Concomitantly with the availability of Windows Vista, Microsoft also released tools designed to support and streamline the migration from Windows XP to its latest operating system. In this regard, the Redmond company has served end users with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and corporate users with the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment.

As of August 8, Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 1.0 was updated following in the footsteps of the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Tool upgraded to version 2.0 in the beginning of July. The Vista Upgrade Advisor is designed to integrate with all 32-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista (with the exception of Vista Enterprise). This is the best way for a home user to find out if his system configuration, drivers, applications and devices will be able to run Vista, and even find out which edition of Vista tailor fits a specific machine.

"The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista. You can also use the Upgrade Advisor to determine if your Windows Vista-based PC is ready for an upgrade to a more powerful edition of Windows Vista. This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-to-understand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you to choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer," Microsoft revealed.

Essentially, the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Tool performs the same actions as the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, only that it does it on a much larger scale, and across a corporate network. Additionally, the solution accelerator will provide an inventory, assessment, and report not only for Windows Vista but also for the 2007 Office System.

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 1.0.0.803 can be downloaded from here.

Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 can be accessed via this link.