XP to Vista help. - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

XKNUT · #1 02-26-2008, 12:02 PM

Ok so the computer takes a dump during the last storm. Specifically, the motherboard is gone.

Fortunately, the hard drive is intact.

Rather than buy a new mobo we (my wife) decided on a new computer. New computer comes with Vista. Eh, why not? I will buy another mobo in the future and keep the old computer for the kids.

Anyway, the issue at hand is the re-installation of software; specifically TaxCut. MS Office, the kids games, etc will come later.

Will this be as simple as installing the program in an admin account in Vista, transfering the data files, and then running the program?

I currently have the old HDD installed as another drive in the Vista box.

Y'all suppose I could run the application from the other drive?

Any direction you can provide will be helpful.

**Muzikman** · #2 02-26-2008, 12:18 PM

You can not run the app from the other drive. The applications must be reinstalled.

One thing about windows is not all the files that an app needs to run are in the actual app directory. Some are actually in other system directories. You also have the registry which holds app specific settings.

XKNUT · #3 02-26-2008, 01:11 PM

One thing about windows is not all the files that an app needs to run are in the actual app directory.

Doh. Oh, yeah, Vista will look in the wrong system folder won't it?

Thanks.

Need more coffee.

XKNUT · #4 02-26-2008, 03:02 PM

Mind if I ask a series of stupid questions regarding Vista?

User Account Control? I'm logged in as admin and I'm getting popups whenever I access programs and/or folders. What gives? I'm sure I can set an option to stop this, but where? User accounts?

There appears to be some level of Norton Security installed. Is some of this "part" of the OS, and the remainder a 60 day trial {requiring a subscription}?

More to follow ...

**Muzikman** · #5 02-26-2008, 03:09 PM

That constant prompt is to prevent rogue apps (ie spyware/virus) from being able to install themselves without you knowing. I'll be honest, you can probably turn it off, but I don't know where.

contenderv07 · #6 02-26-2008, 06:58 PM

I say take Norton's off and put AVG on, it's better, less of a resource hog, and it's free. Oh, not to mention put everything in classic mode, and change visual settings to "for best performance"

vman · #7 02-26-2008, 08:05 PM

Vista... I would run.

runix3 · #8 02-26-2008, 11:11 PM

MaximumPC is your friend!
http://dl.maximumpc.com/Archives/MPC0108-web.pdf
Go to page 39 of the mag, or 21 in the pdf file. Hope that helps.

squawbanger · #9 02-26-2008, 11:49 PM

Run is right
Dump Vista & reiinstall XP
or you could partition the drive & dual boot.
I agree with dumping Norton.AVG is killer & FREE!
Classic mode is best as Contender said.
I don't remember how to turn the pop-up deal , but when we were
experimenting at the office we did so.
Control Panel,Security Center change notification.
(I'm remotely connected to my office & believe this right)
All hell broke loose with some of our apps & Windows crap.
We finally re-installed & left well enough alone.
I really didn't work too hard at figuring it out.
My desk computer has dual boot with XP & I 99.999% of
the time use XP.
Only when someone has to use crazy features in Outlook07.
I'm still partial to 98se & NT Server myself!!! LOL!