I have Windows Vista. Should I upgrade to Windows 8?

[zhangm Supervisor]

Ok, I was just about ready to do the upgrade, but the Upgrade Assistant came up with over 30 programs on my computer that won't run on Windows 8 and I'll be forced to buy upgraded versions, such as Office XP, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Ulead VideoStudio SE, etc... I thought people hated Vista because of its Compatibility issues. So, why do people like Win 8 better if its compatibility is worse? I have tons of old programs in Vista that run just fine and now I find out they won't work in Win 8. I don't understand the hype for Win 8 if it won't run older programs and its compatibility is worse than Vista's.

I suspect that a lot of those "compatibility issues" are simply due to the fact that support is expired on those products. It doesn't mean that those products are known to not work - rather, no one's bothered to check and document that they do work, since they're obsolete. If they run in Vista, they're likely to run in 7 and 8. Windows is like that.

If you can't live with the possibility of having to upgrade old software, then stick with Vista.

[DaDude]

I'll upgrade my laptop (which is also Vista) and leave my desktop alone. I don't have many softwares on my laptop since I mainly just use it for internet when I'm away. So, it won't hurt to install there

[remixedcat]

The reasons to upgrade to Windows 8:

• enhanced task manager
  
• more informative file transfer dialog
  
• More intuitive task bar
  
• comes with the latest updates
  
• comes with client hyper-v, a powerful hypervisor previously only in windows server releases
  
• window colors change with the BG when enabled
  

reasons to stick with vista:

• you have old hardware that will never work on windows 8
  
• you really wanna cling to the start menu
  

[Raa]

I'd definately upgrade... to Windows 7 - you can get XP Mode (free) if you need it too!

[LUTZIFER]

Well I know Windows 7 runs super fast and performs awesome on a core 2 duo with 2 megs of ram, with earo and everything enabled.

And supposedly Windows 8 uses less resources than Windows 7, at least that's what people try to say, so I guess pick one of them 2.

Personally I can`t believe that you have Vista on specs like that, I`m amazed it even starts up, lol.

[Guth]

As for compatibility, ive never had a program yet that cant run on win 8.

Granted a few I have had to right click and set to compatibility mode for 7/vista but apart from that everything runs just fine!

If you are using old versions of software, then that's a different matter.

What is office xp? Im guessing its a 10 year old version of Microsoft office? If yes then that may not work, because it predates your OS by 10 years. then again, I've had no issues here and not heard of much.

[+Raphaël G. MVC]

Well I know Windows 7 runs super fast and performs awesome on a core 2 duo with 2 megs of ram, with earo and everything enabled.

And supposedly Windows 8 uses less resources than Windows 7, at least that's what people try to say, so I guess pick one of them 2.

Personally I can`t believe that you have Vista on specs like that, I`m amazed it even starts up, lol.

I'm running Windows 8 on a computer with his specs (Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM). It flies! :) I recommend the upgrade too. At first I was sceptical about the start screen but after trying it, I loved it and I don't see me going back to anything else.

[dvb2000]

I have Vista since it came with my computer 3 years ago. I hate it because it's pretty slow and does have problems occasionally. Is it recommended that I take advantage of this offer and upgrade to Windows 8?

Don't do it. Windows 8 is worse than Vista!

I'd recommend a Windows 7 upgrade instead.

[ARTMC]

I upgraded to Windows 8. Fortunately, I backed up my Vista system before downloading Windows 8.

I'm glad I did. Windows 8 loaded faster, ran faster and after downloading a new MS office it worked pretty well.

Then I tried to load two games I liked (FreeCell and Hearts). I downloaded the free versions from the store and they sucked. Microsoft is trying to be Apple in this regard and they aren't close.

I never had problems with my Vista system and I only changed to Windows 8 to try it out.

After a week, I decided it was more trouble than It was worth for the price of speed.

I'm running Windows 7 on my desktop computer and I enjoy it much better than Windows 8.

If you are going to make the jump, make sure you can reload Vista. Also, if you are using an old version of MS Office, it won't run on Windows 8. You can download a Beta version of Office currently.

Good Luck

[KevinN206]

Don't do it. Windows 8 is worse than Vista!

I'd recommend a Windows 7 upgrade instead.

I would recommend Windows 8 and if the Start Screen is a problem, then install a start menu replacement such as StartIsBack (http://www.startisback.com/). I think it's a win-win situation for the OP since it's Vista. Plus, the multi-monitor support is much, much better on Windows 8.

Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7, at least on my laptop. Of course, if you the OP likes the Aero transparency, then stick with Windows 7.

[wrack]

Do It. Do It. Do It. Do It. Do It.

[DaDude]

I did the upgrade on my laptop last night. The only issue I had was that the scrolling function on the laptop's touchpad doesn't work anymore. I have to scroll manually by either using the keyboard or dragging the scroll up and down on the browser. Office XP (aka Office 2002) installed successfully and worked just fine. I know, I need to update badly but I'm such a cheapskate since I think Microsoft products are just ridiculously overpriced. That is why I waited until now to upgrade my OS. Considering Microsoft's prices, $40 is such a steal. Unfortunately, I can't play DVDs right now. Microsoft is offerring a free Windows Media Center for us people that took advantage of this $40 upgrade, but my free product key will not be email until 24-72 hours, so I need to wait a few days for that to come.

I haven't tried Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 yet since I mainly use it on my main desktop computer, not my laptop. I may, or may not, test it. I'll see what mood I'm in later. But overall, Windows 8 is A LOT faster than Vista. It feels like I just bought a new computer. It flies! I'm very happy with the purchase. It is VERY confusing at first since it's completely different than 7 or Vista, but I'll get the hang of it. Once I use it for a while and test it out for some time and like it, I may install it on my desktop computer too. Microsoft allows each copy to be installed to up to 5 computers, which is great since I only have 2.

[Azies]

Your DVD playback really isn't an issue, just install an application like VLC, and you'll be set, it's far superior to Windows Media Player anyway.

[Detection]

I did the upgrade on my laptop last night. The only issue I had was that the scrolling function on the laptop's touchpad doesn't work anymore. I have to scroll manually by either using the keyboard or dragging the scroll up and down on the browser. Office XP (aka Office 2002) installed successfully and worked just fine. I know, I need to update badly but I'm such a cheapskate since I think Microsoft products are just ridiculously overpriced. That is why I waited until now to upgrade my OS. Considering Microsoft's prices, $40 is such a steal. Unfortunately, I can't play DVDs right now. Microsoft is offerring a free Windows Media Center for us people that took advantage of this $40 upgrade, but my free product key will not be email until 24-72 hours, so I need to wait a few days for that to come.

I haven't tried Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 yet since I mainly use it on my main desktop computer, not my laptop. I may, or may not, test it. I'll see what mood I'm in later. But overall, Windows 8 is A LOT faster than Vista. It feels like I just bought a new computer. It flies! I'm very happy with the purchase. It is VERY confusing at first since it's completely different than 7 or Vista, but I'll get the hang of it. Once I use it for a while and test it out for some time and like it, I may install it on my desktop computer too. Microsoft allows each copy to be installed to up to 5 computers, which is great since I only have 2.

Did you install the touchpad drivers? Scrolling should work if they are installed

[pes2013]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

What is so funny? I missed the joke.

[DaDude]

Did you install the touchpad drivers? Scrolling should work if they are installed

I assume it automatically installed during the upgrade??

I use a Dell Inspiron 1318 laptop and you can download the driver on Dell's site and reinstall it. I notice on the site, it only says it's compatible with Vista and XP, but says nothing about its compatibility with Win 7 or 8. I can try downloading it tonight and installing it on Win 8 and see if it works.

[Detection]

I assume it automatically installed during the upgrade??

I use a Dell Inspiron 1318 laptop and you can download the driver on Dell's site and reinstall it. I notice on the site, it only says it's compatible with Vista and XP, but says nothing about its compatibility with Win 7 or 8. I can try downloading it tonight and installing it on Win 8 and see if it works.

No, touchpad drivers and special buttons drivers etc, well, infact all drivers really, should always be installed after windows direct from the manufacturers site

[DaDude]

A backup is never a bad idea, even if you're doing the upgrade install. Things can go wrong. Personally, I prefer a clean install regardless.

The upgrade was basically a clean install. The only difference is that it saved my personal documents and remembered my settings. Other than that, I have to reinstall all my softwares.

[DaDude]

No, touchpad drivers and special buttons drivers etc, well, infact all drivers really, should always be installed after windows direct from the manufacturers site

I downloaded it from Dell's website and it crippled my touchpad. So, I plugged in a USB mouse and uninstalled the software and it uncrippled it. I then tore my house apart to look for my Driver CDs that came with my laptop three years ago. I found it, installed it from the CD and lo and behold, touchpad now works!!!

Odd that the one on Dell's site didn't work. I notice the one on Dell's site is a newer version, so maybe my touchpad needed the older version. Weird.

[shoemakerpom2010]

I would say upgrade any machine with vista to 8 and you won't regret it. Forget what other people who refuse to try something new say. Its faster and has new technology that vista won't ever have.

[Detection]

I downloaded it from Dell's website and it crippled my touchpad. So, I plugged in a USB mouse and uninstalled the software and it uncrippled it. I then tore my house apart to look for my Driver CDs that came with my laptop three years ago. I found it, installed it from the CD and lo and behold, touchpad now works!!!

Odd that the one on Dell's site didn't work. I notice the one on Dell's site is a newer version, so maybe my touchpad needed the older version. Weird.

Yea weird, least you sorted it though :)

Might be an idea to backup that driver CD ;)

[dvb2000]

Your DVD playback really isn't an issue, just install an application like VLC, and you'll be set, it's far superior to Windows Media Player anyway.

and when will the "metro" version of that be available again?

[Detection]

and when will the "metro" version of that be available again?

http://wmpoweruser.com/windows-8-metro-vlc-fundraiser-passes-40000-kickstarter-target-with-5-days-to-spare/

[peacemf]

get windows 7, windows 8 feels like a beta os at the moment, yes its fast to start up but if you have a traditional device - laptop/desktop its not really built for you. its more for those fancy laptops you see on tv which turn into ipad like devices

[bucko]

I downloaded it from Dell's website and it crippled my touchpad. So, I plugged in a USB mouse and uninstalled the software and it uncrippled it. I then tore my house apart to look for my Driver CDs that came with my laptop three years ago. I found it, installed it from the CD and lo and behold, touchpad now works!!!

Odd that the one on Dell's site didn't work. I notice the one on Dell's site is a newer version, so maybe my touchpad needed the older version. Weird.

Did you manage to rebuild your house after finding the driver CD? Haha. I'm thinking of doing the same as you on my rig and upgrading from Vista x64 to 8Pro x64 using the deal on the MS site you talked about. I never bothered upgrading from Vista to 7, I did not see what value for money I get (and yes I use 7 on my other rig) but it's about the same to me once you have configured both. How did you find Windows 8? I am thinking of upgrading when I order new PC parts. Tempted to buy a small touch screen monitor though as way to enjoy the start screen better.