Hey guys I have a problem that I need help with, if there are any computer guys on this forum it would be awesome if you could help me. I have a compaq presario v6000 with the amd turion 64x2 dual core TL-50 1.6 ghz processor I have 2gig of ram with an 80gig hard drive, it came with xp and I have upgraded to vista home premium with service pack 1. Well I am having trouble with my game counter strike and windows media center, in both applications I cannot see my mouse at all while using them. Does anyone have an idea why my mouse doesn't show up in these apps? Thanks for any replies!

 

There are those who will tell you that changing from XP to Vista isn't really an upgrade, it's more of a headache.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to find your issue is 100% Vista related because your apps are not Vista ready. There is a ton of legaxy software that doesn't behave properly under Vista. You might want to check for updates to both software packages and your mouse driver.

 

I second that.

Vista is nothing short of a frickin' headache. It still blows my mind that you have to log on before you can shut it down?!

Many times a new computer will come with restore cd's that put the system back to the day it came out of the box. You will lose everything and have to reinstall everything, so making backups is the name of the game.

Not sure if you have these..........but if you do, at least it'll fix your downgrade.......I mean upgrade problem. As a bonus, you'll get about half of your RAM back.

 

I agree - run like a scalded dog away from Vista until you absolutely have to make the jump - and I also would second that it is likely a Vista issue. In fact there is a class action lawsuit against microsoft about vista ready vs vista capable, in that lawsuit there were some interesting microsoft internal e-mails...check this out:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9065538

In the mean time, buy some linux books....

 

THAT is really good advise. The gubamint org I work for is currently seriously evaluating to discontinue the use of Windows as Desktop OS's and is seriously looking into Linux (Ubuntu).

Not that I have too many hopes, but *I* would *L*O*V*E* if they do. That would do away with so many problems.

 

I am using Vista Ultimateon one computer and I do not find it that bad.

BTW you do not have to log on to shut down.

While I feel it is not business friendly due to lack of drivers for some equipement, for the average home user it is not bad.

There are some really nice visuals, much better file organization, security improvments, and some great integration that was missing in XP.

If I had to choose I would stick with XP Pro at this point.

For the problems make sure you have the latest patches (game) and you can always have the option to run the programs under XP parameters in Vista.

 

I too find vista to be pretty good, all the bugs are fixed now with service pack 1 installed, oh I found out it was the mouse settings, I just had to disable the trail when you move the mouse.

 

When you have to log onto a server with vista...........you need to log on to shut down.

At least all the computers at work operate that way.

 

I understand that since Vista is such a resource pig, installing it on a PC that originally was running some other O.S. is not recommended.

The safest way to go with Vista is with a new PC built to accomodate it. But even then, anything that is added to it may not be supported. I'll stick with XP as long as I can. I have too many add-ons that I am sure will be nightmares under Vista.

 

True, my new Dell laptop came with Vista (they didn't give me a choice). Our IT guy at the office said I can't go backwards to XP because the hardware is built for Vista.

 

come on guys vista is not that bad, for regular users like me it is fairly decent, I have had no probs whatsoever and mine came with xp

 

Microsoft windows is good for the masses.

Linux is good for those who don't want to put up with Microsoft's BS! Oh ya.........Linux is also FREE!

http://www.linux.org/

 

Buy a Mac....

 

The way I see it: For 99% of the folks out there:

What do you need a computer for? Let itemize that

-) Surf the web
-) Word processing
-) Spreadsheets
-) Presentation
-) Print your documents
-) Work on your pictures
-) store and play your music

And then there are some niche markets. But I bet $ to donuts the above list covers it for more than 99% of all the computer users.

Well, if you like to give away money, then by all means go with Vista, give your money for Vista and office and other apps to M$. Or another possibility is to steal the OS and steal Office. Because if you are not paying for it you are stealing it. That easy no ifs no buts.

OR you could just use one of the free OS's that can do the same list (and much more) for free (as in beer) And yes Linux is one possibility.

 

Untrue, the hardware has nothing to do with backwards compatibility. You'd need to reformat the drive & then do a clean install of XP. The hardware won't care.
Trust me, I'm a Network Administrator & have been repairing computers for darn near 22 years, from IBM 3/X to AS400's to PC's plus a bunch of other stuff you guys have probably never heard of.

 

As Mike mentioned above, first check for any upgraded drivers for your mouse & also check for updates to your game, in fact every application you're running. Zip over to the Microsoft Update website & check for updates & patches (in fact, do this at least once a month since Microsoft issues new updates every month, second Tuesday.). Once you're done updating EVERYTHING then check with your applications tech. support if you're still having problems.
Your system hardward is sufficient to be running Vista so you shouldn't have to worry about that being an issue (though I get a kick out of all these ads from Intel & AMD about dual+ processors. In home PC's they are mostly useless simply because there are so few applications that utilize dual or above cores. That is changing, of course, mostly in the gaming world.).
I'm not going to get involved in any Windows/Apple/Linux discussion because all 3 have their good points & bad. Do you want to run everything (meaning applications) with no problems (meaning compatibility), then Windows is the answer. Graphics are your thing, go with Apple. Don't like mega-corps. & want to try something different, Linux in all of its flavors may be for you.
Oops, my take on Vista: don't bother unless you're forced to. There truly is no compelling reason to do so. I'm not saying Vista sucks (please remember the hue & cry when XP first came out) there just isn't any reason to spend all that money on an op. system that isn't dazzling. In order for me to do my job from home I'd require Vista Ultimate; ain't gonna happen as long as my XP is stable & happily chugging along.

 

BullS**T! is all I can say. Your IT should have gotten his money back from the university he went and given his diplomas back. Unfortunately in my 30+ years in the industry I have seem way too many of those.

The problem you potentially may encounter in a few when you want to install a XP system will be that there are no drivers for the hardware available. But right now I'd venture a guess that every system has hardware components installed where you can get drivers. Some of the Vista drivers are even backwards compatible.

Really, If your IT meant what I can read he is not worth the money you pat him as IT. He may be good in swinging a broom, that I don't know.

 

Any updates, Nate?

 

yeah, my friend is a computer wiz and he came over and we backed up my files and completely wiped my hard drive and reinstalled windows xp professional

 

But I have...started life in Comten FEP world IBM 270x/370x replacements. I was going to respond but you beat me to it. And almost every product Dell ships will run XP....very many corporations refuse to change to Vista due to internal apps and lack of IT resources.

My case....I upgraded a home desktop (self built) to Vista. Ran great....except for many applications. bought a new HP Slimline with Vista preloaded just to have something native t compare. So then my office Dell laptop was crushed by Delta Airlines and Dell shipped me a replacement...with Vista Ultimate preloaded. I offered to keep Visa and be a test case for corporate IT application changes....no dice. They say they won't consider leaving XP for another 2 years....or more. Don't you love it when IT folk blow smoke...and get away with it?

Long Live Comten EP and CNS