Is VISTA still in "pre-release"

[Guest]

Ever since Windows 98, I have always purchased the new OS as soon as it was
released (in fact, I actually use the Beta versions of 98). It seems that all
of the previous versions of Windows seemed to work smoother than VISTA does.
In Vista, I get a lot of "not responding" (these sometimes change to respond
and back again--very frustrating especially since the programs that I am
using so far are the MS Office 2007 and the Sprint WAN program that came
installed on my computer to allow me to use Sprint's Broadband service. Just
as a point of information, yesterday, I installed the VISTA compatable
drivers for my Canon printer as well as WordPerfect X3 along with the patches
that bring this suite up to Vista compatability). My "problems" startedbefore
I installed any other programs. So to summarize...I have a brand new VAIO
computer (TX750P) that came with Vista and Office installed and works like
crap! Any Ideas??

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Microsoft has designated Vista as final and ready for PC consumption. Of
course not all persons or businesses will immediately install or upgrade to
Vista. Some will take the wait and see approach before biting the bullet.
Some cases might either require more testing or simply compatibility issues
that will prevent them from upgrading right away.

Click Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Problem Reports and Solutions >
View Problem History. If you see any hardware devices or software that is
listed, its possibly those that are preventing the system from operating
normally.

 

[Imageman]

SAR - I'm having a 'Vista' computer built for me locally. I started shooting
the builder (he's been running Vista from the first Longhorn release) some
of problems statements I was seeing on the web, newsgroups and forum's. I
commented how I recalled how smooth XP was to install. He called me
laughing, and reminded me of all the problems I had, and I'd forgotten.
Basically all the same kinds of stuff, hardware and software
incompatibilities. In a manner of speaking, it really took SP2 to straighten
it all out, IMHO. Sorry not to be of help, and I can only suggest patience,
of which I have none. That's why I had someone else assemble and proof the
new box - Good Luck to you! IM
--




. . . Email replies welcome, and appreciated ! Nostradamus 1550

 

[Richard Urban]

Any operating system is in pre-release until it is replaced by the next
version. No operating system is ever done. They are always being improved
upon and changed. Show me one that isn't.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Mark \(MCP\)]

See if you can open Task Manager, click on the Processes tab, and sort by
CPU to see if you can determine if a program is hogging up the CPU cycles
that may be causing these intermittent "not responding" sessions.

Also check the programs and services that are running on the system through
msconfig to determine if a pre-installed program or service may be causing
the problem.

Did this problem occur before installing the updates/patches for the Canon
printer and Wordperfect?

It may be helpful to provide a few scenarios when these 'not responding'
sessions occur in Vista.

Did you contact Sony Support yet to see if they had any ideas or suggestions
on how to correct this problem?

 

[Chad Harris]

SAR--

I read your post over a couple times, and I'm not sure what specific
problems you're having.

I'd take that list of specific drivers you need that seem to be responsible
for your feeling Vista is working like crap, and try to downoad them. If
they aren't on the maker's site, see if MSFT Update has them, or use the Add
Hardware Wizard and see if they are on the list, or pick "I have disk" ( a
misleading name on the wizard)>next>and then type in file path where you
have the driver for the device downloaded.

CH

 

[Chad Harris]

SAR--

If your problem seems related to CPU use, I'm not sure, then you can try
some of these:

1) You might try running the memory diagnostic on reboot. I know you
probably didn't know it was in Vista, but it can be helpful.

How do I know if my computer has a memory problem?
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/4edd5f80-def2-4d32-965c-116d49fb98721033.mspx

If the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool does not run automatically, you can
run it manually.


1. Open Memory Diagnostics Tool by clicking the Start button , clicking
Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, clicking Administrative
Tools, and then clicking Memory Diagnostics Tool.? If you are prompted for
an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.

2. Choose between the two options for when to run the Memory Diagnostics
Tool:

.. You can restart your computer and run the tool immediately.

.. You can restart your computer and run the tool later.

How do I know if my computer has a memory problem?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

Usually, Windows automatically detects possible problems with your
computer's
memory and displays a notification that asks if you want to run the Memory
Diagnostics Tool.

Running the Memory Diagnostics Tool
When you receive a notification about a possible memory problem, click the
notification so you can choose between two options for when to run the
Memory Diagnostics Tool:

.. You can restart your computer and run the tool immediately.

.. You can restart your computer and run the tool later.


If you choose to restart your computer and run the tool immediately, make
sure that you save your work and close all of your running programs. The
Memory Diagnostics Tool will run automatically when you restart Windows.
While the Memory Diagnostics Tool runs, you will see a progress bar
indicating the status of the test. Once the test is done, Windows will again
restart automatically.

Top of page
Getting the results of the memory test
If the Memory Diagnostics Tool does not find any errors, you'll get a
message that no errors were found.

If the Memory Diagnostics Tool detects errors, contact your computer or
memory manufacturer for more information.

Top of page
What do I do if the Memory Diagnostics Tool finds errors
If the Memory Diagnostics Tool detects problems with your computer's memory,
contact your computer or memory manufacturer for information about fixing
the problem.

Top of page
Advanced options for running the Memory Diagnostics Tool
We recommend that you let the Memory Diagnostics Tool run automatically.
However, advanced users might want to adjust the tool's settings.


1. When the Memory Diagnostics Tool starts, press F1.

2. You can adjust the following settings:

.. Test mix. Choose what type of test you want to run. These options are
listed when you run the Memory Diagnostics Tool

.. Cache. Choose the cache setting you want for each test.

.. Pass count. Type the number of times you want to repeat the tests.


3. Press F10 to start the test.
______________

Speed PC and Control CPU Tips/Steps

SPEED AND CPU:

_______________

1) Trim processes you don't need in TM. Google them or "search engine of

your choice them" if you have to.

2) Go to

services.msc in run box and turn off services not needed and there are some.

SERVICE CONFIGURATION REFERENCES*

*Vista Services*

Part One

http://www.tweakvista.com/article38662.aspx

Part Two

http://www.tweakvista.com/article38664.aspx

Windows Vista Services Tweak Guide v1.0

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=87443


3) Run System File Checker.

SFC: http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

In Vista run it from an elevated command prompt. Right click command on

start and run as administrator.

4) Run 3 or so spyware scans Windows Defender, , Adaware, and Spybot

5) Probably the most important for speed consistently and efficient resource

use DEFRAG with www.raxco.com or www.diskeeeper.com with 15% free space on

drive if DK and or >5% if Raxco's Perfect Disk.

http://groups.msn.com/windowsxpcentral/spyware.msnw

Download Adaware and

Spybot from here.

GOOD Overall Review for Defending Your PC:

http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

MSFT Defense Site MSFT Security:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

Protect Your PC from MSFT Security:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

MSFT Windows Defender

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

MSFT MSRT: (Malicious Software Removal Tool)

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx



MSFT "Windows One Care" in Wings (AV and Spyware Scans)

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/may05/05-13WindowsOneCarePR.mspx

6) Unck items from msconfig start tab you don't need starting and some

won't start--peoiple who think just uncking for many are naive because there

are 12 places things can be started including several reg keys like Run Once

keys and there are serveral.

7) Turn off Messaging service--it's a security vulnerability and it slows

you

8) Defrag very often every other day actually.

9) Turn off indexing.

10) Clear TIF and %temp% files (delete) and go to safe mode to get as many

as u can.

10) Do troubleshooting with msconfig.

11) Do Clean boot with msconfig utility and search for the directions here:





Vista RTM Tweak Guide (Tweaks to Improve Performances)

http://www.google.com/search?source...,GGLJ:2006-47,GGLJ:en&q=vista+rtm+tweak+guide



1) Task Manager lists the services on the services tab in Vista.

2) Type services.msc in run box and using the list of services, click the

service and you'll get a description of services.

3) There is a list here of the default services and a description>>click

"default settings for services" in the left pane.

http://technet2.microsoft.com/Windo...afb8-43ce-b39d-50e6d5b89bf81033.mspx?mfr=true



4) To view service dependencies

1.

Open Services.

2.

In the details pane, right-click the service that you want to view

dependencies for, and then click Properties.

3.

Click the Dependencies tab.

4.

To view services that are associated dependencies of the selected service,

in the list on the Dependencies tab, click the plus sign next to the

service.

Many of the services but not all in Vista are the same as in XP, so in that

context:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/services.htm


Also see the extremely helpful site:

Black Viper's Service List

http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP Services.htm


Black Viper's Site (Many of the same services in Vista)

http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP Services.htm


http://www.z123.org/techsupport/xpservices.htm


http://www.geocities.com/ziyadhosein/xpserv1.htm


http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php

This will be helpful

http://web.archive.org/web/20041128084144/www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

______________________________________________________________________________________________

How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560/

Resources for troubleshooting startup problems in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308041/

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434

How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/

How to Disable a Service or Device that Prevents Windows from Starting

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310602/



Also ck out these references:

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,5155,00.asp



http://www.speedupyourcomputer.windowsreinstall.com/index.htm

and

http://www.extremetech.com/search_r...=how+to+speed+windows+xp&filterapp=&site=4P.S.



Defragging with a decent defrag every day will make a huge dent inefficient

resource/CPU use.

Perfect Disk has a 5 month full functionality trial on now for Windows

Vista.

Good luck,

CH

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

SAR

I think there is a knowledgebase article that addresses the "I have a brand
new VAIO computer (TX750P) that came with Vista and Office installed and
works like crap!" issue. I just can't find the link to that article right
now.

Have you considered contacting Sony/VAIO support and asking why your brand
new system is not working?

 

[Charlie Wilkes]

Any operating system is in pre-release until it is replaced by the next
version. No operating system is ever done. They are always being improved
upon and changed. Show me one that isn't.

You've got a point. So why did MS launch a buggy new OS instead of
continuing to develop XP? Answer: because the MS business model requires
obsolescence and replacement rather than iterative development.

The OP is waking up to the fact that he just spent a lot of money on a
big, fat rip-off.

Charlie

 

[NoStop]

Ever since Windows 98, I have always purchased the new OS as soon as it
was released (in fact, I actually use the Beta versions of 98). It seems
that all of the previous versions of Windows seemed to work smoother than
VISTA does. In Vista, I get a lot of "not responding" (these sometimes
change to respond and back again--very frustrating especially since the
programs that I am using so far are the MS Office 2007 and the Sprint WAN
program that came installed on my computer to allow me to use Sprint's
Broadband service. Just as a point of information, yesterday, I installed
the VISTA compatable drivers for my Canon printer as well as WordPerfect
X3 along with the patches that bring this suite up to Vista
compatability). My "problems" startedbefore
I installed any other programs. So to summarize...I have a brand new VAIO
computer (TX750P) that came with Vista and Office installed and works like
crap! Any Ideas??

Guess you should have read the warnings. Here's one ...

http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0226/050.html?partner=yahoomag

"My recommendation: Don't even consider updating an old machine to Vista,
period. And unless you absolutely must, don't buy a new one with Vista
until the inevitable Service Pack 1 (a.k.a. Festival o' Fixes) arrives to
combat horrors as yet unknown."

.... and there are so many many more.



--

"Computer users around the globe recognize that the most serious threats to
security exist because of inherent weaknesses in the Microsoft operating
system." McAfee

"Vista is finally secure from hacking. No one is going to 'hack' the product
activation and try and steal the o/s. Anyone smart enough to do so ... is
also smart enough not to want to bother." philo

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> Charlie

You've got a point. So why did MS launch a buggy new OS instead of
continuing to develop XP? Answer: because the MS business model requires
obsolescence and replacement rather than iterative development.

So what would you prefer? A monthly/annual licensing agreement that
permits continued development and incremental updates?

Or just a one time fee and MS developers will be your bitch for the rest
of your life, or the company's life?

 

[Charlie Wilkes]

So what would you prefer? A monthly/annual licensing agreement that
permits continued development and incremental updates?

Or just a one time fee and MS developers will be your bitch for the rest
of your life, or the company's life?

Given those choices, I'd prefer the annual fee. But Linux has finally
emerged as a viable choice, IMO. It doesn't cost anything, and I have
found I can post questions and get reasonable support from more advanced
users, also without charge.

As for the idea that MS developers will be my "bitch" once I pay for a
license, that's nonsense. I had a Windows box blue-screen on me last
summer -- a nasty blue screen that came out of nowhere and stopped my
computer at the same point every time I tried to boot.

When I pasted the hex code into google, I was directed to a MS
knowledgebase article informing me I would have to contact tech support
for a patch. Cost: $100

So, I gave MS my credit card info and was put in touch with a
correspondent. He had me run a diagnostic and email him a .cab file
containing all the harvested data. Then he had me try various other
things. At the end of this process, he was stumped, and ultimately I had
to reformat my drive and reinstall everything from scratch, with not even
the assurance that the same problem might not occur again, although so far
it has not.

And did I get a refund? you ask. Yes I did. But not until I asked.

Charlie