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Windows Vista Switching from XP to Vista - Any Advice?

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by docdark1, 2009/01/26.

  1. 2009/01/26
    docdark1

    docdark1 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello everyone,

    I currently run a lot of Office 2007 applications, and do a lot of emailing and some Photoshop work. I have a good computer that runs Windows XP (not the 64 version) with 2GB of memory. I originally shied away from switching to Vista because of all the bad press, but I've been hearing that it's a lot more stable now and have been considering the swap.

    Is it worth it to go to Vista on the same computer, and if so, what do I need to change, other than getting 4GB of memory vs. the 2 I already have? Any suggestions to make the transition smoother?

    Thanks!
     
    docdark1,
    #1
  2. 2009/01/26
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Welcome to WindowsBBS :)

    As an XP Pro 'recluse' I would recommend waiting for Windows 7 both on the grounds of optimising your cash outlay - as soon as Windows 7 is out and receiving favourable reports you will want it :) and the fact that it seems much improved over Vista SP1/2 and far less intrusive in normal working (UAC).

    I have a second box dual booting Vista Business and Windows 7 Beta and feel I could live with 7, but Vista irritates me :)

    Just my opinion - you may well get other opposing opinions re. the Vista love/hate relationship :)
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2009/01/26
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Welcome to WindowsBBS;)

    On one hand - there isn't a compelling reason to switch except for the experience.

    I would do a fresh clean install versus an upgrade..I'd also make sure any hardware device more then 4 years old will work with Vista.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #3
  5. 2009/01/26
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    First, you'll want to do back ups of everything that matters to you. Don't forget your address book, favorites and your "My Docs" folder. Then locate the disks of the software you'll need (Photoshop and your Office 2007 etc.) and make sure you have the registration numbers handy. Verify that you know your passwords for your email accounts and any special websites.
    HTH
    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
    #4
  6. 2009/01/26
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    To add to all this: Wait till Microsoft start offering free upgrades from Vista > Windows 7 (Maybe around June?), then get Vista & do a clean install.

    When Windows 7 comes out you have a free upgrade & already a good "feel" of the OS, as Win7 = Vista 2.0 :D
     
    Arie,
    #5
  7. 2009/02/06
    ReCyke

    ReCyke Inactive

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    Advice from the Experts is sound..
    Check your hardware first tho.. I found my trusty webcam from Logitech was INCOMPATIBLE with Vista! Go figure! A Logitech device from 2 yrs ago!
    Make sure also that your motherboard can support AND USE the extra 2Gb RAM before you plop it in. I have found mobo's to be Brand-sensitive when it comes to Vista and the 4Gb "virtual Ceiling ". For Example, my Gigabyte mobo has 4Gb but either Vista or XP only see 3.2GB installed. The rest is OS overhead that you won't realize. A different brand mobo like Asus may get you a bit more but I've never seen a full 4Gb realized on a 32-bit platform OS.
    Lastly, invest in some time "window-shopping" for Vista drivers. List all your hardware (internally and externally) and then see if there exists a Vista driver for it. My soundcard was totally unrecognized by Vista and took over 2 yrs for Hercules to release a Vista capable driver for it. I lost my beautiful 4.1 sound for that long! I could buy a newer webcam, but I wasn't about to "exchange/buy" new sound setup for Vista.
    Good Luck!
     
    ReCyke,
    #6

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