Depending on your current OS and the version of Vista you decide to purchase, your only choice might be a clean install of Vista. However, you can make your migration easier by using the Windows Easy Transfer wizard.
Using the wizard, you can transfer: User accounts; Files and folders; Program data files and settings; Email messages, settings, and contacts; Photos, music, and videos; Windows settings; and Internet settings. You can transfer your user account or all user accounts on your PC, or you can choose which data or folders to transfer.
Note: You CANNOT transfer any programs.
There are a number of ways to transfer your data:
1. USB Easy Transfer cable (not cheap). This is a special USB cable that is designed to work with Windows Vista and Windows Easy Transfer.
2. Home or small business network. If you already have a wired or wireless network, you can use it to transfer all of your data.
3. Removable (external) hard drive. You can copy your data to the drive and then copy it from that drive to your new PC.
4. CD and DVD. The CD is a good solution if you are moving only small amount of data. The DVD can hold a lot more information.
Happy computing!