Will my laptop run Vista?

StarGirl16 · 05-15-2006, 12:58 AM

Im not really up with what the Vista requirements will be, but I want to see if my new laptop can handle it - I hope it can!

Its a P4 1.6Ghz, 512MB RAM, Geforce 6600 Go graphics card and 80GB hard drive.

Will it be able to run Vista?

**Lyte** · 05-15-2006, 01:39 AM

Howdy,

Check out this article...

http://www.pc101.com/showthread.php?t=766

The first suggestion the author makes is to have more than 512MB of RAM. So you might want to upgrade your memory.

Lyte

Jenny18 · 05-16-2006, 12:34 AM

Damn.. Im in the same boat.
More than 512mb!
So many people are not going to be able to run Vista, I feel sorry for the people who are less tech savvy and who will wonder why Vista isn't working on their 1 or 2 year old computer!

firestorm · 05-17-2006, 07:14 PM

they should know that though. It says it everywhere what the requirements are approx.. The memory is a big issue for older comps but memory is never a bad thing

dr911 · 05-18-2006, 12:59 AM

StarGirl16 & Others,

Vista needs I believe the stated minimum is 512MB, but you'd have to be patient to run Vista with that amount of memory. IMO, a gigabyte is the price of admission.

The following is a "quote" from AnaCandy "Administrator" of Techguy forums

Quote:

I'm using a Radeon 9200 on 512 ram, seems to run fine so far. There are some things that could happen quicker, I'm going to pop another 512 chip in during the next few days.

So basically you need a lot of "ram" (1 gig or more) and a "good video-card".

**Lyte** · 05-18-2006, 06:05 PM

Tuesday I picked up a copy of April's Popular Mechanics that had a lil blurb about Vista's requirements. I thought it interesting so I looked for the article online. Here ya go...

The View From Windows Vista
Published in the April, 2006 issue

Every so often, with a little more frequency than leap years, a new version of Microsoft Windows is released. By the end of 2006 the venerable operating system will be born anew, and all indications are that Vista will be a major overhaul. We've tested a beta version--here's the good, the bad, and what you need to know.

Will It Work on My Computer?
Vista was developed for newer PCs with 64-bit processors, but almost all versions will support both 32- and 64-bit systems. The more pressing concern is your graphics card. Though most computers with at least 512MB of RAM should be able to run Vista, many of the new operating system's graphics features won't work with the majority of integrated ("on the motherboard") graphics processors. Vista automatically scales its graphics to your computer's capabilities, but to see the reflective, translucent windows (called AERO Glass) and cycle through them with Windows Flip and Flip 3D, you'll need at least a 64MB graphics card.

What Does Vista Have That Windows XP Doesn't?
The first new feature you'll notice is Windows Defender, which jumps onto the screen with all the bluster of a professional wrestler when a potential security breach is detected. Defender maintains your firewall and protects against spyware and viruses. Other features include an integrated search bar in the Start menu and in windows, instant resizing of icons and pictures using a sliding bar, and Volume Shadow Copy, which makes automatic, time-tagged backups of files as you work on them. We weren't able to test some of the final product's most interesting functionality like its support for USB-based external memory devices that boost RAM, and for hybrid drives that boot laptops faster, so look for more updates in the coming months. --Glenn Derene

StarGirl16 · 05-28-2006, 11:19 PM

Thanks everyone!
Time for an upgrade then. While Im there I think i will just build a new computer

Im really looking forward to running Vista.

**Lyte** · 05-28-2006, 11:43 PM

I think I'm in the same boat... Vista or no Vista. I'm definately in need of a few upgrades! :rolleyes:

Lyte

firestorm · 05-30-2006, 07:56 PM

I am building a new comp as well but I'm on a whole different ship. Linux and Xp for me, atleast until Vista works the bugs out at the beginning.

**Lyte** · 05-30-2006, 08:22 PM

Well, here's a more complete run down on what one needs to make your computer run with VISTA.

Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs

Choose a Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC for the Windows Vista edition that's right for you.

Are you looking to buy a Windows XP-based computer today but want to make sure that it can run Windows Vista? There's no need to wait. When you buy a new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC designation, you’ll be able to upgrade to one of the editions of Windows Vista while taking advantage of all the opportunities offered by Windows XP today.

What is a Windows Vista Capable PC?

A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

A modern processor (at least 800MHz 1 ).

512 MB of system memory.

A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs

To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.

1 GB of system memory.

A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero2.

128 MB of graphics memory.

40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.

DVD-ROM Drive3.

Audio output capability.

Internet access capability.

Read all of the Windows Vista Capable footnotes.

Review the Windows Vista minimum supported system requirements.

Windows Marketplace has a selection of Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs that are available today.

Windows Vista enterprise hardware planning guidance is available on TechNet.

Can the Windows Vista experience vary on different PCs?

Yes. Windows Vista is the first Windows operating system with a user experience that adapts to take advantage of the capabilities of the hardware on which it is installed.

All Windows Vista Capable PCs will be able to run at least the core experiences of Windows Vista.

All Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs can deliver even better Windows Vista experiences, including the new Windows Aero user experience.

Does buying a Windows Vista Capable PC mean that I will receive a free upgrade to Windows Vista?

No. A PC that is Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready means that the PC is ready for an upgrade from Windows XP. You would still need to purchase the edition of Windows Vista that you want to install on your Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC.

fmauniverse · 07-26-2006, 06:08 AM

Hi. The specifications your laptop has are nearly the same as the minimum requirements for running Vista. It will go slow I think, but if you want Vista to run perfectly, you need to upgrade your RAM and video card or get a Vista ready Laptop.

Regards.