Should i install windows vista?

[BradleyKZN]

Guys, im considering installing windows vista. Is my system ok to game with it? I could get another gig of ram if needed. Also will i need to reformat or can i just upgrade from my windows xp because i really dont feel like installing everything over again?

 

[Frick]

That system is just fine. More RAM never hurts though.

You can upgrade, I think, but I have no idea how well it works. I think there is a migration tool or something..

 

[BroBQ]

You can install Vista like you would XP ... Are you installing 32 bit or 64 bit?

 

[Rock God]

2GB is fine. You got a good system overall to run Vista no problems.

 

[zCexVe]

For vista it is fine with 2G.But remeber to have at least SP1.It sucks if not.

 

[Studabaker]

Yeah you can't game in Vista with less than 2GB. I tried playing with 1GB and ended up getting an extra stick just for COD4.

 

[Rock God]

Yeah you can't game in Vista with less than 2GB. I tried playing with 1GB and ended up getting an extra stick just for COD4.

 

[Mussels]

You'll be fine with 2GB.

4GB is great, but vista has no issues on 2GB.

Format. Do not reinstall - and get 64 bit, dont bother with 32 bit. You'll notice more people whining about vista with ram problems are running 32 bit, because under x86 (32 bit) their video memory eats into the 4GB available address space, leaving them with less ram to actually use.

I wrote up (and stickied) a new post on this. Please read it here

 

[BradleyKZN]

I already have vista x32 because my sister went back to old xp. I shall get the other ram stick and sp1 and wait patiently till i can get windows 7. Do you think vista will be smoother than xp? @mussels, what problems will i have with just upgrading to vista?

 

[BroBQ]

If you can, get a copy of 64-bit vista and upgrade to 4gb ... you will be happy you did. When you do install it... just make sure you format the HDD during the installation

 

[Mussels]

I already have vista x32 because my sister went back to old xp. I shall get the other ram stick and sp1 and wait patiently till i can get windows 7. Do you think vista will be smoother than xp? @mussels, what problems will i have with just upgrading to vista?

during an upgrade, you end up with a lot of wasted HDD space for the uninstall files, and leftover junk that is no longer compatible.

Thats assuming you dont have more problems with buggy applications and such that cause you to format anyway.

remember that 32 bit keys (called x86, NOT called x32) work on vista x64 install disks.

 

[EiSFX]

ya if i remember right Microsoft is still offering the 64 bit edition for like 10 bucks if you already own the 32 bit edition but i'm not 100% sure if they still are

 

[Mussels]

ya if i remember right Microsoft is still offering the 64 bit edition for like 10 bucks if you already own the 32 bit edition but i'm not 100% sure if they still are

Even if you dont get the disk from MS, you can always borrow it off a friend, or download it.

While downloading is a little dubious, its not illegal - you already own a licence + key for that operating system so it fits under 'backup' in most countries.
(Just make sure you get a copy of the original, with no serial keys or cracks provided)

 

[BradleyKZN]

Woot! I made you sticky! But yeah i was aware of the ram issue

remember that 32 bit keys (called x86, NOT called x32) work on vista x64 install disks.

I apologize for this but it was 5 in the morning when i called it that i have no idea why though lol I know my sister had some problems with getting daemon tools to work. Is there a way to get it too work?

 

[Mussels]

Woot! I made you sticky! But yeah i was aware of the ram issue

I apologize for this but it was 5 in the morning when i called it that i have no idea why though lol I know my sister had some problems with getting daemon tools to work. Is there a way to get it too work?

yes. download the 64 bit version from their website.

 

[BradleyKZN]

Oh thanks man, btw how big is the upgrade to 64-bit because i havent got internet. I have to activate over the phone

 

[Mussels]

Oh thanks man, btw how big is the upgrade to 64-bit because i havent got internet. I have to activate over the phone

you need a new disk. phone activation wont be too hard.

 

[BradleyKZN]

Ah crap! Ok then ill see if im going to go through all this effort to get vista running. Thanks for the help

 

[Studabaker]

Don't twist yourself up over installing the 64-bit version. What's the problem with the 32-bit version?

 

[Mussels]

Don't twist yourself up over installing the 64-bit version. What's the problem with the 32-bit version?

its a lot easier to go 64 bit to begin with and just stick extra ram in later, than it is to format once you get the money up for the extra memory.

32 bit has hit its limits, its simply no good for systems with more than 2GB of ram and a 1GB video card.

 

[Studabaker]

I'm just saying, 2GB won't cripple his system, he can even upgrade and settle for 3GB until it's not so difficult and time consuming to go through the process of attaining the 64-bit version.

 

[Mussels]

yes. thats the decision he needs to make.

*Go vista 32 bit now, and do the whole thing again when he decides to add more ram.
*Delay and get 64 bit, but not have to repeat the process when you get more ram.

It all comes down to his upgrade plans, really.

 

[h3llb3nd4]

I am wanting Win 7 x64
and still trying to save up for vista x64...
but I guess I'll save for the Win 7...

 

[Polarman]

It depends on his copy. If he has the full retail package, he can get the 64bit disk from M$ for a few bucks. On the other hand, if he only has the OEM 32bit, he's stuck with that.