Computer guys, gotta question

[GUNNER75]

I picked up a Toshiba laptop at Walmart last night to fix a problem before Monday. I have played with Windows 7 some, but honestly I don't get along with it very well.
We have been running Vista since it was new and it works well with our needs. Windows 7 does not.

Can I install Vista on this computer? Where to buy Vista?

Windows Mail works very well for us. Windows Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook do not. (I know, sooner or later we are going to have to step up, but we use email for notes and whatnot.)

Toshiba C655-S5514

 

[shark0311]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Would you mind explaining why Windows 7 doesn't work for you?

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

You are much better off with Windows 7.
If you want to downgrade to Vista you'll need a licensed copy. Your laptop is probably 64bit, so it would be best to install a 64 bit version of Vista.
You'll destroy the system's ability to recover from the factory partition when you install Vista.
You'll have to check Toshiba's support site and make sure that you can get all of necessary drivers for Vista.

All in all, it would be a stupid thing to do.

 

[THE MGD]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

+1 tucker
The drivers can be a pain in the ass.

If youre honestly not very computer savvy and more likely to use recovery or a waranty , id go to a computer shop or sell and trade out

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question


I will try and explain.

Windows Mail, Outlook Express=Good ability to organize folders in the LH column. There is not a lot of trash in the header, columns, etc. Simple layout that works and works better on smaller screens.

Windows Live Mail splits it up into each account. Unfortunately I have to have 3 email address accounts. Maybe there is a way to group them all up, but I haven't found it yet.
Outlook Express seems to have a similar format to Windows Live Mail. I like it a touch better, but it seems to favor the WLM format too much.

Unfortunately I get a high volume of email and have the need to "folder" those received emails as I have to reference them quite often. Splitting accounts up sucks for me and it is just not user friendly to veiw.

Guess my issue isn't with 7 all together, just some of the programs associated with it. Configuring CNC CAD CAM software as well is a pain in the butt as the CAD/CAM software is always troublesome and behind on working with new systems.

I love the technology upgrades, but I don't have the time to teach myself what everything is, where did this go, etc etc. There is just too much change. Probably mostly visible and that adds to the level of confusion.

Microsoft Office 2003, 2007, 2010. Once again, 2003 is a "basic" layout to me anyway. Yeah I have worked with it longer so naturally it will be, but 2010 is in no way a basic layout with options and updated ability.

I am not a Compu Tard compared to most, but I am in no way a tech either.

I was happy to get away from XP going to Vista. Yeah Vista sucked but it ended up working out well for our use.

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

If you have Office 2003 it still works fine on Windows 7. That version of Outlook would also better suit your needs - either blending all three accounts or setting up a separate profile for each.

I agree that Office 2007/2010 layouts suck. My wife says that they're better once you get used to them, but I don't see it.

Libre Office is a nice alternative to MS altogether, bu there is no email client.

If you really must have Windows Mail, then take a look here.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5481-windows-mail.html

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Just now I figured out some layout items that helps with Windows Live Mail and the clutter issue that I don't care for.

It looks as I could maybe get along with it a little bit better now, but now that I have done that, I have another question.

On my old laptop on Windows Mail I have over 2,000 emails in various folders.

Is there a accurate and efficient way to transfer those folder via external hard drive and import them into Windows Live Mail.

I have played with this in the past and either had various and many missing folders and or it placed those folders in the wrong spot/account etc.

I have my Windows Live Mail items condensed and it shows a "storage" folder category. I assume this is where I would want these....correct?

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

I just looked at the Toshiba support site for Vista drivers for that machine. You're in for one Hellish ordeal.

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Thanks for the link Tucker. I believe I have tried that last summer on another laptop and failed at it, but I will give it another go.
I may have pulled off another link or something, but that looks very familiar.

I give my old man a hard time on "upgrading" on computers, etc. I better lay off a bit. Just frustrating.

One other item. A couple years back I had to install a desktop in a crunch moment to get another shop up and going with there CAD/CAM set up. Long story short, I run to WalMart, pick up what I thought was the best HP, configure it, and also I selected to never update.
That computer works great still today. Uses the net to only email programs etc, no surfing, etc.
They had me pick up another one just like it that same week as a back up and the only item we did not do was select to never update software. That one has given us issues about once a month until we shut off the updating.

Guess that is why I get stuck on something when it works.

Seriously, thanks for the help. Some day there will just be a big slot in the side of computers for the customers little black box. Computer crashes, pull it, insert it into a new slave and power up. All working in 10 minutes. Yeah right, dream on.

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

I usually import them and then move them from the imported folder to the desired folders.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3798-windows-live-mail-import-windows-mail-messages.html

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Windows updates have from time time been problematic. I've seen them screw up other programs like Quickbooks and CAD systems.
It's a trade-off, but most of the updates do patch security issues, and that can be important.
At least you always have the System Restore option and can roll back to the previous state should trouble arise.

Another tool I like to use on new systems is Autoruns.exe from here.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902

After I remove all of the crapware that the manufacturer and third parties load onto a new machine, I use Autoruns to turn off all but what I want loading on startup.

I just did a fresh install on this Dell system to a couple of weeks ago.
Here's my current task manager:

Everything I want and nothing I don't.

 

[mirage98]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

I would stick with Windows 7.

If Microsoft mail clients don't work for you, what about Mozilla Thunderbird?
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/

 

[rusty815]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Stick with windows 7, its a better system, faster, less bloated, and over all cleaner. My advice is the same as mirage, if the mail client for 7 doesn't work for you, you should look at third party alternatives, that in most cases, are better than the Microsoft programs.

 

[matthewusmc8791]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are much better off with Windows 7.
If you want to downgrade to Vista you'll need a licensed copy. Your laptop is probably 64bit, so it would be best to install a 64 bit version of Vista.
You'll destroy the system's ability to recover from the factory partition when you install Vista.
You'll have to check Toshiba's support site and make sure that you can get all of necessary drivers for Vista.

All in all, it would be a stupid thing to do. </div></div>


+1. save the ass ache and upgrade your other system rather then buyin gnew and turning it into old useless slow ass computer.. IE 486 stuff.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation but other than that I'm way happier with 7 than Vista. Besides Windows 8 is in beta which sounds like an upgraded version of 7 so you might as well iron out your problems with 7 now because soon enough we'll all be on 8.

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

I am getting there. I have made some great distance yesterday and what little I have worked with it today.

Pretty much up and running, but have a couple issues on the mail side of it. I have configured Win Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook much better (for me) but haven't decided which to stick with.

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation </div></div>

Uninstall java and then install the latest version. Usually works.

 

[Guest]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Gunner,
I meant to elaborate yesterday, but got distracted on other things.

If you do go with the Office version of Outlook, and you want to manage numerous email accounts, you can setup separate profiles and have Outlook ask which one you want to open, rather than integrating 2-3 accounts into one profile.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829918

 

[High Binder]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation </div></div>

Uninstall java and then install the latest version. Usually works. </div></div>

OK, thanks! Can I just download Java from their website once I uninstall it? ?Here--> http://www.java.com/en/download/inc/windows_upgrade_xpi.jsp

 

[5RWill]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

You can install 32-bit or 64-bit software on X86 architecture doesn't matter it will run. 7 is what vista should've been and also less optimized. All you have to do is put in any windows disc manually formatt the harddrive then reinstall vista.

Note: 32-bit operating systems will only recognize 3.5gb of memory. 64 is not limited.

 

[mirage98]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gunner,
I meant to elaborate yesterday, but got distracted on other things.

If you do go with the Office version of Outlook, and you want to manage numerous email accounts, you can setup separate profiles and have Outlook ask which one you want to open, rather than integrating 2-3 accounts into one profile.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829918</div></div>

From reading his post I can't determine if he wants his emails/accounts individual or grouped. Wonder if there is a mail client similar to the iPhone - You can view All Mail across accoutns or view mail for each account individually.

 

[mirage98]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation but other than that I'm way happier with 7 than Vista. Besides Windows 8 is in beta which sounds like an upgraded version of 7 so you might as well iron out your problems with 7 now because soon enough we'll all be on 8.</div></div>

Windows 8 has a radically different UI. It is very "tablet/touch" oriented. They are trying to make an operating system that has the same experience no matter what device you are on. (Phone, Tablet, Computer, Television, etc)

 

[High Binder]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mirage98</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation but other than that I'm way happier with 7 than Vista. Besides Windows 8 is in beta which sounds like an upgraded version of 7 so you might as well iron out your problems with 7 now because soon enough we'll all be on 8.</div></div>

Windows 8 has a radically different UI. It is very "tablet/touch" oriented. They are trying to make an operating system that has the same experience no matter what device you are on. (Phone, Tablet, Computer, Television, etc) </div></div>

Oh, I heard it was just an upgraded 7.

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Outlook Express/Windows Mail allows all accounts to use the same inbox, outbox, trash, sent, etc.

Outlook and Windows Live Mail have each account split up in the LH column. Each has there own inbox, trash, sent, etc.

I am getting them close to work like Windows Mail, but it is just not the same.
The Favorites and Quick View help this, but it just isn't as simple and convenient as the Windows Mail set up.
I am not so sure I will not be able to tidy this up as I made some more headway today, but it doesn't look like it is what I need it to do.

It is obvious I need a computer to do some things that a lot of folks dont mind, and or can deal with.
I have found many items on Windows 7 nice, but simple rules in my world.
I think I will find that 7 is what Vista is for me today. Just not a quick transaction. I don't get off on setting up phones, computers, etc. Just don't have the time.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

Make sure to get W7 "Pro" You will be able to run some of your older programs in compatibility mode. Or you can even run VMware player and install vista or whatever you want. I am running W7 pro 64 bit on my laptop and VMware player with Ubuntu and XP pro. Ubuntu lets me run the free cad programs and XP lets me run older programs.

 

[65nut]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

try lemonparty.org

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

65Nuts, is that how many you have sucked on? Just curious.

To all the others, thanks for the direction.

65nut, got one coming your way. You should really enjoy it, when you least expect it.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mirage98</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem I've had with Window 7 is a Java update that won't install and constantly prompts for re-installation but other than that I'm way happier with 7 than Vista. Besides Windows 8 is in beta which sounds like an upgraded version of 7 so you might as well iron out your problems with 7 now because soon enough we'll all be on 8.</div></div>

Windows 8 has a radically different UI. It is very "tablet/touch" oriented. They are trying to make an operating system that has the same experience no matter what device you are on. (Phone, Tablet, Computer, Television, etc)</div></div>

They're also trying to take PC gaming out of the picture by using a emulator with windows 8. For me and IMO. Windows 7 is the new XP it's going to last until Directx 12 hits a breakthrough and even then i'm sure there will be a update for Directx 12 for W7.

 

[aard3]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GUNNER75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I picked up a Toshiba laptop at Walmart last night to fix a problem before Monday. I have played with Windows 7 some, but honestly I don't get along with it very well.
We have been running Vista since it was new and it works well with our needs. Windows 7 does not.

Can I install Vista on this computer? Where to buy Vista?

Windows Mail works very well for us. Windows Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook do not. (I know, sooner or later we are going to have to step up, but we use email for notes and whatnot.)

Toshiba C655-S5514 </div></div>

GUNNER,

To answer your question, you can probably still buy a retail copy of Vista, and then install it on your laptop. The problem you are going to run into is that you might/will have problems getting working drivers for the different components of the laptop for Vista.

Those different hardware devices were probably designed/manufactured for Windows 7, so there is no reason for the manufacturer to write drivers for Vista. This is especially common in laptops, since everything is so integrated.

Don't get me wrong, it might all work (a lot of devices have basic command sets, that are supported)... or you might end up having some stuff work and some stuff not work. If you REALLY want to do it, I would go to toshiba's website, and try to locate Vista drivers for everything in the laptop BEFORE I did anything.

What I have learned over the years is that Microsoft wants you to do things a certain way... and trying to do it differently is usually like paddling upstream...it's easier to just to do it the "new" way sooner rather than later... or maybe look into a 3rd party mail application like Thunderbird, and see if it fits your needs.

Aaron

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Computer guys, gotta question

What Tucker said.

HOWEVER. You can find the older drivers for the newer laptops but you ahve to browse to .UK sites to do so, it's not gonna be easy....but it can be done.

You'll need to purchase a 64 bit copy of Vista and then install the drivers.

So YES You can, or you can save yourself a migrane and learn the new mail.

Or better yet, get Microsoft Outlook if you want that functionality (and more)....