Windows Vista w/Software Compatibility Problems?

[Mona]

I think I remember reading somewhere, maybe even here on the Back Porch, that users of the new Windows Vista, are having problems with not being able to use programs they currently do/did before their new Vista. Is this true? Is there any way to know if programs will be a problem, or do you have to pretty much buy the computer and learn the hard way? I am looking into getting a DELL INSPIRON 1720 Duo CORE 17" LAPTOP that has Windows Vista installed. I am currently running XP, and I am very leary of switching to Vista, but seems it is pretty standard now in computers. How can I find out in advance, if my programs will work?

 

[Buckskin gal]

Hi Mona, We just bought a new computer with Vista. It is true that some of the older programs will not work with Vista. My Hallmark Cards and Photo Pro won't take and I doubt if my scanner is even going to work. I did download Photo Collage okay. There are things I like about Vista but don't like buying new software. Just my experience so far....Mary

 

[Mona]

Thanks Mary. What I would be most concerned about with mine, would be whether I could use these programs...

Microsoft Front Page 2003

Paint Shop Pro 7

Microsoft Image Composer

Microsoft Digital Image Pro 7

WS-FTP Professional 2007

Breed Manager

BrainsBreaker(jigsaw puzzle maker)

Norton Internet Security

I have several other programs, but none that I can't live without, but these ones listed above I use quite frequently.

 

[Jill]

I have a laptop with Vista on it. The only programs I've had issues with were a gif animator program I used, my diabetes software (where my meter downloads -- it works but is tricky), and Microsoft Publisher 2003 (I think). I upgraded the publisher to 2007 which works well. I'm not sure if it was an incompatibility problem or that maybe something was wrong with the CD for the older version of Publisher. I could not get it to load.

One other issue is that a color laser printer I have at my office will not work with Vista. It's an HP and they are not coming out with a driver to make it work with Vista.

That said, though, I like Vista. I don't really expect my old programs to continue to work indefinitely.

 

[Shari]

I have Vista and yes you will have compatibilty problems with it. And we are a family of computer nerds.

I have a Dell Insperion XSP 1710 laptop.... but I wished I did not buy it loaded with Vista already.

(Also the only computer Hubby hasn't built from scatch)

Would recommend getting the best warrenty package they have...will be worth it in the long run....

Most photoshops will not work on it. Ifranview will work for the most part and so will Photoshop #6.

Even if makers of a product says it will work with Vista....find 80% of the time it will not.

There are still not a lot of programs out there made with Vista in mind. Vista will also suck up a lot of RAM.

I have 4mb in mine and that is the min I requimend, if you want to be able to Game, or do any heavy photoshop editing.

As for Games... none of our old games we played together with...are compatiable with Vista. I had to buy two new games......

If I knew this about Vista....

Personally if you have a lot of programs that work with XP.... stay with XP.

 

[Jill]

For picture programs, I use (and have no trouble with) Roxio Photosuite 8.0 and Irfanview 4.0.

It seems like most people don't like Vista, but I am happy with it. I just bought 2 more new laptops with it for the office a couple weeks ago.

 

[Shari]

If the Vista OS was set up correctly before they released it, I would not have issues with it. But with what I do and gaming with my family Vista is not worth it.

Though I am stuck with it, with this machine. Luckly I have 2 other computers with XP pro on it, so the New printer (said it was compatibile with Vista and is not) will work and so on.

Just depends on what you do with your computer. <shrug>

 

[djskid]

I haven't really tried loading any of my programs on my new laptop-I'm having issues with Norton Antivirus and don't want to go to all that work if I have to take the computer back! I can't update my virus protection (it looks like it is downloading but takes forever and then it aborts), also having trouble with windows update-it does the same thing.

 

[SunQuest]

Mona,

I am still hearing of compatability issues from my work's IT department, and the guys there all hate Vista and they personally are staying with XP on their home machines. I asked them because I am looking to upgrade my laptop due to wanting to run a program that requires more than what my old laptop had in processor speed. A few weeks ago, I was talking to the sales staff at Comp-USA just to get a second opinion, and they hated Vista as well. My advice is to hunt to find a machine that is pre-loaded with XP and yet is able to upgrade to Vista in the future. If you have a CompUSA close, check with them. They are going out of business, but that is where I saw a machine (Compaq) that came pre-loaded with XP-Pro.

You can go to the Dell website and order online from them. You can also go to HP and order online from them. With these sights, way you can somewhat choose what you want loaded on the system and also make some small customizations to upgrade the base model.

Like you, I hate the fact that the programs and hardware are not compatable with Vista. I have a printer that I LOVE that was made for WindowsNT and I refuse to upgrade to Vista until I must just so that I can keep the printer with the larger ink cartridges!

 

[Farmhand]

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...adeadvisor.mspx

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Wind...patibility_List

 

[sfmini]

I am running Frontpage 2002 just fine on my vista pc. The only problem I am having is with webcasts. I haven't been able to watch any of the marestare auctions. Glad I am going to the AMHA annual meeting, otherwise I would be upset to miss out on that webcast too! I am hoping maybe they can help me with the problem while I am there since I will have this computer with me.

 

[Leeana]

I have an HP Vista desk top that i just purchased within the last month. I looove it. I have had no issues at all with it, i re-installed my printer software, degital cameria software and a few other things and have had no problems at all. My old Dell on the other hand ugh, dont get me started. I went through about 4 computers in about 6 years

.

Love my vista, im thinking about purchasing a Vista lap top to take to shows and elsewhere

.

 

[Suzie]

I bought a new computer with Vista, hated it and took it off, put my old Windows XP back on it. By the time they get the bugs worked out of Vista, I will be ready for another computer...

I hated this.about Vista too..you are about to do something...do you wish to continue?

Too much internal (infernal!) repetition for me...

 

[Becky]

I bought a new Dell Inspiron 531S with Vista Home Basic back in Sept and I love it! I've had no problems with it whatsoever. I kept the printer I had with my old XP computer and all I had to do was download drivers for the new one to work. I don't run a lot of programs with mine other than a photo editing program and don't do any gaming. I installed Microsoft Office and run Norton on my computer and have no issues with any of the software I use.

I would recommend getting as much memory as you can afford. I think it will make a big difference as to how Vista works for you.

 

[MiniHunterHorseFan]

Yes I can't use several of my older software with Vista that I did with my XP. In fact my printer software wont work. My tablet which cost over a $100 won't work and a computer game that I have won't work.