I want to wipe XP off and install Vista but need help

[wing seeker]

I simply cannot get my laptop to work properly so I have decided to wipe XP
off and install Vista.......can anyone PLEASE walk me through the process.

[Broni]

http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/vista-clean-install.htm

[dahlarbear]

1.  Windows XP.  If the operating system came "preinstalled" on the laptop and you're using the original hard drive, there may be a "hidden" recovery/restore partition to restore the drive to its "shipped" state.  Generally, this would be the operating system as it was "delivered" without any of the programs or data added by you.  On the other hand, sometimes the manufacturer permits you to restore the operating system while preserving your user data.

For a nominal fee, some manufacturers will ship you the recovery/restore discs which may also be used to restore the disk to its delivered state.

If they're really nice, they might even be able to provide an OEM Windows XP Pro Install CD (better than recovery/restore discs), that may be used to reinstall the operating system.

2.  Vista.  Per the link specified by Broni, you should verify the laptop is adequate for Vista before "wiping" Windows XP.
     a.  How old is the laptop?
     b.  How much system RAM does the laptop have (among other considerations)?

[wing seeker]

That is all good advice and I appreciate it.........is there a way to wipe the
system clean and still save all the Wordperfect applications and Media
Applications I currently have on it that were upgraded?

I have a Disc from Dell that says its for going from XP to Vista

[dahlarbear]

...is there a way to wipe the system clean and still save all the Wordperfect applications and Media Applications I currently have on it that were upgraded?

1.   If these are applications that "install" on the operating system, you would need to find and save the "installation" package(s) for them.

I have a Disc from Dell that says its for going from XP to Vista

2.  I'm not sure what options you have with that disc.  I'll leave that for someone who's familiar with the disc.

[patio]

Dell upgrade CD's unfortunately designed to wipe the system and take it to Day One status...
You will need to back up anything important to CD or another hard drive...
Programs cannot be backed up and copied...this will not work. They will need to be re-installed using the original CD's.
You can open the Dell CD in Windows Explorer and see what additional programs if any are included.