Installation help with Vista

[Guest]

I am upgrading my desktop (XP) to Vista Ultimate. The updrade went
well until the end when it restarted I get a black screen saying
something like it failed to start because of a change and gives me the
choice of normal start up, start in safe mode, start with networking,
etc. I tried normal start, I tried taking the installation CD out and
putting it back, etc., etc and could not get the computer to start! I
am now rolling back the computer to XP.
Vista Upgrade Advisor shows: Issues with Microsoft Interactive
Training, Nortel Networks, Dell Cineplayer, Dell Inc. Utilities,
Windows Messenger.
When I run the installation disc the compatability issues that are
listed are:
Ports (COM & LPT): NetMos PCI ECP Parallel Port (LPT3) (not sure what this is)
Microsoft Interactive Training
Dell Media Experience
Nortel Extranet Access Client
Windows Messenger 5.1
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Guest]

You posted here before, and somebody has already told you to fix the
compatibility problems with your computer.

If you can't do it, contact a Technician.

 

[Guest]

You are right, Mick. Dell tech support has been no help. I did get advice to
do a clean install but I was hoping beyond hope that someone would come up
with an alternative plan. Thanks, David

 

[Kerry Brown]

Here's my standard reply about upgrading from XP to Vista: Don't, do a clean
install. If you must here's a step by step procedure that will help make the
process go smoothly. It doesn't always work. Pay very close attention to the
first three steps.

1) Backup your PC.
2) Back it up again.
3) Test your backups.

If you skip the above steps please don't whine that the upgrade trashed all
your files. Any process that involves this many changes to the file system
is fraught with danger. If you don't have a full backup of your pc before
starting the upgrade you are an idiot and shouldn't really have a pc to
start with This may sound harsh but it is reality.

4) Run the latest version of the Upgrade Advisor and note anything it flags.
5) Uninstall (not disable) all antivirus, antispyware, firewall, disk
utility, and system utility programs even if the upgrade advisor doesn't
mention them. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after the
upgrade is finished.
6) Uninstall (not disable) all programs that the upgrade advisor flags as
possible problems. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after
the upgrade is finished.
7) If possible remove all hardware that the upgrade advisor flags as
incompatible.
8) Make sure you have Vista compatible drivers and software for all your
hardware devices burned to CD. Don't just look for drivers that the upgrade
advisor mentioned. If possible have drivers ready for everything.
9) Physically unplug any external devices like portable hard drives,
printers, card readers, flash drives, cameras, etc..
10) Run a chkdsk on all the partitions on all hard drives still connected.
11) Defrag the system and boot partitions.
12) Start the Vista upgrade process.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Kerry. I will follow your instructions to the letter! Thanks again.
David