Advice to those considering changing from XP to Vista

[John Wesley Asquith]

The advice is: WAIT. There are currently too many inadequacies and
bugs in Vista to make the transition worthwhile. Vista doesn't do much
more than XP and the struggle to make your system run smoothly again is
not worth it until Microsoft gets Vista more compatible with previous
Windows versions.

It will literally take you hours, perhaps days, to get your computer
functioning smoothly again if you "upgrade" (downgrade???) from XP to
Vista now.

 

[Guest]

Hi.

I have to disagree with the statement below. I like Vista and have it on
both my laptop and desktop. I have loaded all my old programs I had running
on XP onto my Vista, and Vista has run all but one of them.

My advice: Try it for yourself and see if you like it. Just because Mr
Asquith says he doesn't like it, doesn't mean you won't. I'm glad I didn't
listen to the so called "wait advice" from others. I seem to remember the
same thing happening with XP when it first came out.

 

[Not Me]

I dual boot it and have both.
I don't like Vista much, but haven't run into all the issues you cite.
But some people do.
If I didn't have to support Vista, I wouldn't be running it, that's the
first time I can say that about a new OS from MS.
When XP came out, I liked it.
Vista is MS version of the Edsel IMHO.
Lots of little fancy gadgets & eye candy, very little of substance is
different.
They made it harder to do what you want and called it more secure.
I never had a security problem with XP.
But I don't do Porn sites....LOL

 

[Rock]

The advice is: WAIT. There are currently too many inadequacies and
bugs in Vista to make the transition worthwhile. Vista doesn't do much
more than XP and the struggle to make your system run smoothly again is
not worth it until Microsoft gets Vista more compatible with previous
Windows versions.

It will literally take you hours, perhaps days, to get your computer
functioning smoothly again if you "upgrade" (downgrade???) from XP to
Vista now.

Your advice might be appropriate for some, but certainly not for all. It's
as misguided as advising everyone to upgrade now.

Every system and person is different. I had no issues moving to Vista on
this system which is almost 5 years old, now running Ultimate full version
in a dual boot with XP.

Make sure the hardware is adequate. Do research about hardware (drivers)
and software compatibility, and be prepared. Don't just rely on the upgrade
advisor. Have adequate backup such as imaging the system before doing the
upgrade.

And understand that that there is paradigm shift with Vista. It is not an
updated XP. It is a totally new OS, with a different and better security
model and different ways of doing things. Use your knowledge of XP to help
you in Vista, but don't cling to it as an anchor.

Upgrading should be driven by need and common sense. One size doesn't fit
all.

Properly planned it can go well.

 

[Steve Thackery]

Seems a bit arrogant to translate your personal experience into advice for
everyone else.

Lots of people, including me, have had very few problems and an overall good
experience. I wouldn't go back to XP.

Steve

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hmmmm....

The advice is: WAIT. There are currently too many inadequacies and bugs
in Vista to make the transition worthwhile.

Your statement would be more effective if you listed some to support it.
Most bugs are not actually bugs, but the result of unsupported hardware and
software that is not compatible. The problem isn't that Vista is buggy as
much as it is that drivers haven't been written and released (and some
vendors choose not to do it at all), and that software vendors are not
following the new rules for running in the changed environment (ie: running
under the user rather than the system).

Vista doesn't do much more than XP and the struggle to make your system
run smoothly again is not worth it until Microsoft gets Vista more
compatible with previous Windows versions.

Well, that's almost a ridiculous statement, as you don't run other Windows
systems under Vista. Software can run in compatibility mode under Vista,
which is a lot more than could be said of Win95/98/ME/NT/2000. It wasn't
until XP that this was even available, and it it more refined under Vista.

As to "doesn't do much more than XP", this shows that you are clearly
unaware of the revamped security model that saves users from themselves. The
number one issue causing problems for end users is the huge amount of
malware that can install itself without the users knowledge under XP and
previous operating systems. This is virtually impossible in Vista, as the
user is notified of any attempts and they are blocked unless the user
specifically allows it.

It will literally take you hours, perhaps days, to get your computer
functioning smoothly again if you "upgrade" (downgrade???) from XP to
Vista now.

Install any new OS - Vista, Ubuntu, etc, - it will take you hours to get it
the way you like it. 99% of problems with upgrades is users just slapping in
the disk and installing without doing their homework first. Make sure
drivers are available, uninstall antivirus software, make sure the version
of software you want to use is compatible with Vista - all things that
should be done *before* one upgrades. I've encountered very few issues with
upgrades precisely because I do this.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

What an arrogant statement.....I have only had one problem since using Vista
Premium and that was a bad Pre-Load on the new PB Comp. that I bought.
Now have a stable and well behaved OS....Have used Windows ever since Win
3.0 with progressions up to Vista.
Vista is by far the best and only have problems with some Programs
(Adventure Games) from prior to 2002/3.
Great OS in my opinion.
Almost like finding a Fresh Girlfriend LOL
"Walt" UK
...............................................................................................

 

[john]

The advice is: WAIT. There are currently too many inadequacies and
bugs in Vista to make the transition worthwhile. Vista doesn't do much
more than XP and the struggle to make your system run smoothly again is
not worth it until Microsoft gets Vista more compatible with previous
Windows versions.

It will literally take you hours, perhaps days, to get your computer
functioning smoothly again if you "upgrade" (downgrade???) from XP to
Vista now.

not much point in even discussing such a sentiment here.
all you're gonna get in return is the same regurgitated crap from the "it
works on my machine so you must be stupid" MS fanboys

 

[john]

Seems a bit arrogant to translate your personal experience into advice for
everyone else.

Lots of people, including me, have had very few problems and an overall
good experience. I wouldn't go back to XP.

Steve

right - just as arrogant as the constant "it works on my machine" responses
spewed here ad nauseum

--
=======================================
from 007's Tomorrow Never Dies:
Elliot Carver: Mr. Jones, are we ready to release our new software?
Jones: Yes, sir. As requested, it's full of bugs, which means people will be
forced to upgrade for years.
Elliot Carver: Outstanding.
=======================================

 

[Frank Bright]

I have to say that I at least know where John's coming from. Vista Home
Premium has been a rocky road for me and I've done - between my laptop and
desktop (2 licenses) - close to 7 or 8 installs.

1) I've done several closely guided installs with tech reps on the phone to
guide every step and have taken care to update my bios and all my drivers.
2) I've run the Vista Upgrade Advisor and combed thru it thoroughly to make
sure I haven't missed anything.
3) I've tried both clean and upgrade installs and have taken care each time
to load only Vista Compatible Software.

I believe at this point, in some cases, it is possible to do everything
right and still not be able to work with Windows Vista. See my post titled
"I hope to see you all again soon..." to get a full account of my last
install and how careful we were.

My computer is fairly new (1/19/07) and has plenty of firepower, 2 GB of
ram, AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+, with a Nvidia GeForce 7300
LE graphics card. My computer came with a "Vista Capable" sticker on it. I
know the controversy there, but my specs more than cover my computer for
running the more elegant features of Vista.

It is just as fallacious to claim that all is hunky dory here as it is to
claim that all is lost.

Just 2 days ago, a friend told me about someone he knew who was so upset
with Vista that he took his computer back to the store and demanded that XP
be put on it.

So I'm not saying everyone should wait and not upgrade to Vista. But don't
jump all over a guy and say he's crazy or wrong - because he's clearly not
alone in his experiences.

Many Thanks, Frank

 

[Richard Urban]

Oh! You don't like to hear from people who have no problems and actually
like Vista! That's too bad, as there are countless thousands of us.

--


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!

 

[Otto Normalverbraucher]

The advice is: WAIT. There are currently too many inadequacies and
bugs in Vista to make the transition worthwhile. Vista doesn't do much
more than XP and the struggle to make your system run smoothly again is
not worth it until Microsoft gets Vista more compatible with previous
Windows versions.

It will literally take you hours, perhaps days, to get your computer
functioning smoothly again if you "upgrade" (downgrade???) from XP to
Vista now.

If you ensure you have the hardware / compatible software & drivers you
should be ok.
I have made the switch ok & am glad I did.
Folks should do their homework & not just rely on the upgrade advisor.

 

[Kerry Brown]

If you are talking about upgrading an existing installation then I agree.
You may be in for a world of hurt. If you are talking about migrating to
Vista (i.e clean install then restore data) then it depends on many things.
If your hardware and software are supported then Vista works as advertised.
I believe it is a great improvement over XP. The security is much better.
The UI, once learned, is more productive. The wealth of information
available and the new tools to access it make troubleshooting easier. There
are many reasons why Vista is better than XP. Each person will have to
evaluate them and make their own decision as to whether they want to switch
or not.

Taking hours to switch to a new OS isn't unusual. Taking days to learn the
new OS after you have switched isn't unusual either. If it takes you days to
get the new OS functioning smoothly then you didn't do your homework before
hand.

 

[Leythos]

not much point in even discussing such a sentiment here.
all you're gonna get in return is the same regurgitated crap from the "it
works on my machine so you must be stupid" MS fanboys

I posted that I had tried it on several machines and found that it was
slower, consumed a LOT more memory, had to replace several applications
(antivirus to name one), and found nothing to provide an ROI. All of the
machines I tried it on were well build, even a Dual Xeon CPU system, and I
just was not impressed, found no performance gains, and just can't see
using it until the vast majority of applications that customers would use
can run on it. For that I was told thing like 'you don't know computers',
'you have to have proper drivers', 'you don't know what you're talking
about', 'your wrong'.....

I use to design boards for a living, use to code for a living, have worked
with small computers since the late 70's, even run an I.T. company
supporting business all over the USA, I would say that I know more than
most people in Usenet about computers and how to make them work. I see no
ROI at this time for Vista, and the standard for stability is to wait 6
months or for the first service pack to use it in production.

 

[K]

Well, you are just one of the types that enjoys being behind the old 8-ball!
har.

K

 

[Leythos]

Well, you are just one of the types that enjoys being behind the old
8-ball! har.

It's funny, take a laptop that ships with Vista Business, ghost it so that
you can restore it, then wipe and install XP on it, load the apps, and
it's sooooo much faster. I just did this with a brand new IBM Lenovo last
week, it was night and day - yea vista booted faster, but who gives a crap
between 32 seconds and 54 seconds for something that happens once a day.

 

[Charles W Davis]

I posted that I had tried it on several machines and found that it was
slower, consumed a LOT more memory, had to replace several applications
(antivirus to name one), and found nothing to provide an ROI. All of the
machines I tried it on were well build, even a Dual Xeon CPU system, and I
just was not impressed, found no performance gains, and just can't see
using it until the vast majority of applications that customers would use
can run on it. For that I was told thing like 'you don't know computers',
'you have to have proper drivers', 'you don't know what you're talking
about', 'your wrong'.....

I use to design boards for a living, use to code for a living, have worked
with small computers since the late 70's, even run an I.T. company
supporting business all over the USA, I would say that I know more than
most people in Usenet about computers and how to make them work. I see no
ROI at this time for Vista, and the standard for stability is to wait 6
months or for the first service pack to use it in production.

I flatly disagree with the statement "...for stability is to wait 6
months..." One should wait until a piece of hardware is produced that you
really need that won't run on Windows XP. I have now used Windows Vista
Ultimate on a new HP machine for several weeks. Eleven hotfixes have been
applied. There have been no "stability" issues.
I also installed MS Office 2007 on day 1. The system seemed to be slow (as
many have complained about) for the first week. Now that the system has been
indexed, the system is as faster than my Windows XP Pro system.

 

[keepout]

I also installed MS Office 2007 on day 1. The system seemed to be slow (as
many have complained about) for the first week. Now that the system has been
indexed, the system is as faster than my Windows XP Pro system.

I wish. I've probably had this machine a month. It goes into 'xxxxx not
responding' any time my multi tasking puts too much load on it.
It has a core 2 duo 2.8 ghz, and 2 gigs ram with a tera byte of drive space.
Deleting from the recycle bin, takes forever. some programs take forever to
list a folder directory, etc...

Vista is slow. nothing else you can say about it.
my 1 gig ram 3.2 ghz P4 HT was visibly faster. 3 seconds to load photoshop 8.
16 seconds with vista.
And when the things go into 'not responding' it takes much longer. Cause You
just have to stop what you're doing and either move onto something else [adding
to the CPU load], or just take a break while the machine catches up with you.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"it works on my machine"
That statement proves that it can work.
The OP made a broad statement that obviously is not as broadly true as
the OPs statements would suggest.

Another statement you probably do not like, "people need to do their
homework" before spending their $ to upgrade to Windows Vista.
Just like they need to do similar before making any purchase.
Doing the homework in advance can help find and resolve issues before
they are problems.
Doing the homework may also help determine that the investment is not
appropriate at this time.

I did my homework and as a result, Windows Vista works well on two of
my older computers.
One a laptop and the other a desktop.
Other than memory, the newest component is a nearly 2 year old video
card in the desktop.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Have you verified you do not have a hardware problem such as bad
memory or hard drive?
Beg or borrow another hard drive and reinstall on that drive and see
if the problems persist.

Are you sure there are no viruses, spyware or other malware on the
computer?

You should have a warranty, contact the manufacturer for support.
Consider returning if that is still an option.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:15:54 -0700, "Charles W Davis"
I wish. I've probably had this machine a month. It goes into 'xxxxx
not
responding' any time my multi tasking puts too much load on it.
It has a core 2 duo 2.8 ghz, and 2 gigs ram with a tera byte of drive
space.
Deleting from the recycle bin, takes forever. some programs take
forever to
list a folder directory, etc...

Vista is slow. nothing else you can say about it.
my 1 gig ram 3.2 ghz P4 HT was visibly faster. 3 seconds to load
photoshop 8.
16 seconds with vista.
And when the things go into 'not responding' it takes much longer.
Cause You
just have to stop what you're doing and either move onto something
else [adding
to the CPU load], or just take a break while the machine catches up
with you.