I've got a problem with Windows Update, it no longer installs upda

[Draco856]

Remainder of the title: It no longer installs updates.

 

My current windows is frozen on SP 1.

 

I'm on the fence about trying to repair my Windows install or just biting the bullet and getting Windows 7. I'm currently using Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit. Every time I've installed it I've had a problem, and each time I had to format the drive to correct it. I told this to my cousin who insisted on putting Ultimate on the machine, but he's one of those people who always have to be right no matter what anyone says.

 

After installing the new version from an Upgrade Disc that I got when I bought the computer nearly 3 years ago I had a new problem. My computer now has to be booted up twice before it gets past the first screen. The one that gives you options like Diagnostics, System Restore, Boot Menu, etc. It freezes on this screen and I have to do a hard reset by holding down the power button until the computer turns off then turning it back on which allows it to boot normally. It only happens if I allow Windows to shut down, if the computer just powers off, it's fine, but when Windows shuts down, I have to do the double boot. I'm fairly sure this is a problem with the install of windows because it didn't happen the first few times I powered down the computer after the new install.

 

 

Now for the question...Is it possible to repair my installation or should I just get a Windows 7 Upgrade disc? and if I get Windows 7, which version should I get? I don't really know what else comes with Ultimate other then language packs which I don't need as I only speak English.

[HellsMaster]

The boot issue happened to me too with Win 7. Had to boot several times before actually getting Windows to boot. Defragmenting and optimizing my Hard Drive worked wonders! You might want to check AUSLogics Disk Defrag.

[Draco856]

The drive is fine, I've defraged it at least once a month. I'm fairly sure Windows is the cause as I am either missing or have corrupt files that can't be fixed within the system. I ran the disk checker to see if anything was wrong and the log that came out said there are missing or corrupt files. I can't do anything about that, so it's down to getting a new windows system or repairing the one I have with the same upgrade disc as I can't find the discs from HP that would allow me to restore the system to factory state. I am going to be using a new computer soon, I just have to put it together, but if I can't fix the drive new hardware will be useless.

[Thandal]

... if I get Windows 7, which version should I get? I don't really know what else comes with Ultimate other then language packs which I don't need as I only speak English.

 

Here are the differences (right from the MS comparison chart):

 

"Professional" has all the features of "Home Premium", plus:

o WinXP Mod (full WinXP License, and built-in Virtual-PC. Works really well for getting older games to run. I have two that absolutely require QuickTime v4. Do you know how hard it is to try to roll-back QT?! This way I install each in its own V-PC and configure exactly as needed.)

o AD domain authentication support

o Back-up to a home or business network using the built-in application

 

"Ultimate" has all the features of "Pro", and adds:

o BitLocker (transparent, and can be automatic, data or whole-disk encryption, including for removable media like usb drives if desired.)

o 35 languages

 

I thought "Pro" was worth it for the XP mode, but didn't bother with "Ultimate".

 

(Oh, although they don't tell you so anywhere obvious, the "Ultimate" edition is the only one with built-in fax capability.)

[bben46]

IMHO- the extras in ultimate are not worth the extra cost

That built in fax capability is actually useless as almost any scanner or printer/scanner will have it's own fax.

The languages are only useful if you actually need those other languages

Bitlocker has FREE alternatives that work just as well.

 

The extras on Win7 Pro are worth the extra cost. :thumbsup:

The backup on Pro makes it worth the extra just for that one feature.

And WinXP Mode - actually a virtual copy of WinXP inside of Win7 is great for older games.

 

Go for the 64 bit version. Some programs now require it and more will in the future. And it runs 32 bit programs just fine. Plus, it will support much more Ram. 32 bit windows is limited to 3.25Gig of Ram, While 64 bit is limited only by the motherboard. - mine is capped at 12Gig, but I am seeing boards that will handle 48Gig or more now.

 

Win7 also seems more stable than Vista or WinXP. I see fewer crashes and don't remember a blue screen (BSOD) at all.

[Draco856]

Okay, so I'll get Pro when I have the money as I just spent nearly 700 buying the parts that I thought I could put together myself, but when I actually got them I choked as I didn't want to do it wrong and ruin the parts.

[Thandal]

Okay, so I'll get Pro when I have the money as I just spent nearly 700 buying the parts that I thought I could put together myself, but when I actually got them I choked as I didn't want to do it wrong and ruin the parts.

Do you have a ".edu" email address? If so, you may be able to get the special educational pricing on Windows upgrades: "Win7 Student".