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Windows Vista: the view sucks at night

dsiegel's picture

It's not like this is a beta release, it's supposed to be the real thing.  It should go pretty smooth, right?

So when I broke open my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium last night, I was surpised to see a notice on the CD that said "This disc contains 32-bit software only."  I don't remember seeing anything on the site that I ordered the product from about a 32-bit release vs. a 64-bit release, and the outside of the box is mysteriously devoid of any obvious labeling about the fact that it's a 32-bit version or that a 64-bit version even exists...except of course in a small section of text in the system requirements sectoin on the BOTTOM of the box.


Includes 32-bit DVD and information on obtaining 32-bit CD's or a 64-bit DVD , additional fees may apply.

Inside you'll find a URL for a Microsoft that allows you to order the 64-bit DVD for about $10, plus an extra $6 if you want an expidited ship (as soon as 5 days!).

What a dissappointment!

But wait, it gets better.  Further documentation on the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit indicates that if you upgrade from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version, you can't use the upgrade utility, you have to wipe your hard drive and start from scratch.

So I decide "what the heck" I'll do the upgrade to the 32bit version
and maybe think about messing around with the 64-bit install later.  I
pop the CD in and it says that my system doesn't recognize the
executable as a valid win32 file.  I can't even upgrade from Windows XP
SP2 (32-bit, I assume) to Vista 32-bit.

On the bright side, while I wait for the 64-bit DVD to arrive I can get my personal effects backed up to DVD's.

Guys, c'mon.  5 years since your last OS release and this is the best you can do?  Even (free) open source Linux/BSD upgrades go smoother than this.

I'm still looking forward to the upgrade, though.  More on this next week once I get this moving along.




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dsiegel – Tue, 2007 – 02 – 20 19:57
dsiegel's blog

Can you explain to any of us

Can you explain to any of us that aren't in the know how exactly you can rotate the windows in vista?

KB (not verified) – Wed, 2007 – 11 – 07 05:35
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64-bit

Good luck with 64-bit. It's unlikely you'll be able to get drivers for anything. A lot of apps wont run. I cannot get a printer driver for my HP printer on 64-bit OR 32-bit windows.

It's a disgrace. It's not just MSFT's fault, but also the supply chain. As ususal, everyone waits until the last minute to get things done.

Andrew Schmitt (not verified) – Wed, 2007 – 02 – 21 11:13
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Re: 64-bit

dsiegel's picture

According to the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (a software app that you run under your current operating system) there are several devices that Vista can't find any information on for my system. In particular, the nVidia nForce Networking Controller (ethernet) and the SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio, devices that I consider somewhat critical! ;-)

This is a relatively new Motherboard from ASUS that stated it was Vista ready! I have my fingers croseds that I can find drivers on the ASUS web site once it's installed, but of course the vista ready documentation does not indicate whether that includes both 32-bit and 64-bit, or just 32-bit.

I think it would be wise at this point for me to get a 2nd hard drive and set up for dual boot. Better safe than sorry, right?

dsiegel – Wed, 2007 – 02 – 21 12:20
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Why? What's in Vista that you

Why? What's in Vista that you're looking forward to?

Brett (not verified) – Wed, 2007 – 02 – 21 00:58
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Re: what's to look forward to?

dsiegel's picture

I don't know, I just love that new OS smell. :-)

The biggest thing I want to play with is Aero windows. I saw a demo of a similar windowing system (I think it was actually a Sun Microsystems prototype) years ago and always thought that the ability to rotate a window in 3D space was a cool idea.

The rest of what I'm looking forward to is what I don't know about so I can report back here about whether it's useful or not.

dsiegel – Wed, 2007 – 02 – 21 12:20
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