Ok, so it’s clear that Windows XP OEM availability from Dell on selected ranges is to be extended to December 2007.

Having a choice of operating system is good for the consumer, what is less good is that the low cost “Express Upgrade to Vista” scheme has ended. The last qualifying date for this was on 15th March 2007.

This allowed users to upgrade to Windows Vista at a low cost further down the road.

Example: An Upgrade from Windows XP Pro to Windows Vista Business was £11 (basically shipping).

This scheme covered PC’s that shipped between October 2006 to 15th March 2007.

Bigger companies can go Software Assurance or whatever, but Express upgrades are the route for your typical small business user/consumer who adds computers as and when they need them.

I wish Dell and Microsoft thought about this from a Small Business Perspective and extend Express Upgrade to Vista for the rest of this year.

Let Dell know what you want: http://www.ideastorm.com/

Let Microsoft know what you want: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/contactUsUK/?sd=gn&ln=en-gb

Some of these are Dell specific but the general advice would apply to other PC makers.

If your Dell computer shipped with a Low cost upgrade to Windows Vista and you applied for it on www.dellvistaupgrade.com then the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista DVD’s are now shipping to customers.

Upgrading your Operating System can be potentially dangerous, so here are some tips to keep you safe.

1) Make sure you read the “Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Guide” in full prior to starting this process.

Link: Or Even better than the Printed guide is this Visual Guide for your the actual model.

2) Allow a good couple of hours for this upgrade.

3) Backup any data (documents, pictures, music, settings etc).

4) Research the Dell Support Forums for your Dell Model and see if anyone has encountered issues with the same setup as you. The Link for this is below

5) You dont have to rush into installing Windows Vista (kick back for a while until the dust settles).

Link: Check out this list of forum topics with users Downgrading Vista Back to Windows XP

Dell Provide a short video clip that you should check out prior to attempting the install with some good advice.

Links:

Dell Vista Upgade: http://www.dellvistaupgrade.com/default.aspx

Dell Support Forums: http://www.dellcommunity.com/

Dell Windows Vista Center: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/

If you have any questions about the Express Upgrade Process you can ask your questions in the comments section.

If you have successfully completed the upgrade why not share anything you have learned by leaving a comment.

If you’re a North West based business looking help and advice with new technology then get in touch I can help you. Tel: 01606-841587.

These are starting to arrive, I got mine yesterday (from Fed Ex)

The Package consists of

1) Piece of Cardboard with a Certificate of Authenticity (Dont Lose this)
2) A 13 Page Guide
3) Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Asistant DVD
4) Your Xp Version to Vista Version Express Upgrade DVD.

If you have any questions about the Express Upgrade Process you can ask your questions in the comments section.

If you’re a North West based business looking help and advice with new technology then get in touch I can help you. Tel: 01606-841587.