Need input on Vista

**venman** · 07-21-2008, 08:33 PM

Hello my fellow cod 4 guys! many of you know me and I was looking for some input, I want to finally jump from XP to Vista to harness the benefits of DX10, I only use my pc for gaming so I dont need ultimate or anything fancy....I just want to run home basic. I see they have a home basic upgrade? does this install ontop of xp? will it recognize my 4 gigs of memory? if it does install with xp.....is there any problems with it? I am hoping someone can answer these questions.....also I did the little program that evaluates your pc for vista and it says my 8800gt is not compatible with vista???? The card box has Vista ready stamped on the box?

Capt. Obvious · 07-21-2008, 09:23 PM

windows vista will automaticly detects and searches the internet for drivers if it fails go and download the drivers from Nvidia manually ive never had a problem with vista i have worked on many vista machines running basic to bussniess and i own ultimate and ill tell you ultimate is worth it basic feels like just a shiny XP and both home editions seem below par (home doesnt allow access to the CMD without downloading the actual CMD program it also forbids some other admin tools but i forget which ones)

im runnning a non-namebrand 8400GS vista picked up and installed automatic
i am running 4 Gig of kingston Hyperx with out a problem

dozer13 · 07-21-2008, 09:28 PM

hope this helps

ok i have been using vista since it went retail. u can dual boot,xp first,vista second. works fine, only stopped myself cause didn't need xp no more. the 4 gigs pretty sure vista does, not sure about home though.

the 8800gt is compatible.

http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/mic...ce-8800gt.html

and i personally like vista runs great on my rig and its a couple years old.

**Grieg** · 07-22-2008, 12:06 AM

Keep in mind, you don't get the Aero desktop w/ the Home edition. Also, nVidia does not support DirectX 10.1. ATI does.

DirectX 10 kind of swung the nerfbat to the 5.1 surround sound on some games. Strange that Microsuck would do that, huh?

Beyond that, I think that since SP1 came out, Vista has been pretty darn nice. There are a few things you will need to know to make life easier.

1) For example, if you want security to work more like XP, and be less annoying, you'll want to disable User Account Control. I think SP1 decreased the total number of popups you'll receive every time you try to run a program, but it can still be fairly annoying. ** Keep in mind, by turning this off, you are sacrificing some of your security built into Vista in exchange for convenience.

2) Data Execution Prevention - there is a setting to where you can specify programs to bypass the DEP safties, and just let them run like they want to. Pre-SP1, this was a must. After SP1... well, not sure. Anyway,for COD4 and other games, go into your search bar (Click Start, and look for the search bar at the bottom) type Data Execution Prevention, and then specify which programs you want to exclude. Only add a program to this list if DEP is throwing errors out every time you're running that program.

3) Yay for the SP1 fix on how files are transferred, its became a lot faster. There are further enhancements to this, so go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get the latest updates.

4) Windows Defender is a nifty program, it kind of works like Spybot or Adaware. It doesn't have the ability to lock down your registry like Spybot does, so I tend not to use it so much. Speaking of registries, go out and search google for vista tweaks. There are a few tweaks which will expand your vista experience.

Ok... thats about it. Enjoy.

**EDIT** To answer your questions:
A) If you do not have a 64bit operating system, your 4GB of ram will probably look like 3.5GB, or even 3GB, depending on the size of your video card's memory. 32bit OS's can only address a total of 4BG (including what's on your video card).

B) Yes, upgrade editions of Vista install directly over WinXP. Infact, you MUST have XP (or a previous Microsuck operating system) installed for the upgrade to ... well... upgrade your system.

C) The only problem you may encounter with an Upgrade version of the OS, is that if you ever need to reinstall Vista, you must first load XP onto the PC and then perform the upgrade again. (Twice the work VS. having the full installation version.)

D) The 8800GT is very compatable with Vista, but the drivers you have installed are not.

E) Before you perform the upgrade, go out and download (but don't install yet) all of the Vista drivers for your computer! Put these downloads into a folder on your desktop, and then put each driver into a descriptive folder such as "Video", "Audio", "Chipset (motherboard)", etc... This will help you IMMENSELY once the upgrade is complete. It is rather troublesome trying to update your drivers when you realize that your network card no longer has functioning software. hehehe. Its kind of hard to get to the internet when your NIC is a paperweight.

F) Create a restore point immediately after all drivers are updated and the system is running stable. Create a .iso backup, or whatever you can do to make reinstalling everything easier. This is optional, but can save you some headaches.

Edit 2 - Just message me if you have questions. Its easier than typing out a bunch of extra useless Vista stuff.

**Mindkill** · 07-22-2008, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grieg

...
Infact, you MUST have XP (or a previous Microsuck operating system) installed for the upgrade to ... well... upgrade your system.

Unless M$ changed they way they do their upgrade disks, I think that's incorrect. I have an upgrade CD for XP and all I have to do when re-installing is to put the 95/98/2000 CD in the drive when asked. Once it verifies I have a copy of a previous OS, it tells me to replace the XP CD and starts the install with a FDISK and format.

**LpBronco** · 07-22-2008, 06:04 AM

The best way to install Vista is when your already using a current version of XP. Upgrading to Vista lets you keep XP in the background and will make life so much simpler if you have older games although I have all my games running and I built this system with a clean Vista Home premium and upgraded to Ultimate.

Dx10.1 might be a big deal but I have only one game that uses Dx10 and its Halo.

**machowner** · 07-22-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindkill

Unless M$ changed they way they do their upgrade disks, I think that's incorrect. I have an upgrade CD for XP and all I have to do when re-installing is to put the 95/98/2000 CD in the drive when asked. Once it verifies I have a copy of a previous OS, it tells me to replace the XP CD and starts the install with a FDISK and format.

There is a way you can install directly from the vista upgrade dvd. Something along the lines of installing the upgrade, not registering it, then putting the cd back in and running through the upgrade. A lot of people were were just buying upgrade dvds, instead of the full version, without having any OS installed previously, ie. new builds. Not sure if ms fixed this exploit yet, but if you search on the internet you can find the exact steps to complete, if it still works anyway.

**Long Bow** · 07-22-2008, 10:41 AM

Check with Birdie on the upgrade to Vista route. I believe he had some headaches doing this?

Grieg covered everything else I think?

**TG_Bubba** · 07-22-2008, 10:53 AM

I went with a fresh install after a major computer crash using the upgrade from XP. Go with the full vista version. Just my two cents.

**birdie_in_Texas** · 07-22-2008, 02:09 PM

I had unending hell with Vista..neither 32-bit or 64-bit ultimate worked for me..I ended up going back to XP Pro 32-bit...I did not do an "upgrade to Vista"..mine were clean fresh newly reformatted drives...it was the worst experience with any version of Windows yet...and that is saying something..

I fart in Vista's general direction...

Capt. Obvious · 07-22-2008, 03:19 PM

you know that might be why one of my older games starts upside down and on the wrong monitor... i have a older game that under xp worked fine and under vista it works if i turn off the secondary monitor if i dont turn off the secondary monitor the game loads upside down and then plays on the wrong monitor how ever i have another machine that did get a xp to vista upgrade that the game works just fine on go figure.

**P8riot** · 07-22-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Obvious

you know that might be why one of my older games starts upside down and on the wrong monitor...

Are you sure you didn't just have your monitor cable plugged in upside-down?

**venman** · 07-22-2008, 07:17 PM

so I am thinking windows vista home premium 64 bit. Anyone had issues with the 64 bit version? basically I want to use as little resource as possible....which is why i shy away from ultimate....I do have a 64bit CPU and was wondering if vista 64 utilizes it well? How do games such as 2142 bf2 fear and cod 4 work on the 64 bit....any problems?

**Mindkill** · 07-22-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venman

...How do games such as 2142 bf2 fear and cod 4 work on the 64 bit....any problems?

Understand that I am still using XP Pro 64 and have no experience with Vista personally. That being said, a lot of what I have read about gaming and Vista is that you will get decreased performance. Mostly because of the way the new desktop works. This of course is just hearsay, and I am sure that any of the CoD4 Vista users could give you a better idea on what to expect.

I am considering moving to Vista (once I can swing the cost) mainly because I run an eVGA 8800GTS and really want to see the DX10 first hand.

**P8riot** · 07-22-2008, 08:28 PM

All work great with me!

07-21-2008, 08:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
venman Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 213	Need input on Vista Hello my fellow cod 4 guys! many of you know me and I was looking for some input, I want to finally jump from XP to Vista to harness the benefits of DX10, I only use my pc for gaming so I dont need ultimate or anything fancy....I just want to run home basic. I see they have a home basic upgrade? does this install ontop of xp? will it recognize my 4 gigs of memory? if it does install with xp.....is there any problems with it? I am hoping someone can answer these questions.....also I did the little program that evaluates your pc for vista and it says my 8800gt is not compatible with vista???? The card box has Vista ready stamped on the box? __________________ GOD SORTS THE WICKED FROM THE GOOD.....I ARRANGE THE MEETING.

07-21-2008, 09:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Capt. Obvious Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida, and YES it is HOT Posts: 202	Re: Need input on Vista windows vista will automaticly detects and searches the internet for drivers if it fails go and download the drivers from Nvidia manually ive never had a problem with vista i have worked on many vista machines running basic to bussniess and i own ultimate and ill tell you ultimate is worth it basic feels like just a shiny XP and both home editions seem below par (home doesnt allow access to the CMD without downloading the actual CMD program it also forbids some other admin tools but i forget which ones) im runnning a non-namebrand 8400GS vista picked up and installed automatic i am running 4 Gig of kingston Hyperx with out a problem __________________ I will not place claymores in my front yard. I will not place claymores in my front yard.

07-21-2008, 09:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
dozer13 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: lou.ky Posts: 21	Re: Need input on Vista hope this helps ok i have been using vista since it went retail. u can dual boot,xp first,vista second. works fine, only stopped myself cause didn't need xp no more. the 4 gigs pretty sure vista does, not sure about home though. the 8800gt is compatible. http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/mic...ce-8800gt.html and i personally like vista runs great on my rig and its a couple years old. __________________ just wanted to say thanx for ruining the game for me! now if i cant get on the TG sever its almost not worth playing. joining other severs no one squads up, no one follows orders, most commanders are off fighting in the front and that was fine tell i started playing here. so again thanx for RUINING the game for me!

07-22-2008, 12:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Grieg Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 669	Re: Need input on Vista Keep in mind, you don't get the Aero desktop w/ the Home edition. Also, nVidia does not support DirectX 10.1. ATI does. DirectX 10 kind of swung the nerfbat to the 5.1 surround sound on some games. Strange that Microsuck would do that, huh? Beyond that, I think that since SP1 came out, Vista has been pretty darn nice. There are a few things you will need to know to make life easier. 1) For example, if you want security to work more like XP, and be less annoying, you'll want to disable User Account Control. I think SP1 decreased the total number of popups you'll receive every time you try to run a program, but it can still be fairly annoying. Keep in mind, by turning this off, you are sacrificing some of your security built into Vista in exchange for convenience. 2) Data Execution Prevention - there is a setting to where you can specify programs to bypass the DEP safties, and just let them run like they want to. Pre-SP1, this was a must. After SP1... well, not sure. Anyway,for COD4 and other games, go into your search bar (Click Start, and look for the search bar at the bottom) type Data Execution Prevention, and then specify which programs you want to exclude. Only add a program to this list if DEP is throwing errors out every time you're running that program. 3) Yay for the SP1 fix on how files are transferred, its became a lot faster. There are further enhancements to this, so go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get the latest updates. 4) Windows Defender is a nifty program, it kind of works like Spybot or Adaware. It doesn't have the ability to lock down your registry like Spybot does, so I tend not to use it so much. Speaking of registries, go out and search google for vista tweaks. There are a few tweaks which will expand your vista experience. Ok... thats about it. Enjoy. EDIT To answer your questions: A) If you do not have a 64bit operating system, your 4GB of ram will probably look like 3.5GB, or even 3GB, depending on the size of your video card's memory. 32bit OS's can only address a total of 4BG (including what's on your video card). B) Yes, upgrade editions of Vista install directly over WinXP. Infact, you MUST have XP (or a previous Microsuck operating system) installed for the upgrade to ... well... upgrade your system. C) The only problem you may encounter with an Upgrade version of the OS, is that if you ever need to reinstall Vista, you must first load XP onto the PC and then perform the upgrade again. (Twice the work VS. having the full installation version.) D) The 8800GT is very compatable with Vista, but the drivers you have installed are not. E) Before you perform the upgrade, go out and download (but don't install yet) all of the Vista drivers for your computer!** Put these downloads into a folder on your desktop, and then put each driver into a descriptive folder such as "Video", "Audio", "Chipset (motherboard)", etc... This will help you IMMENSELY once the upgrade is complete. It is rather troublesome trying to update your drivers when you realize that your network card no longer has functioning software. hehehe. Its kind of hard to get to the internet when your NIC is a paperweight. F) Create a restore point immediately after all drivers are updated and the system is running stable. Create a .iso backup, or whatever you can do to make reinstalling everything easier. This is optional, but can save you some headaches. Edit 2 - Just message me if you have questions. Its easier than typing out a bunch of extra useless Vista stuff. __________________ Govern well thy appetite, lest Sin surprise thee, and her black attendant: Death. ~ John Milton - Paradise Lost \| TG FAQ \| TG Primer \| Rules of Conduct \| \| Wearing the \|TG\| tag \| TG CoD4 Server Rules \| Last edited by Grieg; 07-22-2008 at 12:24 AM.

07-22-2008, 06:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
LpBronco Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norwalk, Connecticut Age: 53 Posts: 456	Re: Need input on Vista The best way to install Vista is when your already using a current version of XP. Upgrading to Vista lets you keep XP in the background and will make life so much simpler if you have older games although I have all my games running and I built this system with a clean Vista Home premium and upgraded to Ultimate. Dx10.1 might be a big deal but I have only one game that uses Dx10 and its Halo. __________________ Forewarned is Forearmed http://www.tacticalgamer.com/call-du...ncements-sops/

07-22-2008, 10:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
Long Bow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 30 Posts: 1,314	Re: Need input on Vista Check with Birdie on the upgrade to Vista route. I believe he had some headaches doing this? Grieg covered everything else I think? __________________

07-22-2008, 10:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
TG_Bubba Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In the cell next to Icky. Age: 54 Posts: 5,949	Re: Need input on Vista I went with a fresh install after a major computer crash using the upgrade from XP. Go with the full vista version. Just my two cents. __________________ Tactical Game Primer\|Call of Duty - Official Rules, Announcements & SOPs\|Have a problem? Need an admin? TG_Mateo: "Forget freedom, democracy, the blues, New York Pizza: our lasting contribution to human society is Bourbon." Sloppy Joe: "Don't play this game like you are on your own, because if you do... it might become a reality." kin3: "I'll try but I have the grandchildren all day today and if I'm not wiped out I'll play."

07-22-2008, 02:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
birdie_in_Texas Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: TEXAS..! Age: 39 Posts: 2,568	Re: Need input on Vista I had unending hell with Vista..neither 32-bit or 64-bit ultimate worked for me..I ended up going back to XP Pro 32-bit...I did not do an "upgrade to Vista"..mine were clean fresh newly reformatted drives...it was the worst experience with any version of Windows yet...and that is saying something.. I fart in Vista's general direction... __________________ Call of Duty - Official Rules, Announcements & SOPs Contact a CoD Admin Here

07-22-2008, 03:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
Capt. Obvious Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida, and YES it is HOT Posts: 202	Re: Need input on Vista you know that might be why one of my older games starts upside down and on the wrong monitor... i have a older game that under xp worked fine and under vista it works if i turn off the secondary monitor if i dont turn off the secondary monitor the game loads upside down and then plays on the wrong monitor how ever i have another machine that did get a xp to vista upgrade that the game works just fine on go figure. __________________ I will not place claymores in my front yard. I will not place claymores in my front yard.

07-22-2008, 07:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
venman Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 213	Re: Need input on Vista so I am thinking windows vista home premium 64 bit. Anyone had issues with the 64 bit version? basically I want to use as little resource as possible....which is why i shy away from ultimate....I do have a 64bit CPU and was wondering if vista 64 utilizes it well? How do games such as 2142 bf2 fear and cod 4 work on the 64 bit....any problems? __________________ GOD SORTS THE WICKED FROM THE GOOD.....I ARRANGE THE MEETING.

07-22-2008, 08:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
P8riot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Age: 38 Posts: 2,689	Re: Need input on Vista All work great with me! __________________ Age of Conan: Tharashk (Taxiarchos), Thaumiel (alt), guild Ars Tactika - Cimmeria

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