Windows XP to Vista Question

HntnFsh · 03-01-2007, 09:24 AM

My Neighbor wants to switch his computer over to Vista from Xp Is it a simple task.If he doesnt like Vista can he switch it back.

Does he have to make new start up disks for XP just in case? If any of you have any tips or pointers I would appreciate it.

Thanks.
HntnFsh

Jooky · 03-01-2007, 10:00 AM

Ask him if he can state 2 positive things that Vista does better than XP...

Flat Lander · 03-01-2007, 10:14 AM

I wouldn't do it yet. You need a lot more ooomph to run Vista vs. XP. Some of the articles I read were unclear to what you will need to upgrade (hardware). Good luck - Tom

Lured In · 03-01-2007, 10:17 AM

I just bought a new system with Vista Home Premium running on it and with the Core 2 Duo (6400) CPU's and 2GB of RAM I can't complain. I did read several reviews that next to quick CPU's and lots 'o RAM, a graphics card is also a borderline need. (I haven't verified this yet, but I will soon enough).

Bandy76 · 03-01-2007, 11:24 AM

As I have just purchased a new Lap-Top with Vista on it the problem I find is not evrything is compatiable with Vista.
Can not get a wireless card for the new slot in the Dell, Docking station does not work correctly & like I said this is really a very early release version of the software (meaning they know they have problems & want the public help them find the BUGS)
I agree if not a requirement I would wait 6 months.
Ron

StickFish · 03-01-2007, 11:27 AM

I wouldn't do it - there really isn't too much above XP other than a new user interface - it will just cost him funds for other upgrades especially if he has a laptop

Okie · 03-01-2007, 11:29 AM

It has been published in the technical section of Forbes magazine that converting a computer from XP to Vista is deffnitely not recomended. The best way to obtain VISTA is start with a new computer completly. The problems of changing a exsisting XP computer to VISTA are to many to even try it.

Good Luck;

sheed · 03-01-2007, 11:36 AM

Before you upgrade to VISTA, go to Microsoft's site to see if youre computer can handle Vista.
Vista is a memory hog, wants more ram, hard drive and a better video card.

Read it before you go out and buy Vista because once you buy and open software, its yours forever, they don't take software back..

RS

Musicman · 03-01-2007, 12:23 PM

I'd wait....just because it's the latest, doesn't mean it's the greatest. Lettem work the bugs out, security or otherwise...then switch...That's what i'm going to do, maybe?

iwanttofish · 03-01-2007, 12:42 PM

Even the guy who builds computers for me does not like it and as far as I know all of your old software will not work with it. He told me that quick books will not work at all on it, even software that you bought last year will not work.

Check into it before buying or even trying to upgrade.

I will not for a long time, I have enough problems.

sheed · 03-01-2007, 12:57 PM

hey Iwanttofish.........I like your quote

Chris61182 · 03-01-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okie

It has been published in the technical section of Forbes magazine that converting a computer from XP to Vista is deffnitely not recomended. The best way to obtain VISTA is start with a new computer completly. The problems of changing a exsisting XP computer to VISTA are to many to even try it.

Good Luck;

I second everything you just said!

Even the tech support here at OSU doesn't want to do it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they put it off until they can just get it with their new machines.

JustCallMeDave · 03-01-2007, 08:23 PM

There is no compelling reason to switch from XP to Vista, unless you have far too much money on your hands.

Reel Class · 03-02-2007, 12:22 AM

Can he explain why he wants it done in one clear and concise sentance?

If not, stay away.

sturgn · 03-02-2007, 05:58 AM

I just did this last week and it was pretty hard, I set it up as dual boot so I could run Vista or XP until I decided to switch completely. My system is 2.8G P4 with 512M of memory. It runs fine and I like Vistas looks but it needs more memory I am using 85-90% of my memory at idle with no applications running, I am going to install 2G of ram next week. If I didnt get the Vista software for Free I would not have upgraded and I dont think its worth spending the money on.

WaterDog · 03-02-2007, 09:34 AM

When I bought my laptop in December it was labeled "Vista Compatible". Couple days ago the CD upgrade came in the mail. It was a free upgrade when I bought the computer. Guess I'll find out this weekend what happens.........

RascallyRabbit · 03-03-2007, 10:36 AM

My new laptop (to replace 1 that was stolen out of my truck) was delivered yesterday with Vista. My 1st attempt at installing "MS Office XP" failed due to missing components in the new OS. Will probably see if there is a work around next week when I have time. If I'd had a choice I would have went with XP, but Dell didn't offer one.

Steve/RR

WaterDog · 03-03-2007, 12:42 PM

3 hours and 20 min to upgrade. Lots of wiz bang features. Definitely little different look and layout. Not hard to get use to. The graphics are pretty nice tho. Seems to take a little longer on start up. I'm running 1gb of memory and it's running as fast as it did with xp.

So far the only issue I'm having is with AVG. Everything else appears to be running fine.

so far........

jet · 03-03-2007, 01:26 PM

Hey Rich, are you sure Vista is runing ok? In your sig picture you look like you are sitting on the bow of a 23' boat... that right it is a 23' boat.

Hope it works for you. I bought my wife a new laptop in December and they noted a free Vista upgrade would be availiable. I will camp on it for a while or leave it alone.

Jet~~~

WaterDog · 03-03-2007, 01:39 PM

I got the AVG issue figured out so I'm good to go.

Scott , everything is working fine. As far as the boat goes it just sits in the shop and collects dust. I have not run her in 3 months.......

Too much working going on!

jet · 03-03-2007, 01:42 PM

3 months... 3 weeks for me with this darn cold.

Chug · 03-04-2007, 07:51 PM

VISTA GRrrr. Well, folks had to buy new Computer..Laptop died.. I suggested to them, to seek the XP.. funny thing Every system is VISTA now. NUTS...

Well, Need a printer too.. Asked the sales guy, for printer that will work with vista. Done. Desktop works.. Few really whacky things & lots more searching to get things running. THE Printer.. followed the install manual. CD, ran for about 20 seconds.. ERROR!!.. WHAT!!!.... Not able to read OP system.

Heading back to costco, for Return on printer...GRRRRRRRRRr..
So, if your installing anything CHECK first if VISTA will allow it... grrrrrrr...

Chance if not made after VISTA was made.. it will not work.. grrrrrr

Lwagg2 · 03-04-2007, 08:19 PM

i have been running vista and xp in adual boot setup for a 6 months, i find myself in xp way more often than vista, i had to learn vista to be able to support it at work. it is memory hog and graphic hog (hence the powerful video card it requires)
If any one wants to upgrade to vista do yourself a favor and go buy 2gb of ram and 256mb video card a brand new hard drive and buy the vista premium edition put in the new stuff and install. if your not happy stick back in the old hard drive and consider it wasted money cause your not gonna get a refrund on the VISTA,

NOTE: add up what is cost to upgrade the Memory, hard drive and video card plus shell out the money for VISTA and wow you just spent more than a reasonalbe new computer cost.

do what i told my nephew you to do buy a new computer when your xp computer is dead. that is when you know your ready for VISTA

JustCallMeDave · 03-04-2007, 09:30 PM

Or you can realize that buying a new computer solely for a new meaningless operating system change is a waste of money.

lostboy · 03-05-2007, 09:19 AM

Chug,

For your printer did you try going to the manufacture web-site and downloading the installation program for you printer that vista will read. I had to do that to get my Dell printer to work on my new vista loaded laptop. Hope it helps.

Chug · 03-05-2007, 09:45 AM

Thought about it.. but, no net service with out dragging my laptop out & doing the Thumb drive transfer. That was a whole Other issue, to get WIFI running into it.. Currently, Hard wired! till I can get a Linskey Wifi Card that will work, under Vista. I hope they Work??.
Printer is heading back to Costco, with a speaking with the sales guy. TO let folks know, VISTA Requires special software & not easy to deal with.

I wish for user friendly, that a 70 year old can Plug & play.. not seek, drivers Updates. etc. was bad enough just getting the thing set up.
Was really hoping to just buy XP. Since, it works with everything from 98 up to XP. Now, Vista, is the new Starting point for EVERYThing... pain in the Fins!!.. :blush:

RascallyRabbit · 03-05-2007, 03:34 PM

If you buy a Dell online from their Business section you can still select XP over Vista, but that's about the only way I've found so far. If you buy from Dell's Home and Office section all you get is Vista???

If possible stay with XP, so far I hate Vista but didn't have alot of choice :frown:

Steve/RR

FireCat · 03-05-2007, 03:51 PM

IN my honest opinion Bill Gates took a operating system, that is no better than my XP PRO, and Put crome wheels on it gave it a newer paint job, tinted the windows, put in new sound system and will make a KAJILLION dollars of a product that is no fastter and more reliable than what I have now....Just thought I would use some CAR terminology so you can ge the point.

Cool Texan · 03-05-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireCat

make a KAJILLION dollars

Sounds like a great time to buy MS stock.

JustCallMeDave · 03-05-2007, 08:55 PM

Not if implementation isn't happening at the rate they expect, which is what I believe will happen. Again, no compelling reason to switch, especially since XP will be supported through 2011.