Note that this section of the guide assumes that you know what RAID is and how to set it up on your computer. If you are not sure, check out PCSTATS' Guide here for more details.

If you want to configure your hard disks in a RAID configuration for more performance (RAID 0) or data security (RAID 1) for your Vista install, Microsoft has made the extra hoops you will need to jump through much more welcoming than they were in Windows XP.

To start with, RAID installations no longer require a floppy drive!

This should officially mark the death of floppy technology, since XP's requirement that all RAID drivers need to be installed via a 1.44MB disk was the only thing keeping it alive. You can now use a USB memory key to perform the same function.

First thing to do is obtain the Vista RAID drivers from your motherboard manufacturer's website. You will need to locate the correct files from these drivers to copy to a USB flash drive.

Depending on the manufacturer, these will be kept in various locations. Asus uses 'floppy32' and 'floppy64' folders within its zipped RAID driver files, for example. The contents of the appropriate folder can be copied directly to your USB flash drive.

Once you have your Vista RAID drivers and have properly configured your hard drives for RAID operation, start the Vista installation as covered above but with your USB drive inserted.

When you reach the 'where do you want to install Windows?' screen, chances are that Vista will not find any hard drives, since they are in RAID mode and the installer does not have the drivers for them. Click 'load driver'.

Now choose the 'browse' button and navigate to the folder on the USB drive that contains the RAID drivers. Click 'ok'.

A list of available drivers appears. Choose the appropriate one and Click 'next'.

The Vista installer should now see your RAID disk(s) and installation can continue as normal.

Upgrading to Windows Vista

Important note: You CANNOT perform an upgrade installation with an 'OEM' copy of Windows Vista. An OEM copy is the Vista license you receive with a new computer bought from a big box retailer like Dell, or the copy you purchase over the counter with a custom computer from a small computer store. Only retail box versions of Windows Vista are viable for upgrade installations.

You can only upgrade to Windows Vista from Windows XP Home, Professional or Media Center (well, also XP Tablet). Windows XP Home users can upgrade to all four Vista versions, while Professional users must choose between Business and Ultimate only. Windows XP Media Center updates to Home Premium and Ultimate. Windows 2000 users are out of luck.