Install Vista upgrade or not? Installing and Upgrading Vista Discuss Install Vista upgrade or not? in the Windows Vista forums; Originally Posted by palms911 Thanks everyone. I am moving ahead with the upgrade. And if there are issues I know where to come. Also, if I ever need to start ...

[Znod]

Originally Posted by palms911

Thanks everyone. I am moving ahead with the upgrade. And if there are issues I know where to come. Also, if I ever need to start over it sounds like there are ways to do that and do it legally.

Great, and, as Snuffy advises, I would uninstall any program that Vista identifies any possible compatibility problem with. To do so, just abort the upgrade process, uninstall the offending program(s), and start the upgrade again. No matter how you install your files should be backed up ideally.

[palms911]

I did the upgrade, but I think it was a clean install because it said all of my XP files would be stored in a separate file -- windowsold -- I think. But the install was flawless and not a single major problem.

One glitch: Vista (on my laptap connecting to the Internet via Wi Fi) cannot find my printer which is physically connected to the main computer running XP. I activated sharing in Vista, but still can't find a printer. I see on the main computer (running XP) an option to download drivers so two different Windows versions can connect, but Vista is not an option. I am wondering about the work around to get Vista on the laptop to see my printer on the network.

Otherwise, this has been the smoothest upgrade I have made to a new Windows OS and I love the new graphics and other Vista features.

[palms911]

I did the upgrade and it was probably the smoothest Windows upgrade I have done. I love the new graphics and aero works well with 1gb ram.

The only problem I am having is Vista on the laptop cannot find my printer on the network. I have the laptop connected by Wi-Fi and the printer connected to the main computer. I have activated sharing in Vista and I see there is an option in XP to download drivers for systems operating two different Windows versions but Vista is not an option. So, just wondering how to get Vista to recognize my printer on the wireless network. Thanks.

[palms911]

Sorry. Made two posts on the same subject; thought the first one didn't go. Dumas I am .

[Znod]

Yes, you did one type of clean install--the one with no formatting. I am very glad it went so well regardless of how you installed. You need to install the printer driver on your Vista machine. Use XP Pro compatibility mode. And, you need to share the printer on your XP machine.

[palms911]

I have shared the printer on the XP machine, but I am not familiar with using the XP Pro compatibility mode. I found the printer on the Vista side in Network but when I try to connect it says access denied. I know this is probably an easy fix just a little confused.

[stevennodalo]

Sorry, no time to read the comments, but I did read the main post. I also bought an HP laptop in january and upgraded my windows to vista. After my upgrade, my timer ran out of time so I reinstalled Vista again and it cleaned out my computer (which was GREAT by the way). If your HP is vista ready, then i highly suggest it. Gaming is slightly lower, depending on your hardware i presume, but when you begin to play a game, vista will automatically enter this performance mode and most of the cool effects will temporarily disable, allowing you a much better performance.

Well I just scrolled down and read something about upgrade vs. clean install. I highly advise a clean install. Save your files on an external hard drive or cds or something. Make a list of programs you have installed. I did an upgrade and about half of my programs were not working and i had to reinstall almost everything. Some of my files in my documents were corrupted or other minor setbacks.

By the way, when you sent in your request for the free upgrade, how long did it take them to reply. I faxed my papers about a month ago and still got no reply. I did it twice but they still seemed to have ignored my request. I called and called and called, Over 10 hours of being on hold, and they just kept putting me on hold or transferring me. I ended up using a Vista cd that came with a friend of mines laptop and then I used the stop timer thing. Please don't tell on me though... Just thought it might be helpful.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by palms911

I have shared the printer on the XP machine, but I am not familiar with using the XP Pro compatibility mode. I found the printer on the Vista side in Network but when I try to connect it says access denied. I know this is probably an easy fix just a little confused.

By connect, do you mean to add the printer. You need to add it on your Vista machine.

[crabby]

There is a wizard for adding network printers... Control Panel -> Printers -> Add Printer

crabby

[palms911]

For some reason Vista cannot find my printer. I did a search for printers but Vista doesn't find it. The printer is turned on and I am sharing the printer at the main computer. Prior to the upgrade XP found the printer.