Ok, im running on an OEM version of XP Home, bought brand new from tigerdirect. Now i plan on upgrading to Vista. So my question is, if i purchase an OEM Vista Home Premium, will i lose all my files that i have now on XP.

Nope. Just insert the Vista CD, and then start the installation from within Windows XP. That is, don't boot from the Vista install CD, but rather put it in after Windows XP has loaded. This will give you the option to upgrade your current install. On a side note, consider buying Vista Home Premium Upgrade. Is is cheaper and since you have Windows XP already, you qualify. -Ryan Adams http://RyanTAdams.com

consider buying Vista Home Premium Upgrade. Is is cheaper and since you have Windows XP already, you qualify. Even when the OP has OEM XP? If this is so I guess the following article no longer applies to what is upgradable and what is not (i.e. Retail VS. OEM Vs. Preinstalled) http://www.infocellar.com/winxp/oem... i_Xp/VistaUser

I could be wrong. I was always under the impression that OEM XP was not upgradable. However, the other day I was installing from a Vista Upgrade CD to a blank hard drive. Since it was a blank drive, I had to put in the Windows XP disk to prove I was eligible fro the Vista upgrade. I mistakenly put in an OEM XP disk (which now that I think about it may have come from tigerdirect.com) and it worked. I didn't realize until I popped the disk out that it was OEM XP. I suppose to be on the safe side, you should get the full version of Vista. Officially, this is the only one that will install on your OEM XP installation. -Ryan Adams http://RyanTAdams.com

...and it worked. I didn't realize until I popped the disk out that it was OEM XP... I think it doesnt matter what disk you use, OEM or normal CD, they both have the smae files, i think it all depends on what COA you enter, you proably used a OEM cd, but entered a COA for a full version of XP. Yea, i was under the impression that i couldnt update OEM versions, but if i could that would be awesome.

You can upgrade your XP OEM with Vista Upgrade version no worries. Before you upgrade, use the Windows upgrade adviser from Microsoft to check for any problems with currently installed software or hardware.

I think OEM Vista discs do not have the "UPGRADE" option from a previous OS. Only retail Vista discs have that option as Response # 5 ( anmor ) put it. You can also use an upgrade Vista disc to do a clean install. With the OEM Vista disc, you have to do only a clean install. By losing files, if you mean losing your installed programs, the answer depends. Some programs, or portions of some programs, may not be compatible with Vista. You have to check with the Vista's upgrade advisor. As far as my knowledge is concerned, you cannot pop in the old Windows disc as proof of ownership when installing Vista with an upgrade disc. You have to install the eligible old Windows first and then install Vista over it. Regards SuatCINI