I have an older Lenovo idea pad. I am running windows vista on it. The laptop has the duo core harddrive. the harddrive that I use is almost full. It is a 30 gb hd with 1 gb available. the other drive has about 150gb available. I stopped by staples and the guy there said that windows 8.1 would be better then using windows 7. I am looking for suggestions and ideas on what to use and how to install it. I am pretty much a NOOB. TIA
📎 AI Summary:
The forum discussion revolves around upgrading an older Lenovo IdeaPad with Windows Vista to Windows 8 or 8.1. The original poster is seeking advice on compatibility, installation methods, and whether to upgrade directly or clean install, with input from another user sharing personal experience with Windows upgrades and recommendations for using the Windows upgrade assistant and clean install procedures. Overall, the consensus suggests that a clean installation of Windows 8 followed by a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 is the recommended approach, though the original poster notes concerns about hard drive space and compatibility, indicating cautious consideration before proceeding.
The forum discussion revolves around upgrading an older Lenovo IdeaPad with Windows Vista to Windows 8 or 8.1. The original poster is seeking advice on compatibility, installation methods, and whether to upgrade directly or clean install, with input from another user sharing personal experience with Windows upgrades and recommendations for using the Windows upgrade assistant and clean install procedures. Overall, the consensus suggests that a clean installation of Windows 8 followed by a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 is the recommended approach, though the original poster notes concerns about hard drive space and compatibility, indicating cautious consideration before proceeding.
davidhk129
Essential Member
I may not be able to answer your question fully.
I do have first hand experience of a similar matter.
I have a 5 years old Dell Inspiron 1420 pre-installed with Vista. Less than 6 months ago, I bought a windows 8 Pro upgrade software from eBay, installed it then later upgraded to Win 8.1 Pro.
Installation went smoothly without issues.
Now, the Staples person is correct, more or less. Upgrading from Win 7 to Win 8.1will be a breeze.
However, in your case, THE BEST way for you is to upgrade to Win 8 first, then use Windows Store to upgrade to Win 8.1 which will be free of charge.
Why ?
Because : Windows 8.1 isn't designed for installation on PCs running Windows Vista or Windows XP.
First, you need to run the Windows 8 upgrade assistant tool to make sure your computer is ready/compatible to run Windows 8.
excerpt :
if you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you can use Link Removed to see if your programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8. Most programs and devices that work in Windows 8 will also work in Windows 8.1.
Second, once you get the green light , shop for a Win 8 or Win 8 Pro upgrade software. Install and activate it. Then go to Windows Store for a free upgrade to Win 8.1
The official Microsoft site for win 8 is as follow:
Windows 8 ........ Link Removed
Windows 8 Pro ....Link Removed
Note : I gave you the Microsoft links because some people frown on buying software from ebay.
I do have first hand experience of a similar matter.
I have a 5 years old Dell Inspiron 1420 pre-installed with Vista. Less than 6 months ago, I bought a windows 8 Pro upgrade software from eBay, installed it then later upgraded to Win 8.1 Pro.
Installation went smoothly without issues.
Now, the Staples person is correct, more or less. Upgrading from Win 7 to Win 8.1will be a breeze.
However, in your case, THE BEST way for you is to upgrade to Win 8 first, then use Windows Store to upgrade to Win 8.1 which will be free of charge.
Why ?
Because : Windows 8.1 isn't designed for installation on PCs running Windows Vista or Windows XP.
First, you need to run the Windows 8 upgrade assistant tool to make sure your computer is ready/compatible to run Windows 8.
excerpt :
if you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you can use Link Removed to see if your programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8. Most programs and devices that work in Windows 8 will also work in Windows 8.1.
Second, once you get the green light , shop for a Win 8 or Win 8 Pro upgrade software. Install and activate it. Then go to Windows Store for a free upgrade to Win 8.1
The official Microsoft site for win 8 is as follow:
Windows 8 ........ Link Removed
Windows 8 Pro ....Link Removed
Note : I gave you the Microsoft links because some people frown on buying software from ebay.
Last edited:
davidhk129
Essential Member
P.S. I don't know which country you are from.
I am in North America, Canada, to be precise. We can get better deals for Win 8 upgrade software from Walmart stores.
I am in North America, Canada, to be precise. We can get better deals for Win 8 upgrade software from Walmart stores.
I am in the USA, Massachusetts to be specific. I ran the upgrade assistant and it showed about 10 programs that would not work. None of them were a big deal. However it did not say anything about if I have enough Harddrive space? Do you recall how much space you had available on your install? The assistant also said the upgrade is only available on DVD. thanks for all the info and links.
davidhk129
Essential Member
No. I did not because to avoid unexpected mishaps, I restored my Vista back to Factory Settings. Then I installed the Win 8 Pro.
You could backup files you wanted to keep and then did a CLEAN install.
Clean install means Win 8 will wipe out everything that were in the system. You start fresh.
You could backup files you wanted to keep and then did a CLEAN install.
Clean install means Win 8 will wipe out everything that were in the system. You start fresh.
davidhk129
Essential Member
Please read this.......
How To Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 (Part 1 of 2)
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm
How To Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 (Part 1 of 2)
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm
Thanks, that definitely looks like the way to go. It does not mention anything about windows vista, just xp and 7.
davidhk129
Essential Member
Here is a much more precise tutorial compiled by a very reputable source.
How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html
The installation will be lengthy but NOT complicated. Just follow the prompts and read the tutorial instructions step by step.
How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html
The installation will be lengthy but NOT complicated. Just follow the prompts and read the tutorial instructions step by step.
