Fresh Vista Ultimate 64bit install - anything to know?

EddScott · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:36

I'm upgrading my PC and have got a Vista Ultimate 64 for the OS.

This will be my first Vista install - only previous experience with Vista is un-installing it at work for XP

Is there anything I should be aware of before I start - or anything that might catch me out in the process?

Fire Wizard · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:39

Hello EddScott, nothing that really comes to mind. Though, it maybe worth downloading Windows Vista Service Pack 1 x64 first and then copying it to a USB driver. Once Widows Vista has installed, install Service Pack 1 straight away.

crazyDAJT · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:59

install with 4GB? don't,it wont work

install with about 2GB

apply patch http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

put in the rest of the ram

but that include in SP1 I think

EddScott · 28 Mar 2008 at 13:51

Thanks for that. Would have never worked that one out otherwise.

Ethics · 28 Mar 2008 at 15:44

Few things:

*Disable Aero effects for an increase in performance.

*Change the power saving profile otherwise it steps down your CPU when it doesn't THINK it needs to be used.

*Disable UAC if you think you dont need it (MS permissions system is a joke anyway).

*Install SP1 before your sound drivers etc. as there are a lot of incompatibilities being reported

*Try and install a firewall before connecting to any network (standard for all OS')

Cant think of anymore off the top of my head, there are loads of sites online with guides though

EddScott · 28 Mar 2008 at 17:56

Ethics said:
*Disable Aero effects for an increase in performance.

Thanks for that, what are "Aero Effects"?

manjuice · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:02

The Vista theme.

TheVoice · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:05

Ethics said:
Few things:

*Disable Aero effects for an increase in performance.

*Change the power saving profile otherwise it steps down your CPU when it doesn't THINK it needs to be used.

*Disable UAC if you think you dont need it (MS permissions system is a joke anyway).

I don't agree with those personally - Aero is one of the things that makes Vista nice to use. It's only worth disabling if you're on a slow machine, in which case Vista isn't the ideal OS to be using in the first place.

Power saving modes are useful, they reduce power usage and heat output. The CPU should always step-up to the full speed when it's needed.

UAC can be a pain, but use TweakUAC (google it) to set it to silent mode, rather than disable it completely.

box · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:10

Would agree with TheVoice on this one.

Also, the Vista firewall is more than adequate for the average home user, and if you're behind a router it's more than enough.

Bod · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:12

crazyDAJT said:
install with 4GB? don't,it wont work

Worked fine for me 4 x 1gb sticks.
Vista x64 Business.

Rackerz · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:23

I'd keep Aero effects, don't we just love our shiny new desktop install?

gary996 · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:10

Bod said:
Worked fine for me 4 x 1gb sticks.
Vista x64 Business.

Got 2x 2 gig to go in going to do fresh install will it or wont it work?

crazyDAJT · 28 Mar 2008 at 21:15

gary996 said:
Got 2x 2 gig to go in going to do fresh install will it or wont it work?

Installing Windows Vista on a computer that has more than 3 GB of RAM, is a know issue, it might not effect you, it might, i would install with just one stick, just in case.

see the link for more details

i did my install fine, it then started BSODing on me, applied the patch all was good

cyclopopcicle · 29 Mar 2008 at 08:20

crazyDAJT said:
install with 4GB? don't,it wont work

install with about 2GB

apply patch http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

put in the rest of the ram

but that include in SP1 I think

isnt this just the 32bit vista that the 3gb limit aplies?

A[L]C · 29 Mar 2008 at 09:01

crazyDAJT said:
install with 4GB? don't,it wont work

install with about 2GB

apply patch http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

put in the rest of the ram

but that include in SP1 I think

worked fine here???

RobH · 29 Mar 2008 at 11:45

So if an SP1 disc is used to install Vista there shouldn't be any issues with 4GB of RAM?

Xenoxide · 29 Mar 2008 at 11:59

crazyDAJT said:
Installing Windows Vista on a computer that has more than 3 GB of RAM, is a know issue, it might not effect you, it might, i would install with just one stick, just in case.

see the link for more details

i did my install fine, it then started BSODing on me, applied the patch all was good

I think you're getting confused, Windows 32bit has problems with RAM above 3GB. Windows 64bit has support for much higher amounts of RAM (128GB).

crazyDAJT · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:49

RobH said:
So if an SP1 disc is used to install Vista there shouldn't be any issues with 4GB of RAM?

yes i beleve it should be.

Xenoxide said:
I think you're getting confused, Windows 32bit has problems with RAM above 3GB. Windows 64bit has support for much higher amounts of RAM (128GB).

read the link, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

APPLIES TO
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Starter
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition

doesn't affect everybody, it did me, as i said it a know issue

james.miller · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:53

i must say ive never heard of that issue. but hey its not exactly difficult to take a few sticks out for the install. might as well do it to save any possible hassle i guess.

Fire Wizard · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:53

Xenoxide said:
I think you're getting confused, Windows 32bit has problems with RAM above 3GB. Windows 64bit has support for much higher amounts of RAM (128GB).

Hello Xenoxide, crazyDAJT was not referring to how much a 32-bit Operating System can address but the problems that users have experienced installing Windows Vista with more than 2GB of RAM installed in their machine.

Though, I can't say I have ever had any problems installing Windows Vista with 4GB of RAM installed in my machine.