I was one of the( lucky?) people to receive a free vista upgrade from hp. (The computer i purchased is vista capable)the questions i have are how do i copy xp to a disk before installing vista (are the recovery disks i made the same thing?)and are there step by step instructions available?i haven't received my copy and probably won't install until all fixes are out.also i heard of invalid installation keys due to piracy is that true? i won't be able to respond now so thanks in advance

Hopefully, HP will provide detailed instructions on how to do that free upgrade to Vista, biggib.

Yes, the "recovery CDs" should allow you to put the system back exactly the way it was when you got it.

Don't forget, though, that any programs you added will not be there, nor will any of the data - files, images, music, etc., so you should back that up separately.

It's been suggested that if you can, you also make an image backup of your XP system before doing the Vista upgrade, too.

i have already copied all programs and info please explain (or tell me where to find it)how to make an image backup of xp

I would contact HP about this. From what I understand, most of the upgrade copies were mailed out already. I recieved mine from Intel several weeks ago.

Your copy of Vista should be completely legal and not have any problems. I would uninstall all programs that you've added since you got the system - and then reinstall the Vista versions after the upgrade.You will have to ensure that you've got the updated drivers - but Vista is pretty good about notifying you of the critical ones. Finally, it's less problematic to do a clean installation rather than an upgrade.

As for imaging your hard drive - as long as you have the recovery disks you won't need an image. BUT, if you want to save the exact state of your computer with all the programs that you may have installed - you may want an imaging utility for that