I've loaded it several times.
Not much to it. Easier & faster than XP installs.
Then when its done you get to spend half a day finding drivers while trying to find out how to access the different same/old stuff.

Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft/ Installing/upgrade links on the left & more

Jane,

Take a peek at the link below for sme information you might find useful. I should note it is around a year old.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: The Elder Geek

I ran thru the MS Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and it said my Windows XP Intel Graphics Controller either would not function or function properly. No explanation.

What does this imply? What would need to be done do to remidy this frightening revelation?

mxplx,
I believe it implies that if you want to upgrade, you'll need to replace your motherboard. The chipset does not appear to be Vista compatible.

Pam

I rather spected that. I double checked the Intel site and my Controller is definitely not for Vista. Everything but! In fact the last available driver update was published June 05.

I ran the scan on the newest machine and it says I can run Vista Business. That's fine. It does mention a few programs I might have compatability issue with. Doesn't seem to be anything important (some I don't know what they are). 'Catalyst Control Center,'MS RAW image Thumbnailer and Viewer'
'Messenger', Net Waiting', and 'Digital Line Detect.'

I'll try this scan on my older machine (1yr) tomorrow. When I ordered them from Dell, I told them I might be upgrading eventually and wanted them configured to run Vista. I hope the other one is okay.

I need to buy a laptop and hope to be able to get XP that can be upgraded also. Not planning to upgrade for at least a year. My machines run nice and smooth. I don't want to rock the boat.

Thanks,
Jane

I might order the new one with Vista and buy/load the XP_SP3 when that CD hits the retail store shelfs. It'll be the cheaper end route plus I;d have a current XP on CD for repairs and SFC's.

Would think if I tested a computer for Vista and the only fail to pass was video,,, I'd go looking for an empty pci or agp slot and plug a new video card into it that has a 'Vista Ready' sticker on it. And disable the onboard graohic card.

Jane I would suspect your biggest issue might be the specialised program you use in your work. I would definitely Google that one and read plenty to be sure.

Thanks, I did contact the software people and they state that the programs are Vista compatible. But still suggest XP because of trouble with other software I use with their programs.

Mikie, I looked into doing that but was told by Toshiba and Dell that would negate the warranty. If I load XP on a Vista machine, they will not support it. Also, my other machine has Office 03 and I don't know how well it will share with Office 07 and Vista. I do share docs between the two machines now, but sometimes my letters do not save properly going from 07 to 03. Can't do it the other direction. I do save the docs in 03 on Office 07.

It's really a hassle mixing these operating systems together. That's why I think I should play it safe and stick with XP.

Jane

Jane, you could install a second hard drive and run both Operating Systems. This isn't really that difficult to do but would cost some money for the new drive. Maybe, $100.00+ (us), not including installation. Just format both as NTFS drives. After you start the computer, then after the BIOs screen a screen appears that will let you choose the OS you want. You can even move files between the two OSs using a USB memory stick. This works well. the only down side to this configuration is some added scan time for malware and anti-virus scans, check disks and the like because you have two systems installed. You would also need two security software suites if you buy them. It's like two computers in one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Not as hard as this makes it look. You get the idea.