overwhelmed- upgrade or new?

[Lawrie D.]

I am getting ready to order a new computer which is much faster and better
than my old Dell Inspiron 8600. First let me point out that I am happy with
what I have its just time to upgrade. My biggest challenge since it is new to
me is the Vista program. Currently I am using Microsoft Office 2003. The most
important thing to me is Outlook. Truly that is it.

1- Can I use my old (2003) Microsoft software and upgrade outlook to 2007?

2- Do I need to purchase new software "standard" or "business" because it
works better with the vista program?

3- Will everything work and be just fine using what I have without upgrading
my Microsoft Office with Vista?

Thanks!

 

[DL]

3) Depends whether its a retail version or OEM supplied by Dell, if the
latter the Licence dies/remains with the old PC
2) No it doesnt work better with Vista, but see above. The version you
purchase depends on your specific requirements.
1) If you have the 2003 cd, you can upgrade to 2007 without installing 2003.
You would need to retain the 2003 cd.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

Office 2003 and 2007 are both fully supported on Windows Vista, so the
answer is that you don't need to buy new Office software for your new
computer if the version you have is a full retail version, not purchased
from Dell with your old computer.

--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact.
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


After furious head scratching, Lawrie D. asked:

| I am getting ready to order a new computer which is much faster and
| better than my old Dell Inspiron 8600. First let me point out that I
| am happy with what I have its just time to upgrade. My biggest
| challenge since it is new to me is the Vista program. Currently I am
| using Microsoft Office 2003. The most important thing to me is
| Outlook. Truly that is it.
|
| 1- Can I use my old (2003) Microsoft software and upgrade outlook to
| 2007?
|
| 2- Do I need to purchase new software "standard" or "business"
| because it works better with the vista program?
|
| 3- Will everything work and be just fine using what I have without
| upgrading my Microsoft Office with Vista?
|
| Thanks!