Vista Backwards Compatability

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ezefosure

New Member
What is the problem with Vista and backwards compatability? If the program is not compatable with Vista, it wont work at all? You'll get an error?

(side question: i thought vista was 64 bit? on new egg it says all versions r 32 bit)
 
Vista does have a pair of 64bit versions out. With pc games you would surprised to learn that some older 2001-02 games are installed here and run on the Vista Home Premium version. But other types of desktop applications like video capture or cd/dvd burning softwares will most likely need a newer XP/Vista type compatibility to replace the 98,ME, 2K, XP type environments they used to run on. A good list of games and other softwares that will run on the 32bit versions of Vista are seen at http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
 
sometimes the os will ask if your program is running correct or not so that is sort of a feedback to let them know which applications are or are not compatible.
 
There's also an option on the right click menu to run a program in XP SP2, 2000, ME, or 98 mode. The compatibility list is a general not specific list. The installation of PowerDVD 6.0 here fails to activate with the correct product number despite the list indicating that both 6.0 and 7.0 alike are compatable? The desktop icon appeared readily and the add/remove programs in the control panel shows it but... ?
 
So the 64-bit version is different and more expensive I guess? New egg doesnt seem to have a copy.

And just wondering, i forgot, what is the benefit of 64-bit over 32-bit?
 
What is the advantage of 32bit over 16bit? What is the advantage of 16bit over the original 8bit dos? It's a progression there. The 64bit versions don't necessarily run any faster but are a hogher level OS. The reason you didn't see any 64bit versions at newegg is simple. First they only stocked one of the new versions for Vista. The second reason(no big surprise) is that everyone rushed after the new Windows 64bit especially.

The big problem right now for running a 64bit version is softwares. While many games and some apps will run due to 32bit compatibility that only goes so far. Likewise a good deal of the softwares that run on XP "will not" run on Vista. Upon trying Cyberlink's PowerDVD 6.0 it would go as far as making folders, reg values, and a desktop shortcut. You couldn't even enter the proiduct key and see it activated. Upon emailing support the response was the newer version will run on both XP and Vista. That contradicts the information seen on a Vista compatability list seen at http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
 
 
Oh. oops. Maybe you just need to type 64-bit in with the search

Now that you mentioned it, there are so many different typs on newegg its confusing.
Whats the benefit of the actual OS over an upgrade? (I heard u can do the same things with the upgrade tht u can do with the dvd install?)
 
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Having a full install disk allows you to install an operating system onto a new drive currently lacking any OS. The drive tools needed for creating and formatting a new single primary partition are included in the installer. I see the 64bit version of the Home Premium version is listed at the same price as the 32bit OEM release.
 
I also heard that you could also use an update disc on a completely empty, brand new, unformated disc just like a regular full install disc. I forgot where i heard this from. Somewhere on this forum during the summer when I was still anticipating the release of vista. But idk...
 
Ok, to clear something up, the reason why you don't find 64-bit versions for Windows as often (at least in retail stores) is the reason that Micrsoft only shipped 32-bit versions in the box for Home Basic, Home Premium and Business. The only one that is 64-bit in the box is Ultimate. You can get the 64-bit version from MS, you just have to contact them, and they'll ship it to you for a small fee of course... :)
 
And you most likely will end up with the retail version there. That would be the typical thing to expect. To find OEM versions of the 64bit Vista the fastest way is to conduct a general search at a regular shopping site rather then going to one vendor only. The lowest price seen for the 64bit Basic version is found at http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=604696&prodlist=nextag

Of course the oem for the Ultimate version are still seen at $199 or higher. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2864286&CatId=306
 
Lol. Also, i guess your really not supposed to do tis, but with the oem version of ultimate, would i be able to install vista ultimate on all three of my computers in the house with fresh hard drives? Unformated. (Not just one, but three. The disc wouldnt actually read that i used it on more than one comps, would it?)
 
ezefosure said:
Lol. Also, i guess your really not supposed to do tis, but with the oem version of ultimate, would i be able to install vista ultimate on all three of my computers in the house with fresh hard drives? Unformated. (Not just one, but three. The disc wouldnt actually read that i used it on more than one comps, would it?)
Click to expand...

The disc wouldnt, but you need to activate Windows. From what i've heard it can only be on one computer at a time, but you can activate up to 3 computers. Im not 100% sure on this, it's just what i've heard.
 
That sucks. I dont want to spend 750 just to put vista on 3 computers or 600 for that 3 dvd pack (if thats even what they mean by a 3 pack)
 
There was one type of home/small business license for the something like 5-15 machines that you pay a fee for at Microsoft seen with XP. The article at the link brings up a different picture where the purchase of 5 installation disks can see use on several machines. The one difference between XP and Vista is you apparently are not limited on how many times you can be activated with Vista while XP was limited. http://news.com.com/FAQ+Getting+a+handle+on+Windows+Vista/2100-1016_3-5672671.html
 
From the link it just seemed like they give discounts if u buy multiple discs. I wonder if anyone would test the multiple activation thing and post back....?
 
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