You are all correct to an extent. 

 

The incompatibility of software and hardware is a Vista wide issue. Vista was written for current hardware, about 2005 to newer, and software with new Security features that require a new type of installer that also requires a High Level Key (encrypted) from Microsoft an ID Identifier. This all lets MS know whether you have a friendly and currently written MS Installer and program or you are a security risk. 

 

Paula has a valid point, if you install current software with the new installer *.msp extension you should not have problems, but otherwise, you may encounter minor or even major problems, and that is why I provided the fix (workarounds) for installing. 

 

Also, beyond the User Accounts Control (UAC) you also have Windows Defender that monitors and scans for Malware, etc., and security risks as StartUp Programs. This program has the ability to stop, block software from running, and can actually remove a software package if a serious security threat. Even if you turn off Defender, the system has a backup that can also block or render software ineffective. It is all in the MS EULA.

 

Although my Plextor is new and the software is supposed to be Vista compatible, Vista will not allow the software to install in the Quick Launch bar, where Plextools will write to the Registry Keys. So I have to Lauch Plex Pro XL from the desktop each time I want to use it. The prog does not have the necessary Key to identify it as a friendly.   UAC will block opening the prog, the Shadow Clone will darken the screen to take a snapshot of the computer environment, and then I get the prompt, to Cancel or Allow running the software. 

 

In some cases if you do get an old prog installed, you may find it tries to access the MS Core environment, or the registry, and is deemed a security threat and may be disabled. In other cases when you have an old installer and add the prog, and find it won’t work, you may not be able to uninstall the program, because the installed has tried to put its file in an old area and now a Secure Folder. Access is denied and the file is lost in the system and the installer cannot find the new location.

 

Another consideration is that these new Secure areas, Folders and Files, are off limits even to the Administrator, and owned only by the System, and you cannot change privileged writes. If by some miracle you can get access and change or delete one of the Registry Keys or Secure Folders, you may be in for big trouble. I deleted one of the System Folders which only has pointers to other folders, and I took my desktop down. These are new Security features to stop attackers from reaching Core Files.

 

The 64 bit is only as stable as the system you install it on. I tried to install over Win XP SP2 and that will work, and does allow much of my old installed software to run, with the exception of Norton Internet Security, my DVD software programs, and a few older MetaCreations programs I had to ditch. However, after installation, I had a lot of errors and minor program difficulties. So I did a clean install, and it all went much better.   Remember the differences between 32 and 64, trying to install a 64 onto a 32, gets hairy if not impossible.

 

As for the Clean Install, You must install from the OS desktop, no CD disc Verification will work. There is an option to install into the current OS, and move all of contents of the partition to a single folder called Windows.old, which can access later, but cannot run the old OS.

 

Since I have worked with computer for such a long time, most of this stuff is a minor inconvenience. I just built a newer system three weeks ago to meet and match the Hardware Compatibility issues that Vista has, so I am current. Others that do not have completely compatible system hardware or configurations that meet the Vista Compatibity requirements may have problems. 

 

When you try to install Vista for the first time, Vista will do a complete system scan before install, that is the hardware, drivers, and software for any incompatibility issues. If Vista finds any issues it will tell you and then not install until you have corrected them.

 

Here are some of the Requirements. 

 

A fully ACPI compliant computer, that means all hardware, mobo, ps, and cpu. 

If you are going to run Vue, get a video card for your mobo, on board chipsets are good for word processing but do not support hardware accelaeration.

 

Drivers and software that meet the Vista Compatibility issue. Usually Anti-Virus Software, Firewall Blocks, DVD equipment and drivers, and other Utilities are the main source of concern. In my case it was Plextor, Norton, and Adobe Acrobat 6. The Auto Update of Adobe is a serious Security Threat and Vista would not allow me to install until the software was uninstalled. 

 

Note: When I tried to install Vista over Win XP, as soon as Vista was installed it blocked Norton, and Norton automatically sent me to the Web, removed my current Internet Security software, and then downloaded a new Vista compatible NIS. That is about how serious it gets. Luckily I know what I am doing, or I would not have any hair left.

 

Personally I have a lot of issues with MS, but I like the Vista desktop, graphically rich and incredible. And since I have a new system that hits the 5 scale on the Vista Performance scale nothing is running shabby. I can deal with all of the other garbage, but there are others that rely on specific hardware and software they may have to give up. So I would recommend you get a back partition software package and back up your current Installation just incase you do not find Vista compatible with your current system.

 

The other option is to install Vista into the current OS, Vista will not destroy the current Folder locations of the old OS as did previous editions. Or, repartition your harddrive and put Vista on a second drive letter and do the duel boot until your happy.

 

The 64 bit Premium edition has all of the nice software and extra perks, partition packup software, much more, and the new Areo transparent Desktop. You better met the 5 or better performance to run Areo and other graphic software on this system. And, I would suggest as much RAM as you can stuff in your system 4 gigs is nice, 8 gigs would be better if you are to run Vue. You might check eOn I think there is an issue about Duo Core versus Quad-core.

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