Found this site while searching for help on a problem. Enjoy computers, as long as they have any operating system except Vista on it. Just got a new laptop with Vista and I hate it. Checked with Gateway to see if I could downgrade to XP and they told me if I did it would void all warranty on the laptop. Well, anyway, hopefully I will be able to help some others on here with any problems they may be having.

Hi there jimnkaran,

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WHat was your problem with Vista?

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Ubuntu 8.10

Vista isn't a good OS. It's fine for a month or two, but then the bugs start to show.

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I guess the main problem is that I have always used xp and have a lot of programs and games that will not work on it. I don't want to buy a new office 2007, my office 2003 works just fine. None of my 40 best games for windows will work on vista. Still haven't figured out how to just make a copy of another cd, used nero before but it will not work on vista. I think vista was just a scam to make everyone buy new and updated programs and I don't like it. Other than that I have no problems with it, lol. Jim

You can use nero with Vista I do it.

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Ubuntu 8.10

....and download OpenOffice - its free and compatible with MS Office suites.

There is a compatibility mode for vista. I'd have to double check how to enter it. You can turn off the UAC *user access control* in the control panel applet for USERS. Office 2003 is very good, if you can have it on vista, it'll run FINE. You can get the FREE compatibility pack for 2007, and open office 2007 files.

Still, yes, some things won't work in vista. But most things there are work arounds. Most of those are due to how the UAC handles the registry, and security therein.
Some programs (like E-tools if you are a D&D'er) need to have UAC turned off BEFORE installing, this allows it to save the files in a manner that allow the program to work. I'd have to review that how-to if I upgrade, as I won't let my E-tools go for a long time.

You're not alone on the "downgrade" to XP voiding warranties, my Boss had this problem too, and is suffering w/ vista.Just make sure you have enough RAM.