"Do I just install the DVD and let it do it's job?" Yep.  You might also consider a "clean install", meaning you will boot to the DVD, delete all partitions, and overwrite everything on it ... start fresh and new. "Is there anything special I need to do to prepare the system for the new OS?" Not really.  2GB should be enough RAM if you are careful about having too many things open/running at once.  BIOS updates don't mention anything that might be beneficial for the upgrade. "However, now it's running a little slow & having some problems accessing some Internet sites.  (This could be related to the new longer IP strings???)" Not likely.  It is probably corruption, toolbars, malware, websites are simply using more memory, etc. Just remember after the install to install the System Software FIRST, then chipset SECOND, then the other required drivers.
Hello and thanks in advance for any advice you can provide. I need to install Vista Business from a Reinstallation DVD to a laptop that has been running XP Pro since 2008.  Do I just install the DVD and let it do it's job?  Is there anything special I need to do to prepare the system for the new OS? System details: Inspiron 1525, 2G RAM, XP Pro Version 2002, Service Pack 3 Background: We purchased an Inspiron 1525 in Dec of 2008 for my in-laws, who are smart but not very computer savvy.  With Vista being so new at the time, I was concerned about the usual problems with a new system & was happy to take this option Dell offered at the time: we took delivery on the laptop with XP installed, but got the Vista Business CD to upgrade at a later time. They have been happy with the performance of their computer - it does what they need it to do with little problems. However, now it's running a little slow & having some problems accessing some Internet sites.  (This could be related to the new longer IP strings???) In any case, it's time to upgrade so they are only two OSs behind, rather than three!  :) Again, thanks for any help!
Going from XP to Vista Business 4 & 1/2 years later?