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Statica · 07-16-2007, 09:31 AM

In a fresh install, you dont keep any of your previously installed programs. However, if you're repeatedly installing XP just to get the system not to crash, then you might as well install Vista clean (without XP previously installed) and then go ahead and install the programs - provided they are Vista compatible.

Am glad that your USB is now working and hopefully everything is working fine. A note about your proposed Vista move though, in light of the fact that XP seems to be working at least for now..
Vista may or may not open up a new can of worms for you. Dont for a moment assume that you are going to have zero problems with it, because Vista comes with own brand new set of issues. It's a new OS and not mature .. and worse yet, may not be documented enough for you to troubleshoot your errors. Keep in mind that when people, lots of people, start getting the same errors you get more and more documentation on a system - what works, what breaks it down. The result of all that is what you see in the form of Google search results and MS KB articles on XP. To top that of, a number of hardware manufacturers have been dragging their feet for creating drivers and increasing compatibility to Vista as well. Yes Microsoft has provided a ton of drivers and hardware support and testing, but again you need to rely on the compatibility tests to get you through. I'm not saying that Vista will not work for you, but be prepared for an eventuality that it might not .. so use caution before you run to the store and plunk down money in the hopes of a miracle cure.

Document what you install with XP, make sure that you dont use windowsupdate to update your hardware drivers and that you rely on windowsupdate only for PERTINENT security fixes .. use the hardware mfger for guidance on the latest & stablest drivers.

& if you are getting tired of repeatedly installing XP that breaks down with patches then consider creating backup disk images of your hard drive.

I know it's painful not to have a system that you can use, but the good news for you is that it used to work before till something "broke" it. So you should be able to get to it before you install that incompatible patch.

07-16-2007, 09:31 AM	#13
Statica Premium Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 9,231	In a fresh install, you dont keep any of your previously installed programs. However, if you're repeatedly installing XP just to get the system not to crash, then you might as well install Vista clean (without XP previously installed) and then go ahead and install the programs - provided they are Vista compatible. Am glad that your USB is now working and hopefully everything is working fine. A note about your proposed Vista move though, in light of the fact that XP seems to be working at least for now.. Vista may or may not open up a new can of worms for you. Dont for a moment assume that you are going to have zero problems with it, because Vista comes with own brand new set of issues. It's a new OS and not mature .. and worse yet, may not be documented enough for you to troubleshoot your errors. Keep in mind that when people, lots of people, start getting the same errors you get more and more documentation on a system - what works, what breaks it down. The result of all that is what you see in the form of Google search results and MS KB articles on XP. To top that of, a number of hardware manufacturers have been dragging their feet for creating drivers and increasing compatibility to Vista as well. Yes Microsoft has provided a ton of drivers and hardware support and testing, but again you need to rely on the compatibility tests to get you through. I'm not saying that Vista will not work for you, but be prepared for an eventuality that it might not .. so use caution before you run to the store and plunk down money in the hopes of a miracle cure. Document what you install with XP, make sure that you dont use windowsupdate to update your hardware drivers and that you rely on windowsupdate only for PERTINENT security fixes .. use the hardware mfger for guidance on the latest & stablest drivers. & if you are getting tired of repeatedly installing XP that breaks down with patches then consider creating backup disk images of your hard drive. I know it's painful not to have a system that you can use, but the good news for you is that it used to work before till something "broke" it. So you should be able to get to it before you install that incompatible patch.