Here's a step by step guide to upgrading from XP to Vista. If the upgrade
still fails it is likely some hardware is not Vista compatible or you still
have some software running that is not Vista compatible.

1) Backup your PC.
2) Back it up again.
3) Test your backups.

If you skip the above steps please don't whine that the upgrade trashed all
your files. Any process that involves this many changes to the file system
is fraught with danger. If you don't have a full backup of your pc before
starting the upgrade you are an idiot and shouldn't really have a pc to
start with :-) This may sound harsh but it is reality.

4) Run the latest version of the Upgrade Advisor and note anything it flags.
5) Uninstall (not disable) all antivirus, antispyware, firewall, disk
utility, and system utility programs even if the upgrade advisor doesn't
mention them. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after the
upgrade is finished.
6) Uninstall (not disable) all programs that the upgrade advisor flags as
possible problems. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after
the upgrade is finished.
7) If possible remove all hardware that the upgrade advisor flags as
incompatible.
8) Make sure you have Vista compatible drivers and software for all your
hardware devices burned to CD. Don't just look for drivers that the upgrade
advisor mentioned. If possible have drivers ready for everything.
9) Physically unplug any external devices like portable hard drives,
printers, card readers, flash drives, cameras, etc..
10) Run a chkdsk on all the partitions on all hard drives still connected.
11) Defrag the system and boot partitions.
12) Start the Vista upgrade process.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
[url]http://www.vistahelp.ca[/url]


"DMD31842" <ddavidson7@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:6f4f14e2-15d1-4893-94ff-497ba0ae4f5c@f3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I have a Dell Dimension and the Upgrade Advisor says I can install
> Vistal. I purchased the Vista Ultimate CD from a retailer and every
> time I try to upgrade it fails at the end. I have tried several times,
> disconnecting everything, etc. Would it be different if I purchased
> the Dell Vista CD? Is there anything else I can do? Thanks![/color]