Computer Stuff

ardvark · 6th April 2017, 08:46

My better half plays World of Warcraft on the desktop computer. Yesterday we had a notice that the game would not be supporting Vista and XP later this year.

We are looking at upgrading to Windows 8.1. I've checked and the computer we have and will manage 8.1 with no problems.

My question to members in the know is this:- Can I just install 8.1 over the top of Vista and keep everything thats on there now or is it a case of moving files and progs to a detachable hard drive to be plugged in after 8.1 is installed?

philm · 6th April 2017, 09:34

you best read this there is section about updating from vista/xp.
https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/how-t...ns-of-windows/

MSS · 6th April 2017, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardvark

My better half plays World of Warcraft on the desktop computer. Yesterday we had a notice that the game would not be supporting Vista and XP later this year.

We are looking at upgrading to Windows 8.1. I've checked and the computer we have and will manage 8.1 with no problems.

My question to members in the know is this:- Can I just install 8.1 over the top of Vista and keep everything thats on there now or is it a case of moving files and progs to a detachable hard drive to be plugged in after 8.1 is installed?

Firstly, you cannot move programmes to a removable hard drive and reinstall from there.

My order of preference/recommendation would be as follows:

1. Take a copy of all your data and bookmarks etc. onto a hard drive, format the hard disk, load the new windows, all drivers, firewall, de-fragment, take an image for future recovery. Then reinstall all your programmes from scratch, set-up email accounts etc.

2. Take a copy of your data and bookmarks etc. Then do an in-situ upgrade to the later version of windows.

Option 1 will always give the cleanest install of the new windows.

The reason for always taking a copy of the data is that no matter what you do, there is the risk of data being lost due to an error, crash etc.

mbonwick · 6th April 2017, 11:26

Don't bother with Windows 8. Either go for 7 (supported until 2023) or 10. Licences for both can be had for less than £20. I'd suggest 7 is probably the best option as it's closest in hardware requirements to Vista.

It is possible to do an in-place upgrade of Windows and keep all your programs etc, but it does mean that any minor, hidden configuration issues from Vista will be carried over into the new install.

WillyHeckaslike · 8th April 2017, 18:17

The info linked to by philm in post 2 rules out the upgrade route. After doing so it states "Windows XP and Vista users must do a clean install with a DVD copy of Windows 8.1. It is also highly recommended that you back up your files when upgrading. No Windows XP or Vista files or programs will be carried over to Windows 8.1."

spyder · 8th April 2017, 18:27

I would also leave 8.1 alone and use 7 or 10. I prefer win 7 64bit, if your system allows.

Rooney · 8th April 2017, 19:44

Windows 8, and 8.1 are awful.

Windows 10 doesn't run properly on minimum spec - so bear that in mind.

If you can get your hands on windows 7 it's, imho, the best option for you

6th April 2017, 08:46	#1
ardvark Al 75 CDTI Tourer Auto Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Studley Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 1 Thanked 69 Times in 48 Posts	Computer Stuff My better half plays World of Warcraft on the desktop computer. Yesterday we had a notice that the game would not be supporting Vista and XP later this year. We are looking at upgrading to Windows 8.1. I've checked and the computer we have and will manage 8.1 with no problems. My question to members in the know is this:- Can I just install 8.1 over the top of Vista and keep everything thats on there now or is it a case of moving files and progs to a detachable hard drive to be plugged in after 8.1 is installed? __________________ ARDVARK

8th April 2017, 18:27	#6
spyder This is my second home 75 CDT Auto Tourer , Rover 45 , Astra, Zaffira, Chev Captiva Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wilts Posts: 3,342 Thanks: 203 Thanked 436 Times in 360 Posts	I would also leave 8.1 alone and use 7 or 10. I prefer win 7 64bit, if your system allows. __________________ Chrome skull caps, EGR cleaned (original housing), Mondeo lower mounting, 12V outlets in the armrest and tourer boot, cat fixed, working FBH, Lidl plenum covers, DD with reverse camera.New speakesr/Tweeters with MDF rings. wood dash, Memory leather seats, wooden finished steering and handbrake, Xenon headlights. Last edited by spyder; 8th April 2017 at 21:09..

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6th April 2017, 09:34	#2
philm Loves to post rover 75 tourer Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: HEREFORD Posts: 269 Thanks: 7 Thanked 69 Times in 56 Posts	you best read this there is section about updating from vista/xp. https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/how-t...ns-of-windows/

6th April 2017, 11:26	#4
mbonwick Gets stuck in Connoisseur SE 1.8 Auto Saloon Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Kendal Posts: 633 Thanks: 129 Thanked 176 Times in 147 Posts	Don't bother with Windows 8. Either go for 7 (supported until 2023) or 10. Licences for both can be had for less than £20. I'd suggest 7 is probably the best option as it's closest in hardware requirements to Vista. It is possible to do an in-place upgrade of Windows and keep all your programs etc, but it does mean that any minor, hidden configuration issues from Vista will be carried over into the new install.

8th April 2017, 18:17	#5
WillyHeckaslike This is my second home Rovers 75 & 25 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wearside Posts: 4,519 Thanks: 543 Thanked 709 Times in 511 Posts	The info linked to by philm in post 2 rules out the upgrade route. After doing so it states "Windows XP and Vista users must do a clean install with a DVD copy of Windows 8.1. It is also highly recommended that you back up your files when upgrading. No Windows XP or Vista files or programs will be carried over to Windows 8.1."

8th April 2017, 19:44	#7
Rooney Suspended MG ZT 135+ Rover 75 CDTi Tourer, 75 2.5 V6 Saloon Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: County Antrim Posts: 2,027 Thanks: 835 Thanked 882 Times in 557 Posts	Windows 8, and 8.1 are awful. Windows 10 doesn't run properly on minimum spec - so bear that in mind. If you can get your hands on windows 7 it's, imho, the best option for you