Using Your Software with Microsoft Vista

by Louellen S. Coker, Senior Member  

Last month, I happily found the need to add another computer to my growing cadre in my company. With the hype surrounding Microsoft’s introduction of the Windows Vista operating system, I was secretly happy that some of the more “Mac-ish” elements are part of the interface. As is often the case with small businesses, I didn’t have time to do much more than run to the nearest electronics superstore to purchase the latest and greatest off the shelf.

Once out of the box, the computer set up easily enough, whizzed right through everything, and the interface, was pretty cool. Once I connected to the other ten computers on our office network (three in my business, seven in my husband’s), the fun quickly wore off. Windows Vista, in all its coolness, was unwilling to play with ANYTHING in my office.

Now, this is a fairly common problem. In a very non-scientific survey of other technical communicators who have recently purchased a Windows Vista computer, I’ve discovered that this is a common problem. Multiple calls to technical support have had the same result:

Microsoft Rep: “You definitely don’t want to change back to Windows XP ®! Windows Vista is the best operating system, and soon everyone will have it. You’ll be behind if you don’t keep it.”

Software Impaired (thinking): “Well, DUH! You can’t even buy anything else!”

Microsoft Rep (continuing because he/she can’t read our thoughts): “The software companies are working hard on updates and patches, and you should be able to run any of the latest versions within six months or so.”

Software Impaired (screaming internally): “Is this person really suggesting I wait six months to use the computer I just dropped a hefty sum on? Is he/she suggesting I go out and purchase upgrades and/or new software?”

You may know how the rest of the story goes. Very few people have reached resolution to their issue.

Everything, including the latest and greatest releases, from printers to software need upgrading or patches, most of which involve multiple dollar signs. Businesses and departments can quickly find themselves in a fiscal nightmare.

After a day or two of lost productivity while trying to make a round peg fit into a square hole, I decided to return to the tried and true and purchased the Windows ® XP Professional operating system. Fortunately, it’s fairly inexpensive since Windows Vista has come onto the scene.

If you’re a little more technically inclined, or have time to play around, you might reach a different resolution. While researching to write this article and after I resolved my operating system issue, I stumbled upon a site that might be the answer to your prayers. (I’m definitely going to keep it in my back pocket for that next computer purchase I can already see on the horizon.)

Mitch Tulloch, in his article, “Ensuring Application Compatibility in Vista,” found at www.windowsdevcenter.com, gives hope to everyone out there who has been forced into the Vista corral. He does acknowledge my solution when he wrote, “The easiest way of dealing with applications that have Vista compatibility issues is simply not to run them on Vista.”

From there, he gives a few more solutions. Possibly the most elegant of which is the Microsoft Virtual PC. According to the product overview, this free download allows you to run multiple operating systems at the same time on the same physical computer, and switch between them as easily as switching applications. According to Microsoft, this product is “perfect for any scenario in which you need to support multiple operating systems, whether you use it for tech support, legacy application support, training, or just for consolidating physical computers.”

Does it work? I won’t make any promises. I opted for the path of least resistance. If you or your department have brought, or are considering bringing Windows Vista into your virtual world, this might be a viable fix. Head out to the LSC Help Desk, and let us know if it worked or didn’t work.