NSR: Outlook problems with Vista?

[altagirl]

You certainly can, and I *strongly* recommend doing so. Vista has some nice eye-candy, but has serious issues with the underlying OS. Rumor has it, that SP1 won't even be realeased until late 2008 or early 2009.




Theoretically, you are correct. In reality, there are almost no devices that ship on new PC's that aren't fully supported under XP. Funny enough, Vista is such a disaster that it doesn't even support many devices DESIGNED for Vista. One such example is the recent announcment that DX10 suppot is being dropped.

Altagirl: If you let me know exactly what PC you have, I'd be happy to run down every device against the XP HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) and even link you up to any relevant drivers that you may need to properly run XP on your system.

Friends don't let friends run Vista... It's a complete mess.

I see. Just got off the phone with him. He said that the guys at CompUSA told him you can't uninstall it and just put XP on there. Which could just be their standard line or something...

He should be home pretty soon and can post what the model of the computer is. Thanks!!

[smolakian]

Is there a specific reason he is using Outlook? If you are just doing mail Thunderbird is Mozilla's free client and it works great. You can set it up to use any mail server that outlook does.

[Odin]

the guys at CompUSA

Most people that work at compusa think computers are for looking up naked pictures for them female parts to make pants tight.

[alpinekook]

I bought a new laptop with Vista on it 2 weeks ago, the first thing I did was "upgrade" to XP. It's not a problem as long as you make sure you can get an XP driver for everything which shouldn't be a problem. Btw, Alienware still sells many of their top (talking $5k) laptops with XP on them.

[Buster Highmen]

Theoretically, you are correct. In reality, there are almost no devices that ship on new PC's that aren't fully supported under XP. Funny enough, Vista is such a disaster that it doesn't even support many devices DESIGNED for Vista. One such example is the recent announcment that DX10 suppot is being dropped.

Yes, you can upgrade the drivers, but out of the box drivers may not work, especially video drivers.

Friends don't let friends run Vista... It's a complete mess.

This remark is a bit of the old over the top hyperbole.

[Mr. Altagirl]

You certainly can, and I *strongly* recommend doing so.

Altagirl: If you let me know exactly what PC you have, I'd be happy to run down every device against the XP HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) and even link you up to any relevant drivers that you may need to properly run XP on your system.

Friends don't let friends run Vista... It's a complete mess.

Cool, thank you! I bought a Toshiba Satellite (A130/A135 series). I would love to dump the Vista and run XP again if possible (and not have to spend $1500 for a new laptop 2 months after buying this one).

Thanks for the help so far from everyone, it is REALLY frustrating when you depend on email to communicate and can't send/receive immediately. I've spoken to a few other guys around who have had the same issue with Vista running on their computers. I did disable the mail anti-virus in the Kaspersky Security and this is helping a bit (I'm getting larger emails out a bit easier, I'm only being prompted for my password every few minutes instead of constantly). CompUSA sucks....enough said.

Could I have an issue with the Window's Firewall running alongside the Kaspersky Internet Security software?

Lastly, I do have the recovery disk for the laptop plus all of the original software (Outlook, Office, etc...); does anyone think it would it be worth trying to re-install everything?

[Odin]

Windows Firewall is Displeasurable.

Stop it..... before It STops YOUW@@!!#@$E!@$E

TANGENT@!

[RShea]

Altagirl,

First question is which version of Vista did you get on the system- one of the home editions or Business (or Ultimate)? If it is Business or higher you have full rights under the OEM license to take Vista off and load Win XP on the computer- You do not have to purchase XP (but MS will not provide the CD or media needed to load it- you have to get that or use one from an existing computer) and can move back to Vista at any time you wish. If the Vista was one of the home editions then you do not have this downgrade to older edition rights included.

Second item is have you tried to launch Outlook in "safe mode" and see if there are any add-ons that are causing the problem?

Finally to try some other troubleshooting- it will be helpful to know what you have listed under the email accounts (types would be)- Exchange, Pop3, etc. The error message that comes p (if any) etc.

And finally- if CompUsa can't get it right after the number of times it has been back to them, then I'd quit taking it to them - or call their corp number and get someone that knows what they are doing to solve your problem.

[RShea]

Cool, thank you! I bought a Toshiba Satellite (A130/A135 series). I would love to dump the Vista and run XP again if possible (and not have to spend $1500 for a new laptop 2 months after buying this one).

Thanks for the help so far from everyone, it is REALLY frustrating when you depend on email to communicate and can't send/receive immediately. I've spoken to a few other guys around who have had the same issue with Vista running on their computers. I did disable the mail anti-virus in the Kaspersky Security and this is helping a bit (I'm getting larger emails out a bit easier, I'm only being prompted for my password every few minutes instead of constantly). CompUSA sucks....enough said.

Could I have an issue with the Window's Firewall running alongside the Kaspersky Internet Security software?

Lastly, I do have the recovery disk for the laptop plus all of the original software (Outlook, Office, etc...); does anyone think it would it be worth trying to re-install everything?

First is the fact that you are running Vista it has a built in firewall (2 way- can block both incoming stuff - just like the earlier version in XP- and outgoing connections.) The Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS) software also has a firewall included- so yes this very well could be the issue. Disable the Vista firewall and test for a while the use of only the KIS for the firewall. You can change it back later if needed.

As for the system restore- I'd do that only as a last resort as you may end up back at the same point- after all the reloading if you do not know the cause. Did KIS come preinstalled on the system or did you purchase that and install it (or CompUSA installed, etc.)?

[bcrider]

No other advice to offer than to buy a Mac next time, its just a much better product with a fraction of the issues, bs, and headaches.

I work for them (apple) so I can always get you the maggot discount too.

Good luck with PC.

[bcrider]

Home edition, business edition, ulitmate edition, blah...blah...blah.

With Mac everyone gets one version (Mac OS X) and its better than all those editions combined.

[belgian]

MACS SUCK.

Overpriced, monopolized bullshit in a shiny case. Easily as many if not more problems as a PC. And don't give me the "virus free" schtick. Fact is macs crash just as often as PCs but mac owner are generally clueless as to what is going on with a computer, which is why they bought a mac in the first place.

The ONE and ONLY reason to purchase a mac is if you have NO clue what you're doing with a computer. Then they're great, they come with all the basic shit you'll need and in a pretty, semi-easy to use package. But once you're out of that range and you realize that they are overpriced, slow as mud and COMPLETELY lacking in 3rd party software then they become obsolete.

And don't give me, "well video editing, blah blah blah" because PCs are the industry standard for that also as the most powerful programs are available for pcs only. And photoshop? Same on a pc as on a mac, only it runs faster for the same price. The only problem with pcs is dealing with Microsoft, but I'd rather do that any day than deal with Apple.

In case you can't tell, Apple makes belgian MAD:

[alpinekook]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id_kGL3M5Cg

[Schmear]

I've been using a HP Vista laptop (bought at Comp USA) for four months now with no issues whatsoever. Overall, I've been really satisfied with the software. Guess I got lucky?

[Mr. Altagirl]

First is the fact that you are running Vista it has a built in firewall (2 way- can block both incoming stuff - just like the earlier version in XP- and outgoing connections.) The Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS) software also has a firewall included- so yes this very well could be the issue. Disable the Vista firewall and test for a while the use of only the KIS for the firewall. You can change it back later if needed.

As for the system restore- I'd do that only as a last resort as you may end up back at the same point- after all the reloading if you do not know the cause. Did KIS come preinstalled on the system or did you purchase that and install it (or CompUSA installed, etc.)?

Cool, thank you! I bought the KIS when I bought the laptop and had it installed @ CompUSA when they set up the machine for the first time. I'll try the firewall issue first and see if that helps (disabling the email anti-virus has helped already). Thanks everyone.

[stump832]

Cool, thank you! I bought the KIS when I bought the laptop and had it installed @ CompUSA when they set up the machine for the first time. I'll try the firewall issue first and see if that helps (disabling the email anti-virus has helped already). Thanks everyone.

You may just want to set it on fire and toss it over the neighbor's fence. Firewall indeed. What?

[Cyber Cop]

MACS SUCK.

Overpriced, monopolized bullshit in a shiny case. Easily as many if not more problems as a PC. And don't give me the "virus free" schtick. Fact is macs crash just as often as PCs but mac owner are generally clueless as to what is going on with a computer, which is why they bought a mac in the first place.

The ONE and ONLY reason to purchase a mac is if you have NO clue what you're doing with a computer. Then they're great, they come with all the basic shit you'll need and in a pretty, semi-easy to use package. But once you're out of that range and you realize that they are overpriced, slow as mud and COMPLETELY lacking in 3rd party software then they become obsolete.

And don't give me, "well video editing, blah blah blah" because PCs are the industry standard for that also as the most powerful programs are available for pcs only. And photoshop? Same on a pc as on a mac, only it runs faster for the same price. The only problem with pcs is dealing with Microsoft, but I'd rather do that any day than deal with Apple.

In case you can't tell, Apple makes belgian MAD:

OSX is built on a unix base. Now that macs are intel based I don't think you can get a better machine. You can run linux, osx and windows on the same box.

[Vets]

Have you considered using a different email program?

I have used Calypso (now Courier) for many years with a great deal of satisfaction.
http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/calypso/
It is a free download. However, I'm not sure if Vista plays with it nicely.

I also have been using Windows Live OneCare for my antivirus, etc. It actually works with the OS instead of competing with it. Microsoft has a version for Vista.

Keep us posted on your progress or if you decide to start over with a Mac.

[RShea]

Cool, thank you! I bought the KIS when I bought the laptop and had it installed @ CompUSA when they set up the machine for the first time. I'll try the firewall issue first and see if that helps (disabling the email anti-virus has helped already). Thanks everyone.

You still need to find the account type used in Outlook (Pop3 uses one port for sending, another for receiving messages)- and the firewall has to have them opened for everything to work. If it is Exchange then it is a little different. Imap is another option that is used sometimes....

If standard pop3 then port 110 is used for incoming, outgoing sending is smtp which is port 25 so see if a rule is set for each of these in the KIS...

[BakerBunny]

No other advice to offer than to buy a Mac next time, its just a much better product with a fraction of the issues, bs, and headaches.
...
I work for them (apple) ...

AHA!! That figures!

[RShea]

You may just want to set it on fire and toss it over the neighbor's fence. Firewall indeed. What?

Actually that may happen if it has a battery that is under a recall. Dell had many of the Sony batteries that would heat up, catch on fire, smoke etc. Toshiba had a few models.

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/t...p?soid=1501060

[Odin]

Not that I want to throw MR Altagirl under the wagon (as his issue may be different) but before this thread spins off into a tangent of mac vs pc, let us remember that 99.9 % of all problems with computers has to do with user error/configuration.

Something doesn't work and people dilly with it until something else doesn't work, then it becomes the machines fault

(once agian, not saying this is the case right now)

It is the user not, the chips, case, memory and operating system.

[RShea]

Not that I want to throw MR Altagirl under the wagon (as his issue may be different) but before this thread spins off into a tangent of mac vs pc, let us remember that 99.9 % of all problems with computers has to do with user error/configuration.

Something doesn't work and people dilly with it until something else doesn't work, then it becomes the machines fault

(once agian, not saying this is the case right now)

It is the user not, the chips, case, memory and operating system.

And in this case the lack of compentent techs or experts at CompUSA if the issue has been going on for a couple of months.... Users can't know everything about the workings of their systems.

[smolakian]

MACS SUCK.

Overpriced, monopolized bullshit in a shiny case. Easily as many if not more problems as a PC. And don't give me the "virus free" schtick. Fact is macs crash just as often as PCs but mac owner are generally clueless as to what is going on with a computer, which is why they bought a mac in the first place.

The ONE and ONLY reason to purchase a mac is if you have NO clue what you're doing with a computer. Then they're great, they come with all the basic shit you'll need and in a pretty, semi-easy to use package. But once you're out of that range and you realize that they are overpriced, slow as mud and COMPLETELY lacking in 3rd party software then they become obsolete.

And don't give me, "well video editing, blah blah blah" because PCs are the industry standard for that also as the most powerful programs are available for pcs only. And photoshop? Same on a pc as on a mac, only it runs faster for the same price. The only problem with pcs is dealing with Microsoft, but I'd rather do that any day than deal with Apple.

In case you can't tell, Apple makes belgian MAD:

I disagree. They make a really nice, well designed product with a definite market. Maybe it is aimed at the less computer literate crowd. But, guess what, not everyone is a "computer person". They have great ideas and make a slick and stylish machine that runs well. They really aren't that overpriced anymore and the software thing is pretty much a non-issue at this point.

I run linux and windows myself. But, I'm a computer hardware and software engineer. Hating on mac's these days is like hating on snowboarders. Tired and pointless.

[bcrider]

AHA!! That figures!

That's bullshit Tim.

Just because I work for a company doesn't mean I'm going to lie to my friends. Same goes for when I talk about my sponsors, I'm not afraid to tell it like it is. For example, one of my sponsors is Mountain Hardwear and I'm not afraid to say that I think they've lost their edge now that they've been purchased by Columbia. Or that their products aren't for everyone. With Apple though there just aren't too many issues to talk about.

before this thread spins off into a tangent of mac vs pc

Now that Mr. Altagirl got the help he needed can we turn it into a mac vs pc thread?

MACS SUCK.

Yo B,
The video you posted was cute and all but not very accurate at all, nor are your comments. Macs as a whole have no where near the issues as PC. They're not overpriced either when you look at what you're getting. Regarding virues, there are over 114,000 viruses for PC and there are currently zero (?) known file infecting viruses for the mac. Even if mac spotted you 100 virues, that's still 114,000 vs 100. This is fact, not marketing. Don't take my word for it though...check out what symantec has to say. http://www.symantec.com/enterprise/s...s_x_virus.html

In regards to crashes, sure I've had an apple app crash on me a couple times but its no where near as often as when I use my pc. Could this be different for other users using different apps? Sure, but as a whole the mac is MUCH more stable due to the unix foundation. Another fact not marketing. As far as getting out of the range of basic use, can you be more specific to what you've had issues with? Re third party apps, there are thousands upon thousands of apps available for the Mac OS. You just turned 19 right? Are you talking about gaming software? If so then you're right, there are more games available on PC. Look for more offerings in the near future though for the mac from game companies such as EA and ID.
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/57809.html

Re the video editing. At the consumer level there's no denying that Macs make it much easier to make a video. At the pro level, while Final Cut Pro is widely used, you're right its not the industry standard. A couple thoughts on that, just because something is the industry standard doesn't mean everything. It could be the standard for other reasons like price and availability which is different than ease of use and performance. It will be interesting to see what the standard is in say 10 years. Re photoshop, now that photoshop (CS3) has been optimized for the intel based macs I don't think your statement is correct. I can check on it. PC has mac beat when it comes to CAD software and some very specialized software that is only written for pc but who knows what the future will bring. With the boot camp option of being able to run windows (and associated apps) natively on a mac it pretty much negates that anyway.

You can run linux, osx and windows on the same box.

Not only that but in a lot of tests the Windows OS even runs more stable on mac hardware.

And in this case the lack of compentent techs or experts at CompUSA if the issue has been going on for a couple of months.... Users can't know everything about the workings of their systems.

Yeah its one thing to buy a pc and its another to buy it from a reseller like CompUSA. You might as well cut off your nose to spite your face. I'm curious as to the advantage of buying from a third party as opposed to buying direct from the mfg. Same goes for the extended warranty and support plans. Why by that from a third party when you can get it (along with the computer) direct from the source like with apple. Another thing to consider is that apple makes the hardware AND the OS. Microsoft just makes the OS to run on a multitude of mfg's machines. I guess this adds variety and competitive pricing for the consumer but it also adds to the headache and finger pointing when the shit hits the fan.


Ps. belgin, re the shiny box. You're right macs do come in a shiny box. As for pc, well you can do the math.


Macs aren't for everyone but they are a great machine for a lot of folks.

I like the way smolakian put it as well.

They make a really nice, well designed product with a definite market. Maybe it is aimed at the less computer literate crowd. But, guess what, not everyone is a "computer person". They have great ideas and make a slick and stylish machine that runs well. They really aren't that overpriced anymore and the software thing is pretty much a non-issue at this point.

I run linux and windows myself. But, I'm a computer hardware and software engineer. Hating on mac's these days is like hating on snowboarders. Tired and pointless.

A lot of people don't have any valid reasons to hate on mac, they just don't like the fanatical, often snobish tone of the mac user. Don't hate the palyer....

And finally, I'll add my own cute little video too. Only it doesnt really pick a side it just pokes fun at both mac and pc.