Vista Beta-2 Install Question

[stevem326]

I'm thinking about installing Vista Beta-2 later this month when it's released to the general public (supposedly around 5/27).

Does anyone know exactly how the install will work? For example, if I currently run XP Home will Vista install as an upgrade? Or, would it be better to reformat my HD and install Vista as if it were a brand new PC?

 

[ProviaFan]

Regardless of whether it supports upgrading from XP (in current builds the upgrade option is disabled, from what I've heard), I've never seen anything good come from upgrade installations of Windows, so I'd suggest a fresh install for best evaluation. Of course, since it's a beta, I suppose an upgrade wouldn't be a bad idea if you felt like working around potential hassles - I'm sure Microsoft will want feedback about all possible installation scenarios.

 

[stevem326]

Yes, you're probably right. I can do a fresh install...no problem. That would probably provide more stability rather than doing the upgrade thing (assuming that's even an option).

I'm still debating whether or not I want to test it though

My PC meets the minimum requirements but I won't be able to experience the Aero effects since my video card's not the latest and greatest...

 

[ProviaFan]

What kind of specs does your system have?

 

[stash]

Regardless of whether it supports upgrading from XP (in current builds the upgrade option is disabled, from what I've heard), I've never seen anything good come from upgrade installations of Windows, so I'd suggest a fresh install for best evaluation.

Upgrade in Vista is completely different from any previous Windows OS. Upgrades are not disabled in the latest builds.

In Vista, an upgrade is actually a clean install. Your data is saved, the system boots into WinPE, formats the drive and then forklifts your data back into the clean install.

When Beta2 is released, I highly recommend you try the upgrade, especially so you can file bugs.

 

[spyordie007]

I agree, backup your data (as you would anyways) and than perform an upgrade. If you run into issues bug them before doing a clean install.

As Stash mentioned upgrades are enabled under 5381, I havent had time to try an upgrade install yet on my end so cant comment on quality of the process.

 

[Evander]

Is this beta free? If so, I assume it's time limited. what happens when time's up? It saves everything and reverts back to xp? seems doubtful

 

[spyordie007]

The current builds have a timeout and I'm assuming beta 2 will be the same way. Once your time runs out it stops functioning.

 

[stash]

It saves everything and reverts back to xp? seems doubtful

No way. It's a beta and should be treated accordingly.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan
What kind of specs does your system have?

P4 2.4 GHz CPU
512 MB PC 2100 RAM
80 GB 7,200 HD
64 MB GEForce 4 MX 440 Vid Card
MSI 845-E Max MoBo
On Board sound

I think I'll be able to run Vista at the minimum requirements, but that's about it. Definitely won't be able to experience the Aero thing...

 

[stevem326]

Thanks for all of the replies. So, if I install Beta 2 using the "upgrade" method, what happens to my system when the time period expires? Will I be able to revert back to XP Home? Or will I have to reformat my HD and install XP Home all over again (if I decide not to buy Vista that is).

Thanks again for all of the advice!

 

[spyordie007]

Or will I have to reformat my HD and install XP Home all over again (if I decide not to buy Vista that is).

That's correct you would have to reformat and install XP.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: spyordie007

Or will I have to reformat my HD and install XP Home all over again (if I decide not to buy Vista that is).

That's correct you would have to reformat and install XP.

Hmm, okay, thanks. On that note, I think I might hold off and just wait until Vista is out next year in its final retail form. Thanks again for the info!

 

[Nocturnal]

The upcoming public beta should be free via Microsoft's website and or through paying for a physical copy via a DVD.

 

[InlineFive]

Personally I would install the Vista Beta on another hard drive entirely to preserve my original Windows XP installation. It's not a bad safety measure.

 

[13Gigatons]

C: Windows XP 32 bit edition
D: Windows XP 64 bit edition
E: Windows Vista 32 bit edition

 

[Seeruk]

Dual Boot

 

[ND40oz]

Originally posted by: stash
Upgrade in Vista is completely different from any previous Windows OS. Upgrades are not disabled in the latest builds.

Is there something special you have to do to get the upgrade going? I couldn't get the upgrade working with the latest beta version on Dell D620 I have on loan. Had to do a fresh install instead.

 

[stash]

Depends which build you were using. Some of the previous builds had upgrade disabled. It should be enabled for beta2. You need to start an upgrade install from within an XP install, you can't do an upgrade by booting off the DVD.