Best way to convert to Vista

I have a Compaq Evo N800c laptop that currently has Windows XP Pro on it. I had terrible problems with IRQL not equal ....blue screen of death. After attempting many things I finally reinstalled Windows XP Pro from scratch, wiping my hard drive clean but the BSOD returns. I've updated all drivers, ran tests on the memory sticks and ran tests on internal temperature which all passed. I've decided the next step is get rid of XP Pro and convert to Vista.

My question is which is better (better in not getting the BSOD) an upgrade version to Vista or a clean install of Vista or does it make a difference?

 

Hi jfriedlund, Why are you set on installing vista and not windows7, I bought vista home premium two months ago just to see why so many people complained about it, and have not regretted it one bit with no trouble at all, I did a clean install as i had heard other people have had problems when using upgrade versions, I do know folk that have changed to vista and cannot get on with it, If you can afford w7 i would jump up to that.

 

Upgrades are prone to all kinds of problems that new installations are not. Trying to save your installation is like trying to replace a Honda engine with a Toyota one, and keep the "shell". It is not impossible, but you're better off with a new car.