Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC FAQ

Q. What is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor beta?
A. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor beta is a downloadable web application that helps Windows XP users to identify which version of Windows Vista meets their needs, while checking if their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista and which features will be available on their PC. The end result is a report that explains which version 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 "beta"?
A. It means that the current version is a work-in-progress. We expect to add additional functionality, like application compatibility checking, in future versions of the Upgrade Advisor. Please check back to the Upgrade Advisor website for updated versions of the tool.

Q. Why is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor beta only available for Windows XP users?
A. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor beta depends on technology that only runs on computers with editions of Windows XP or a beta edition of Windows Vista installed. If you own a PC running Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 95, you will need to carefully compare their 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 beta?
A. Yes. We will continue to improve the Upgrade Advisor following the release of the beta. For example, Upgrade Advisor can identify the presence of a TV Tuner card but cannot determine if it will definitively work with Windows Vista. Therefore, if the Upgrade Advisor finds a TV Tuner card on your system—even one that works today with your Windows XP Media Center Edition PC—the Upgrade Advisor will not be able to tell you if that tuner will work with Windows Vista. Please check back to the Upgrade Advisor website for updated versions.

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 today. 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 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. You can read more information on Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs here.

Q. Is the Upgrade Advisor available in languages other than English?
A. No. At this time the Upgrade Advisor is only available in English during the beta phase of development. We anticipate having the Upgrade Advisor available in other languages in the future.