I bought a Dell laptop in March with Vista. At the time it was all they had available. The whole ordeal was just that. All my hardware and software had compatability issues. I need this machine to work on my job as an Auto Repair shop owner/operator. I will list just a few of the many programs with BIG issues even with the well hidden Vista compatability wizzard.

1 world pack speed dial- my parts source

2. Microstink word

3. Roxio

4. My Garmin GPS

5. Radio Shack Serial to USB cable software

6. Phillips spc900nc- there is finally an update at their website

Just to name a few.

The system became unstable at times, started to shut down instead of going into stand-by from time to time. Seems to have a hard time running 2 or 3 programs all in a different compatability mode.  

 Dell says microstink gave the world 6 months to a year to get all their components and drivers together but obviously many were not ready earlier this year when it hit the market in full force. IMO this means there should have been a choice in OS at the time or atleast a warning. Dell blames microstink and everyone goes along like good little puppies. In my profession such poor service and a poor product would lead to a publick uprising. Besides, when I install components and return a vehicle to a client I BACK ALL THE PARTS I USE. never does a client have to go to the manufacturer. I never use questionable methods or parts. heck and I'm just a small shop. Shame on all the manufacturers for this rook deal.

Dell says I should have bought from their Small Business section. I did. Then they said they recomend XP for business. Wasn't available in March. Geez.

I switched to SP SP2 and this machine is now wicked fast and reliable with NO issues. Does everything I throw at it, FAST.

Now dell again offers XP. Hmmm....

Save yourself from being just another one of Microcheaps BETA TESTERS, yeah Beta Testers. They sell a raw unready product and we all help them fix it. What a rip off.

Get XP with SP2 for now and wait till they come out with a Service Pack (probly call it search and recovery pack) for Vista

Inspiron 6400
Intel Core 2 Duo, T7200 (4MB/2.0GHz/667MHz)
2GB DDR2, 667MHz (2X1GB cards)
100GB 7200RPM SATA HD
15.4 WSXGA
256MB Ge Force Go7300
XP SP2

 Since this is the only thread I could find pertaining to Vista Compatibility issues, I thought I would add my 2 cents and try and find out if anyone else has had any problems.

This past weekend I got a new Laptop so I wouldn't have to borrow my daughters anymore. It came with Vista Home Premium, Core duo processor, 2GB memory, 200GB hard drive, 4 usb ports, 1 fire wire port,  and much more..
I haven't had the time (or the weather) to be able to thoroughly test everything yet.
I did spend a good deal of time while online with the Canon website getting the new drivers and program updates for the Digital Rebel XT.  So at least I now have that working with the laptop.  I didn't have any problems with my SPC900NC web cam installation, So far it appears to be working fine.  Now I just need time to test it with Guide Dog..  When I loaded Guide Dog it seemed to work for a while, then it ran into a problem and widows had to shut it down..  Now I need to figure out what that problem is.. I need to get outside and connect everything to the mount and telescopes to give it a complete test. Maybe even get a picture or two while I'm at it.

If anyone else has issues with Vista, or an ideas or recommendations, please let us know.

Have A Nice __________.

Have you tried to use Guide Dog in Windows XP service pack 2 compatiblity mode? Vista is notorious for not running alot of programs correctly(even then running in XP Service Pack 2 mode sometimes doesn't work either). My son had some games that would shut down either because the screen resolution in the game didn't match the Vista operating system setting or Vista hates it(LOL). What you need to do is go to the folder where you have Guide Dog installed and highlight the exe(executable file,guidedog.exe or similar) and then right click and select properties and click the compatiblilty tab then there is a list select Windows XP Service Pack 2(or windows xp if that doesn't show up) and then click apply and see how that works out.

Edit: I forgot to add that I matched screen resolution for my son's  games and XP compatiblity mode fixed the problems with  my son's games. Vista still isn't ready for prime time yet :P 

Bert 

Bert:

Edit: I forgot to add that I matched screen resolution for my son's  games and XP compatiblity mode fixed the problems with  my son's games. Vista still isn't ready for prime time yet :P 

 

 

Bert 

You got that right..

What I need to do is take it outside while everything is set up and try it then.  I have yet to have clear weather and a chance to give it a good test run.  But I will keep in mind to run in XP SP2 compatibility mode.. Thanks, 

Have A Nice _________ 

Good luck with that Tim. That's the thing with new operating systems, they always release them too early. They should work the bugs out of the program before it's ever incorporated into the system... wait, that sounds too familiar! 

I know this tread is old, and there is prolly other threads on this subject. Just wanted to share a few things regarding guidedog.

 I have a quickcam pro 5000, and it has a .dll (LVPrcInj.dll) that causes guidedog to crash on vista. The DLL is for the effects on the cam, and can be renamed to fix the problem.

C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\LVMVFM  <--- this dir

I've also noticed that guidedog wont run a source webcam preview in full resolution (with my cam anyway) and that causes it to crash also. If you put the resolution at one step lower than 640 X 480 if found it seems to work. I have yet to field test it with my mount.

 
David
 

This is one solution to the Vista problems. Turn your system into a dual boot system. It will be able to run XP or Vista.

I personally have not done this as I don't have Vista yet. Definetly worth considering for people who are comfortable with computers.

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/080214#story1