Return to XP?

[George W. Barrowcliff]

I am thinking about returning to XP Pro. I have a ton of software installed
on my old T30 IBM and would like to install it on my new Compaq but have
heard lots of horror stories about downward incompatability. I have all the
original install cds and licenses and haven't seen anything in Vista that I
thought was better.

I know that down the road nothing will run on XP and only on Vista or
whatever the marketeers release, but I would like to get another 3-4 years
out of my software investment that I was very happy with running on XP Pro.

My laptop was just getting old but I cannot find laptops with XP anymore.
Interestingly enough the sales guy at Frys told me that if Vista was a
problem, their techs would take it back and install XP. Of course thats not
true, (as I verified today).

Is this a common desire or am I the lone ranger in this?

TIA, GWB

 

[Guest]

I have read reports that say this, but I have no personal knowledge of
someone doing it.

 

[thumper]

Have you tried to run the upgrade advisor yet???

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

There has been a lot written about compatibility but I truly believe it is a
lot of FUD. Let's be real who's going to voice a lot of noise?? People with
problems. If it is running fine will people be praising it??? Probably
not.

Do some research and give Vista a fair shake.

T

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Similar as when Windows XP was released years ago, many want to stay
with the familiar.

Most older programs work without any need for changes.
Some need updates or different settings while others will work in
compatibility Mode.

Check with the specific program manufacturer about Windows Vista
compatibility.
Also ask other users of your essential programs.
If they are not supported, it may be necessary to go back to Windows
XP.

If you were misinformed by the sales rep, take the computer back for a
refund.
Be sure the manager knows you are unhappy with the bad information and
will purchase elsewhere.

Dell and others sell computers with Windows XP:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/winxp_inspn?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

I am thinking about returning to XP Pro. I have a ton of software
installed
on my old T30 IBM and would like to install it on my new Compaq but have
heard lots of horror stories about downward incompatability. I have all
the
original install cds and licenses and haven't seen anything in Vista that
I
thought was better.

I know that down the road nothing will run on XP and only on Vista or
whatever the marketeers release, but I would like to get another 3-4 years
out of my software investment that I was very happy with running on XP
Pro.

My laptop was just getting old but I cannot find laptops with XP anymore.
Interestingly enough the sales guy at Frys told me that if Vista was a
problem, their techs would take it back and install XP. Of course thats
not
true, (as I verified today).

Is this a common desire or am I the lone ranger in this?

You can get a Thinkpad T61 to replace your T30, with XP. I am planning on
replacing my X31 with a X61 or T61p, with XP rather than Vista.

ss.

 

[Michael Jennings]

I am thinking about returning to XP Pro. I have a ton of software installed
on my old T30 IBM and would like to install it on my new Compaq but have
heard lots of horror stories about downward incompatability. I have all the
original install cds and licenses and haven't seen anything in Vista that I
thought was better.

I know that down the road nothing will run on XP and only on Vista or
whatever the marketeers release, but I would like to get another 3-4 years
out of my software investment that I was very happy with running on XP Pro.

My laptop was just getting old but I cannot find laptops with XP anymore.
Interestingly enough the sales guy at Frys told me that if Vista was a
problem, their techs would take it back and install XP. Of course thats not
true, (as I verified today).

Is this a common desire or am I the lone ranger in this?

TIA, GWB

Many HP & Compaq notebooks can still come furnished with XP.
Yours might be one of them. Click on "See all notebook products" here:
http://www.hp.com/sbso/busproducts_notebooks.html

If it isn't, you could see what doesn't work with Vista. If too much doesn't,
you can buy an XP CD from NewEgg or some other supplier. That would
get you rights to run either, but you may have a driver hunt nightmare.
If it your laptop is listed as also XP, and a hassle with HP suits you better
than spending money, try getting OEM XP recovery DVDs from support.
Since you're in the United States, call 1-800-952-7689 for backup software;
your notebook's Help and Support Center may also have that number.

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

Run the Vista upgrade advisor on your old laptop to determine which of your
programs has no chance on Vista. As a check, go to author web sites to find
out about patches or upgrades that may be available. Many older programs run
quite happily on Vista. Some of the 'horror' stories you see here are put
out by MS haters who have not even run Vista for themselves, preferring
instead to quote old news and general FUD.

There is a lot more to Vista than a black task bar.

 

[John Barnes]

Before you do anything, except take back the computer and insist that since
you were lied to that they refund your purchase price, make sure that there
are drivers for your new Compaq. That may be the reason for their not
honouring the agreement. Always get things like that in writing in the
future or at the least confirm it with the store owner/manager.

 

[Tiberius]

You are mistaken.. lots of people crave change and always want the latest
and greatest. As a supporter of change, and advancements and improvements, I
cannot wait for a new update, I love changes so much that I keep trying new
things in technology just so I can keep learning.

HOWEVER...

VISTA STINKS BIG TIME AND IS A HUGE LEAP BACKWARDS!

Stop the propaganda, it shows that is propaganda what you are doing and you
are not fooling anyone.
Vista is not the same as when XP came out. We opened our arms and embraced
XP, for Vista we throw it in the garbage where it belongs!

 

[Tiberius]

The advisor is crap most of the time.. gives too many erroneous feedback and
is clearly wrong and misleading in many things. I would say that advisor is
a nice joke to run and start laughing at the stupid things it says.

The only way to be sure is to get someone intelligent to see the apps, and
see if they will work. That intelligent person however will tell you to get
XP and not vista.

 

[mayayana]

I know that down the road nothing will run on XP and only on Vista or
whatever the marketeers release,

I don't think you have to worry about that.
Vista only has a handful of new API functions
that are new. In other words, other than the
security changes and the 3-D interface, not
much has changed. It might change in the
next version of Windows, but that's another issue.

The main difference between Vista and
prior Windows versions - when it comes to
compatibility - is the default security settings in
Vista. (UAC, virtualization, limited-rights-admin, etc.)
Those can break older software, not because it's
incompatible, but rather because it's assuming it
can do things (like write to disk outside of the
Documents folder) that Vista won't let it do under
default settings.

 

[Juan I. Cahis]

Dear friends, I did it during last weekend in my one year old Vaio
laptop, and I am very happy now.

I am thinking about returning to XP Pro. I have a ton of software installed
on my old T30 IBM and would like to install it on my new Compaq but have
heard lots of horror stories about downward incompatability. I have allthe
original install cds and licenses and haven't seen anything in Vista that I
thought was better.

I know that down the road nothing will run on XP and only on Vista or
whatever the marketeers release, but I would like to get another 3-4 years
out of my software investment that I was very happy with running on XP Pro.

My laptop was just getting old but I cannot find laptops with XP anymore.
Interestingly enough the sales guy at Frys told me that if Vista was a
problem, their techs would take it back and install XP. Of course thatsnot
true, (as I verified today).

Is this a common desire or am I the lone ranger in this?

TIA, GWB

Thanks
Juan I. Cahis
Santiago de Chile (South America)
Note: Please forgive me for my bad English, I am trying to improve it!

 

[The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly]

Run the Vista upgrade advisor on your old laptop to determine which of
your programs has no chance on Vista. As a check, go to author web sites
to find out about patches or upgrades that may be available. Many older
programs run quite happily on Vista. Some of the 'horror' stories you
see here are put out by MS haters who have not even run Vista for
themselves, preferring instead to quote old news and general FUD.

There is a lot more to Vista than a black task bar.

Also George, please be aware that the vista upgrade advisor is little
more than a marketing tool to help MS move people to vista and it does
not always give accurate results. Better to check with the
manufacturers of your software.

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

"Fair use is not merely a nice concept--it is a federal law based on
free speech rights under the First Amendment and is a cornerstone of the
creativity and innovation that is a hallmark of this country. Consumer
rights in the digital age are not frivolous."
- Maura Corbett

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need to read my post again.
This time do not read into what is NOT there.
I never suggested people do not crave change, that is only what you
read into my post.

What I said "...many want to stay with the familiar."
That says nothing about others wanting change.
Or do you deny that many resist change?
Do not assume any specific % in "many".

"Stop the propaganda"
Stop changing what is written and you will see less propaganda.

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

 

[Tibery-OS]

Stop changing what is written and you will see less propaganda.

Stop changing the facts(*) and you will see less complaints about your
ongoing propaganda

(*) your perception of facts are not even near what is reality

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What facts have I attempted to change?
None.
But apparently you need to see that fiction to suit your desires.
Read my posts again, possibly for the first time.

 

[Ric]

Well said.

Vista is a load of junk. I have wasted so much time trying to fix all the
compatibility issues, considerable expense replacing perfectly good software
and hardware that no longer works on Vista.

There is NOTHING Vista can do that XP could not, and in most cases XP was
better.

How the hell did Microsoft manage to spend ten years and zillions of dollars
developing this crap???

I would love to go back to XP if I could.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You should be able to go back to Windows XP unless that computer came
with Windows vista.

If Windows XP came on the computer, use the provided media or your
Windows XP media to reinstall.

If Windows Vista is retail and less than 45 days since purchase,
return to seller or directly to Microsoft.
Easy if you purchased in North America.

"perfectly good software and hardware that no longer works on Vista"
What did the hardware and software manufacturers say when you asked
about Windows Vista compatibility?

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

I suggested both methods..


"The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly Known as Nina DiBoy'"

 

[The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly]

I suggested both methods..

I'm so happy for you, congrats.

"The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly Known as Nina DiBoy'"

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

"Fair use is not merely a nice concept--it is a federal law based on
free speech rights under the First Amendment and is a cornerstone of the
creativity and innovation that is a hallmark of this country. Consumer
rights in the digital age are not frivolous."
- Maura Corbett