Posted by Joan_OH on 4/6/08 9:54am
Msg #242398

Windows Vista issues

I am looking at a new laptop and have found a great deal on the Dell Outlet for one "previously ordered/new". It has everything I need, all the upgrades I wanted including software, and extra memory, longer life battery, etc. The only problem is it has Windows Vista and all my other computers are XP or XP Pro.

When Vista first came out, there were many on this board that had issues printing docs, etc. Is anyone still having issues? I have avoided Vista on my computer purchases just because of this. I think it might have been due to the lack of drivers available for printers etc, but can't remember. I would think this has been resolved by now.

I would appreciate feedback from any Vista users out there and how it relates to our business computers.

Thanks

Joan-OH

Reply by Dave_CA on 4/6/08 10:00am
Msg #242400

I have Vista on my main PC and XP on my notebook. I've had Vista for a year and wave not had any problem printing docs and I think I've encountered most of the various doc programs.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/6/08 10:15am
Msg #242403

My husband and I just recently built two new laptops through Dell....while on the phone with the rep I was adamant I didn't want Vista based on everything I'd read about it - the Dell Rep (!!!) told us "Yes, Vista does have its issues"...

We got out laptops with Windows XP -

Hope this helps.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 4/6/08 10:15am
Msg #242404

I have Vista on the laptop and XP Pro on the desktops

For about 4 months, during the time our desktops were being repaired and rebuilt, I had to use the laptop as our main and only computer, and there were no problems or conflicts. There are issues with printers, though. My HP1300 laserjet worked fine. The HP all-in-one 7310 inkjet was about 3 or 4 years old. Even though I found update software on the HP site, and even sent directly to HP for a driver update disc, it would not work with Vista, and I ended up buying a new HP7780 as a replacement (a machine I would not recommend, by the way).

Reply by RickinVA on 4/6/08 10:42am
Msg #242408

I had to put my desktop in the shop, so when I found out it would take a week or so, I bought a laptop, which came with Vista. It has more than just "issues"! Avoid it if you can! I would wipe Vista and install XP, but I'm afraid I won't be able to find drivers for XP, since the laptop was built for Vista.

Rick

Reply by Dawn/PA on 4/6/08 10:58am
Msg #242410

I have been using Vista on my laptop for a year now. The only problem that I had was with getting the right drivers for my HP printers (LaserJet 2015 and my photo printer). Once installed I have had no problems downloading or pringing docs. Both of brother printers (older) "found" themselves with plug & play. Overall, I have been happy with the Vista.

Reply by Sir_Lawrence on 4/6/08 11:55am
Msg #242415

Iuse Vista ands I love it. I have it networked with XP and another Vista computer and I have no isses.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 4/6/08 12:07pm
Msg #242416

Re: Windows Vista issues-I have three computers, one with

Vista, no issues at all.

Reply by Joan_OH on 4/6/08 12:29pm
Msg #242418

THANK YOU ALL! I have another question-USB & Parallel

I have 2 large HP printers - an HP 4200 3 tray and HP 4100 3 tray. Both are parallel with USB not being an option. On my current laptop, I just got the docking station which has a parallel port. The new laptops and some desktops no longer have a parallel port and the docking station for the one I am looking at doesn't either.

I have found that there is a cable they make that is parallel on the printer end and USB on the computer end. Anyone ever use this type of cable and does it work properly?

That is the only issue I have left with the computer I am looking at.

Joan-OH

Reply by MikeC/NY on 4/6/08 3:45pm
Msg #242438

Re: THANK YOU ALL! I have another question-USB & Parallel

<< I have found that there is a cable they make that is parallel on the printer end and USB on the computer end. Anyone ever use this type of cable and does it work properly? >>

I've used those in the past on an XP system without a problem - don't know how or if it will work with Vista.

Reply by Sir_Lawrence on 4/6/08 4:29pm
Msg #242442

Re: THANK YOU ALL! I have another question-USB & Parallel

Absolutely! I'm using one as we speak. The printer is LPT, and I'm using a LTP tp USB cable, plugged in to the USB port on the computer and it works perfect! Of course the cable was $20.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 4/6/08 10:48pm
Msg #242463

Vista...The Saga Continues

Joan, good for you for checking beforehand. I have VISTA on my desktop and laptop. While it is getting better most computer geeks/gurus I talk to when I'm having problems, shake their heads when I tell them that I have VISTA. From a day-to-day basis, I don't have problems with my desktop. Yes, when I email docs (unrelated to NSA business) some people can't open my attachments unless I "save as" something else. I find that other hardware - printers, fax, pda, etc. are not always compatible with VISTA so I have to get on the phone with the Help Desk to troubleshoot. I can't be more specific than that because I've had VISTA for awhile now and I've forgotten the specifics but I do remember the headaches. Do I crash all the time? No. (Not on my desktop). Has it adversely impacted my NSA business? No. Is it a pain for me with other computer needs - you betcha!