Computer geek HELP

[dralarms]

I have got a mess on my hands, my laptop (older compaq with XP), is about to die. Knowing this was coming I bought a new Compaq (with the curse of Vista), and most of my programs will NOT run on Vista. I did try and install XP on the machine and 1/2 the crap won't work, can't even get on line wirelessly or with lan cable. I restored it back to vista and have been trying to do a duel boot setup, but XP setup will not let me install to the "D" drive, won't even give me that option. Any computer guru's around that might know a solution before I put 165 grains of hot lead and copper through it?

[Ridgerunner665]

I'm not familiar with Vista (my son has it on his laptop, but I haven't messed with it).

Does Vista have a "compatibility mode"?

To find out....pick a program that won't run on Vista, right click it, click on properties, then click compatibility (if its even there)

[Guest c.a.s.]

What programs are they?

All of my programs run, but then again that isn't too many.

Now, have you tried compatibility mode? Right click on the program, go ot properties, and look around for compatability mode, then set that to XP (most likely going to say SP2)

If you don't need those EXACT programs, there might be newer versions available, and if you don't want ot spend money, there is very likely an open-source program that works with those files.

[dralarms]

I'm not familiar with Vista (my son has it on his laptop, but I haven't messed with it).

Does Vista have a "compatibility mode"?

To find out....pick a program that won't run on Vista, right click it, click on properties, then click compatibility (if its even there)

Good suggestion, I have tried that but getting my programs to work with vista is like getting a cat and mouse to really get along, the mouse is willing but the cat (my programs) says kill.

What programs are they?

All of my programs run, but then again that isn't too many.

Now, have you tried compatibility mode? Right click on the program, go ot properties, and look around for compatability mode, then set that to XP (most likely going to say SP2)

If you don't need those EXACT programs, there might be newer versions available, and if you don't want ot spend money, there is very likely an open-source program that works with those files.

These are special alarm programs, I've tried everything. Nothing works. I am going to have to do the duel boot (if I can ever figure it out) or go buy a junk laptop at a pawn shop and maybe shoot/sell this one.

[Guest RISC777]

I haven't had a problem with Vista. ...interesting...

Dual booting:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555852

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529

[Garufa]

Dual booting with Vista/XP after Vista is installed is a chore. Forget about that. Microsoft has free virtualization software you can download (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/default.mspx)

that allows you to load another OS on the machine and run as needed.

Basically, you can open up a window and run the old OS and apps simultaneously while still in Vista.

[Guest Schwarzgebrannt]

Environment emulation can be hit or miss. Try it with your programs, it should work.

If you get the proper device drivers, you might be able to put XP on that machine with a slipstreamed install. (nliteos.com)

I could probably help you get a dual boot going, in exchange for pizza, if you absolutely must have that set of options and are in an office / business space.

Edited February 19, 2009 by Schwarzgebrannt

[dralarms]

Dual booting with Vista/XP after Vista is installed is a chore. Forget about that. Microsoft has free virtualization software you can download (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/default.mspx)

that allows you to load another OS on the machine and run as needed.

Basically, you can open up a window and run the old OS and apps simultaneously while still in Vista.

Good idea but won't work with Vista home premimum.

[dralarms]

Environment emulation can be hit or miss. Try it with your programs, it should work.

If you get the proper device drivers, you might be able to put XP on that machine with a slipstreamed install. (nliteos.com)

I could probably help you get a dual boot going, in exchange for pizza, if you absolutely must have that set of options and are in an office / business space.

Appreciate the offer, I really would much rather have XP running with all my stuff working but that is a real pain.

To think I used to build computers, knew every in and out of Windows 3.1 and 3.11, even could do things with 95 that they said couldn't be done, but I'll be danged if this ain't got me buggered up.

[Guest Schwarzgebrannt]

Might be able to downgrade. Here's a good guide.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/microsoft_news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205101355

I'd suggest using nlite to put the appropriate drivers into a new install CD. Making an unattended install saves a lot of time as well.

[Guest mikedwood]

You should be able to find XP drivers for it. Might not be easy but it can happen. What model of laptop is it?

[Tobashadow]

Post the model number and i'll see if i can get a full driver set for yha.

Worst case, i can setup the dual boot for you.

[Guest Archimedes]

Yeah, seems to just be a lack of driver support under XP.

I'm sure the drivers you need are already out there, but may not be easily found.

I've seen Companies offer drivers for XP OR Vista....even Linux. You have checked the laptop manufacturer's support site for this option, right?

~archi

Edited February 19, 2009 by Archimedes

[dralarms]

Might be able to downgrade. Here's a good guide.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/microsoft_news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205101355

I'd suggest using nlite to put the appropriate drivers into a new install CD. Making an unattended install saves a lot of time as well.

I may try this later today, got to work.

You should be able to find XP drivers for it. Might not be easy but it can happen. What model of laptop is it?

It's a compaq Parsario CQ50-110US. Thanks

Post the model number and i'll see if i can get a full driver set for yha.

Worst case, i can setup the dual boot for you.

CQ50-110us. Thanks

Yeah, seems to just be a lack of driver support under XP.

I'm sure the drivers you need are already out there, but may not be easily found.

I've seen Companies offer drivers for XP OR Vista....even Linux. You have checked the laptop manufacturer's support site for this option, right?

~archi

Compaq's website only has 3 drivers listed and it's to crap I don't even want on the computer using Vista or XP.

[Guest jam]

I must admit it seems odd that your network card won't work in XP. I can't remember the last time when XP couldn't find a generic driver. In the past I have had to hunt down wireless drivers and sometimes it required finding out what chipset the wireless NIC is using.

Found this and it might be what you need:

http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1252188

[Metalhead]

My advice is to take your compaq back and buy a real computer, or build one yourself (it's easy to learn, and fun!).

[dralarms]

My advice is to take your compaq back and buy a real computer, or build one yourself (it's easy to learn, and fun!).

I should expect a comment like that from you. It's a laptop not a desktop. Hell I was building computers when an 8088 was top of the line. I cut my "computer teeth" on an old tandy 8086. I know a thing or 3 about building computers.

Edited February 20, 2009 by dralarms

[Tobashadow]

* Audio driver:

Before installing Audio driver, first you need to install UAA driver.

Install the Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver from the below softpaq:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32646.exe

Installation Instructions:

=======================

1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.

2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Now, try to install Audio driver from the below softpaq:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp35501-36000/sp35683.exe

NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33031.exe

== NVIDIA GeForce 8200M G:

NVIDIA Driver Downloads - Automatically Find Drivers For My NVIDIA Products

NOTE: The URL(s) above will take you to a non HP Web site. HP does

not control and is not responsible for information outside

of the HP Web site.

Synaptics Touchpad Driver:

Compaq Notebooks Synaptics Touchpad Driver for Windows 2000/XP - HP Business Support Center

NOTE: Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid. If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the remaining line(s) and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser until the complete address is displayed in the Address box.

Quick Launch Buttons:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/softwar...-1/SP27082.exe

Conexant HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33050.exe

Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32001-32500/sp32158.exe

Atheros AR5007 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Driver :

http://www.atheros.cz/download/drive....0.35-whql.zip

Installation Instructions:

1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.

2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

[Guest mustangdave]

My advice is to take your compaq back and buy a real computer, or build one yourself (it's easy to learn, and fun!).

on this tact...buy a MAC...problem solved:tinfoil:

[dralarms]

on this tact...buy a MAC...problem solved:tinfoil:

These programs would blow up if you tried to put them on a mac. LOL

[Guest mustangdave]

These programs would blow up if you tried to put them on a mac. LOL

you did notice the ......drop kicked many a Tandy product:screwy:

[dralarms]

you did notice the ......drop kicked many a Tandy product:screwy:

Yea tell me about it. I learned how to build computers when an old geezer got me for 275 for a 40 MB hard drive. I just don't have the time to mess with this crap any more. I have a business to run and messing with a computer that is stupporn as an old jackass is not in my list of things I want to do.

[dralarms]

Environment emulation can be hit or miss. Try it with your programs, it should work.

If you get the proper device drivers, you might be able to put XP on that machine with a slipstreamed install. (nliteos.com)

I could probably help you get a dual boot going, in exchange for pizza, if you absolutely must have that set of options and are in an office / business space.

How much you charge me to get all my drivers working correctly? I'll have the HD cleared off and XP installed (since it takes like forever).

[Guest Schwarzgebrannt]

Normally I charge more for work, but the NRA discount plus not having to figure out what's wrong to begin with brings it down to $10-20.

[dralarms]

Normally I charge more for work, but the NRA discount plus not having to figure out what's wrong to begin with brings it down to $10-20.

Fine. When do you want top get together?