Microsoft Updates Vista
Microsoft Updates Vista
Top 10 Things To do Before Updating Vista To Windows 7
I hope most of the Windows lovers have downloaded the BETA copy of Windows 7 and roaring to install it. Don't start your install procedure without reading this guide as you may lose many important files and settings.
In this guide I will point out some important things that you need to do and remember before installing Windows 7 on your machine.
1.Check the hardware requirement: This is one of the most important factors that you need to keep in mind before thinking about Windows 7.Though Windows 7 should run fine with the 512 MB RAM system, it's always better to follow Microsoft recommendations. Below are the Windows 7 requirements:
*A blank DVD
*A PC with a DVD burner
*A test PC for the Windows 7 Beta that meets these minimum hardware recommendations (specific to the Beta and subject to change in the final version of Windows 7). Please do not use a PC you rely on for your work or daily use:
*1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
*1 GB of system memory
*16 GB of available disk space
*Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
*DVD-R/W Drive
*Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)
2. Backup Vista: If you are planning to upgrade from Vista SP1(SP1 is must) then it's a good idea to backup your Vista drive so that you can revert back to Vista easily. I hope most of you know how to do back up task!
3. You need to backup all your profiles and other important files that I have listed below. In case you are planning to wipe out Vista and install Windows 7 then also it's better to create a backup of all profiles. Below are the important profiles that I backup:
*Documents
*Outlook pst file
*Windows live writer folder
*Saved games
*Other program profiles that you use.
4. The most important thing for a web addict is browser bookmark folder. Use backup Bookmarks option in your browser to create a bookmark. Download Password Exporter add-on for Firefox to backup all your saved passwords. Also don't forgot jot down all installed add-ons!
You can even use Mozilla Restorator to backup full Firefox profile.
5. If you have installed too many programs then it's a good idea to generate list of installed application using a simple command that I have explained in the Generate list of installed applications guide.
6. Next obvious task is to backup all the custom settings that you have done to your Vista. Of course, you can back up! Type Windows Easy Transfer in Start Menu search box and hit enter to open. Follow the simple instructions to complete the task.
Windows
Easy Transfer helps you move your many files, folders, and program settings from one computer to another—all in one process.
Using Windows Easy Transfer, you can choose to move:
- User accounts
- Documents
- Music
- Pictures
- E–mail
- Internet favorites
- Program settings
7. Move your Download folder from the "C" drive to any other safe location so that you will not lose the downloaded files.
8. Though Microsoft recommends 16GB drive to install Windows 7 I recommend at least 30GB so that you won't run out of free space in near feature.
9. If you have any files in Desktop just move to safe place since most of us keep important files on Desktop for quick access.
10. Last but least, don't forget to retrieve Office and other product keys using free programs like Winkey Finder.
Article source: http://www.windows7password.net/top-10-things-to-do-before-updating-vista-to-windows-7/
About the Author
Is microsoft still gonna send updates to vista?
Is microsoft still gonna send updates to vista because i have not got any for a while now and are they just gonna leave us hanging
Let me put it this way: they're still sending updates to XP.
Microsoft supports their products for 10 years.
Microsoft Updates Vista
How to - Upgrade Windows XP to Vista!
Automatically Updating Vista - Part 2 of 5 - Troubleshooting for Windows Vista
You should probably view Vista's Automatic Updates the same way you view a yearly physical checkup. It's just something that you should do to prevent as many issues as possible before they become issues in the first place. The Windows Update engine handles two kinds of updates:
- Critical updates: Can help speed up your system, secure it, and keep it from crashing
- Recommended updates: Will address noncritical problems and help enhance your computing experience
A third kind of update, the optional update, is not downloaded automatically. You must get these updates manually by running the "Check for updates" task in the Windows Update Control Panel application.
By default, Windows Updates turns on the Automatic Updates feature, so it's very likely that this is something you'll never have to do in your administrative career. It's still a good idea to know where to look, though. Here's what to do:
- Open the Windows Update Control Panel application by typing update at the Start menu. It's under the System and Maintenance grouping if you're going through the Control Panel.
- In the list of tasks on the left, click "Change settings."
- From the dialog box, choose the desired update options.
- Click OK to commit your changes. You may be asked for administrative confirmation by User Account Control.
Additionally, if the Automatic Updates feature is ever turned off, the Vista Security Center will yell at you (assuming that the Security Center notifications about Automatic Updates defaults haven't been changed). Once you're in the Security Center, you'll see a "Change settings" button, that will take you right back to the Automatic Updates settings dialog box.
The Windows Updates are applied to the computer, and therefore affect all users of a particular system.
Sometimes during troubleshooting, you will want to double-check to confirm that a particular update has been installed. If this is the case, you can choose the "View update history" link on the right side of the Windows Updates dialog box.
If you'd like to get my entire book "Windows Vista Administration: The Definitive Guide" by Brian Culp, Publisher: O'Reilly, ISBN-13: 978-0-59-652959-8 (or any of my 20+ other books and tutorials), you can pick it up at my website, www.TheAnswerHub.com or at most major book chains. In addition, I'm always happy to provide additional assistance for free (within reason, mind you...don't go thinking this is some sort of a free ride). Visit me at my website and submit your questions to me. I'll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.
Up Next: in part 3 of this 5-part series, we'll be discussing the process of automatically checking for solutions to problems encountered by Windows Vista with Problem Reports and Solutions.
About the Author
Brian Culp, MCSE, MCT, is a recognized Microsoft expert who has been teaching and writing about Windows for many years. He is author/coauthor of: seven books including Windows XP Power Tools (Sybex) and Outlook 2003 Bible (Wiley); four MCSE study Guides (McGraw-Hill); and numerous tutorials for the Virtual Training Company. Mr. Culp provides instruction on various administration and networking topics throughout the United States, but can always be reached via his website, http://www.TheAnswerHub.com
Microsoft Updates Vista
