'upgrade' would save files, photos, etc.
If it will not be any easy job for me, then don't be afraid to say so.

[pjm99]

Hi pityackafromblyth,
Using the media you have (for your existing laptop) to try and install Vista on another machine is not allowed and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be able to activate it once installed. Personally I would try and buy media for Windows 7 to install on your newly acquired Acer machine. It is far better than Vista.
HTH
Peter

[mazi]

Two thoughts from me,
Putting vista or windows 7 on the laptop won't make it any faster as it most likely does not have much memory.

If you try and it doesn't work you  may not be able to put XP back again.

Lots of people still use XP, it's still a good operating system.

Mike

[[Ray]]

Hi P A F B

Why not load one of the Unix/Linux distros?

In my experience, those (old) XP machines work a treat. 
Especially when you delete Windows
Try Ubuntu [Ubuntu.com], it will not take long to download/install.
You can then run the linux versions of Firefox and Thunderbird, Libre Office.
ALL FREE!
[ see also http://www.linuxlinks.com/ ]


There are some good linux educational sites/literature around.
My personal favourite mag is LinuxFormat (LinuxFormat.com)

You are NOT too old to carry out the task, especially as you have done something similar before.
[ Taught yourrself that is ]
You have been given a machine which stands you in at nothing.
It therefore also does not matter if you make a mistake (or 5).

Go on!

Ray

[pityackafromblyth]

[Ray], and all the rest of the respondents, Thank you for your posts.  I am putting them to one side for a few days - bereavement of a close friend (which is just sinking in);and our elderly dog looks like more sadness.
Will look at everything in the next few days.
Thanks, All.

[falcybe]

Personally I would try and buy media for Windows 7 to install on your newly acquired Acer machine. It is far better than Vista.

It is not so much that Windows 7 is better, I loved Vista before moving on to 7 and now 8.1 but Vista requires at least 4gb of RAM to work without you pulling your hair out waiting for something to happen.

If your Acer gift appears slow compared with your machine working on XP then there is a very good reason - it isn't as fast as your computer - so don't put vista on it without a lot of thought, Vista uses lots and lots of memory.

Do you want to use the gifted XP machine out of respect for your friend who has just died or has your own computer under W7 developed problems?

[Redroger]

Personally I would upgrade the memory. Download and instal "Speccy" from the internet, it will tell you the precise specifications of your laptop.Run the Windows specification test from Microsoft to see if your machine is W7 capable (or where it fails) Then if upgradeable instal the biggest RAM it will take, probably 2K. And install Windows 7. I did this when my XP Netbook installation became carwling with bugs. Complete success.

[pityackafromblyth]

Thanks all for your help.  I have learned that the Acer laptop - " Vista Capable" will not work with the Dell Vista disks.  Apparently each disk has a serial/licence No. and one maker's disk will not work with a different manufacturer's computer/laptop.
In the meantime I have manged to "crash" the Acer laptop, so what I was asking no longer applies, and will never apply.
As regards suggestions listed above I will have another look at them, and possibly try out.