Want to see if your Microsoft® Windows® XP-based PC can run Microsoft Windows VistaTM? Just download, install, and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC.

This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-tounderstand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.

Note: This software isn’t final, so the results you get may not be 100% accurate. Make sure you run Upgrade Advisor again in a few months for a more accurate assessment and to get the latest up-to-date information about whether your system is ready for an upgrade.

Before you begin

Before you run the Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB or other
attachable peripheral devices (such as printers, external hard drives, or
scanners) that are regularly used with the PC that you’re evaluating.
To download, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/ getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx.

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC FAQ.

Q. What is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC?

A. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC is a downloadable web application that helps Windows XP users identify which edition of Windows Vista meets their needs, whether their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista, and which features of Windows Vista will be able to run on their PCs. The end result is a report that explains which edition of Windows Vista to buy and provides suggestions about what, if any, hardware updates may be necessary to install and run the appropriate edition and features of Windows Vista. Running Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a great first step for anyone considering whether to install Windows Vista on a PC they already own.

Q. Why is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor described as “RC”?

A. RC stands for “release candidate.” It means that the current version is close to finished, but is still a work in progress. Since the beta release of Upgrade Advisor in May, we have updated the user experience, added program compatibility checking, and improved our assessment of devices like TV tuners. We don’t expect to add any significant new functionality after this release. We will continue to iron out a few issues in the next few months in order to deliver a great final product. You can check our progress by running Upgrade Advisor periodically, at which point the tool will automatically update itself.

Q. Why is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC only available for Windows XP users?

A. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC depends on technology that only runs on computers with editions of Windows® XP or Windows Vista installed. If you own a PC running Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 95, you will need to carefully compare its system capabilities to the information available on our Get Ready site. In general, PCs purchased within the last two years have a better chance of being able to run Windows Vista as is or with affordable improvements to the system hardware.

Q. Are there known issues with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC?

A. Yes. We will continue to improve the Upgrade Advisor following this release.

Q. What is required to run Windows Vista?

A. If you purchased a PC in the last two years, chances are good that you can run Windows Vista. To install and run the core functionality of Windows Vista, you need:

• An 800 MHz processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• A 20 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space

Advanced features, like the new user experience Windows Aero, require advanced or additional hardware.

Q. What should I consider when purchasing a new PC today to ensure that it can
run Windows Vista?

A. If you are buying a new PC before Windows Vista is available, look for the computers designated as Windows Vista Capable or Windows Vista Premium Ready.

Q. Is the Upgrade Advisor available in languages other than English?

A. Not yet. At this time the Upgrade Advisor is only available in English. We anticipate having the Upgrade Advisor available in many other languages in the future.

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