Last night, a friend told me that I'm getting a new laptop (as a gift) for the Dec. 25 holiday. Because it is a gift, and I don't want to come across as greedy or anything, I'll gleefully accept the HP (brand), which is what I have now (and is on its last days).

I've read that some people have had major headaches working with Vista, and others? Little to no problems.

What I'm wondering is: Since I hold a license or PID for XP O/S (raw/clean installation CDs), would I mess up a new 'puter if run into too many conflicts with software apps. I need and I overwrite Vista? (by installing XP)?

My son brought home a used 03 Hp desktop that wouldn't even run my XP to do an install. I had to order a replacement CD from HP but I ended up doing a complete rebuild after all with new MB and CPU so then I could only use my person XP CD to install .
I think many of the name brands use proprietary software.
Something in the MB or bios that is specific to the brand- doesn't let you run your personal Windows CDs to install or re install.

You might be able to copy/install the XP as a secondary boot system and use it that way{ not sure though}then leave Vista on it but don't use it??

I did set my aunts new laptop {Toshiba/ Vista}up for her and changed all settings to Classic look but she isn't a heavy pc user - but she hasn't called me with any problems.

Thanks, Jo .

I'm also wondering, and possibly you know since you've seen/worked on a 'puter with Vista, whether, within software apps.' properties (once an app. is installed on a Vista O/S), the "Compatibility" mode can be changed - as can be done on XP platforms.

As long as it's a new 'puter, and I've not spent hours and hours installing apps., only to discover something just ain't working right, I don't mind tinkering or tweaking. I've not "broken" anything yet on a 'puter by trial-and-error, so I figure I can do the same with the new one - and roll back to manufacturer specs. if I do happen to run into something that messes things up.

all I did for my aunt was set up her email, browsers {IE & FF} , make it look similar to her old laptop - xp home- classic look.
mainly the preferences and basic settings.
i didn't really use any programs other than a quick check to make sure they would open for her.
I'm pretty sure that Vista has a lot of the same things XP has plus more stuff.



found this-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...XP&btnG=Search
one of the article says if pre loaded Vista will work fine but if you buy and install on a older machine that is when things will most likely be problematic.

Maybe I'm giving Murphy's Law too much credence; given what you've noted, I probably should give the new 'puter a fair chance before anticipating what could need tweaking .

I'll read some of the pages - from your search-link - this evening, Jo.

congrats on the laptop bobbi!

sorry can't help on the vista stuff.

I am hoping I can get it this weekend, only my friend said it's better to wait... since so much is going on right now and that it'd be easier to pick the one I want (without feeling rushed) after Ho! Ho! Ho! day. Maybe... but I can wait to get rid of this eyesore o' mine.

I had a Dell for 6 years and loved it but I loved picking out what i wanted,
well my brother di I knew nother about computers,I didn't even open the
box for a year.. My son opened it sat me down,told me I was going tnto
a wonderful world. I did,my Dell when out this summer,but didn't need any work...I have a Hp now 17,web cam and speaker great for grantkids it burns
stuff ha, now my brother told me I would hate it,I really like it.. Stay out of
Circut City,Best Buy,reshelving fee,bad deal. Staples is great,they have been great,even tryed to fix old Dell no charge,and Offic Depot was very could. If you could wait until ho ho day I would. Staples sells dell as well as Walmart. I like the Hp , and I'm very happy for you.

Weather in Columbia Mo. Bad,loi'ts of ice on North side of Columbia National
Guard has been brought in,or side south west hard to get out out driveways
but streets safe,Drs. got to get to work..My Daughter-in-law and lots of family,from OK where my son and her have been sleeping at hospital they work,at have power,hope things warm up by thursand or Friday,Dr.Amy
will be receiving a reward here in mo..If you can check on your eledery or disabled,
our neighbors cheched on us and brought warm food yum..Got ahold of Amy
this morning things are melting but still many homes with no power,and trees cracking,bless all of you,ask for help if you need it...Many blessings,Bob and
I have fireplace and lot's of wood,hope you are all warm,guess I should of put this on different forum Sorry Bobbie hugs to all Sue

Thanks, Sue!

After looking around, I picked one: HP dv9500t. My friend called and said it's being ordered today - with a "rush" on delivery (since I'll be out of state over the holiday). It's the one with white and silver finish, and has the option to use a fingerprint reader for security.

It arrived . I've never seen or felt one like it before. It's shiney and feels like marble. The thing is just gorgeous!

Aside from aesthetics: Not a single prob. with the computer itself, so far.

I've only had one minor setback, but it relates to Broadband; the new 'puter needs a different version PC card than the one currently used for my older HP. Because the contract doesn't expire until early Summer '09, the provider wants me to sign a new two-year contract, and, in Summer '09 do a different one. . Makes absolutely no sense, unless the provider also plans to pro-rate or rebate some for the time remaining on the current contract. Haggle time . But... I'll have it all worked out by the weekend.

As far a installing, etc., on Vista (Premium), I've not run into any hangups with installing programs.

A minor drawback with the new 'puter is: The minimal amt. of hardcopy reference material provided (in its companion packaging). I usually like to read about the 'puter, etc., prior to first-time booting.

The machine also is having a difficult time "reading" my fingerprint (a security option) when I scan it. But, that's not "unqiue" to the machine; I've run into the same thing at DMV. (And, yes, I do have fingerprints .)

A nice feature, which helps balance everything out: The 'puter is basically plug-in-play; just insert the battery and connect the adapter and it's ready to boot.

Overall, so far, I'm happy with the new 'puter. I've not had much time, yet, though to also "play" with it a great deal. I need the new PC card (for updating anti-virus) and don't want to use it much on dial-in.