A+: Upgrading Operating Systems

During the operational life of a computer, it might be necessary to upgrade the installed operating system to a newer version. The 2009 A+ Certification exam objectives include three such scenarios, known as upgrade paths:

    • Upgrading Windows XP to Windows Vista
    • Upgrading Windows 2000 to Windows Vista
    • Upgrading Windows 2000 to Windows XP

If you’ve installed Windows XP on a system that is marginal (slow processor, small hard disk, and so forth), you can remove it if you find it’s not performing satisfactorily. Try it and see how you like it. If it’s not working for you, open Add/Remove Programs within the Control Panel to locate the uninstall program. If you want to install Windows XP on a system without hassles, don’t activate it until you’re sure you’re happy. Windows XP doesn’t need to be activated until 30 days have passed from the install date, so take your time and think it over.