Need some help, getting a new Computer...

[fred s.]

Here is the situation,

My PC has a whole list of weird random problems, and I am ready for something new. I don't record on the computer all that often (more of an analog guy), but I do have a Delta 1010lt and i use it sometimes for tape transfers/edits/etc.

Now, I have an account with Dell. I know some people would advise against a Dell here, but I can get a lot of computer (2gigs ram, 250Gig harddrive, etc...) for a low price, and I get a discount too-off the final price.

Here is where it gets complicated for me-Dell is selling them with Windows Vista installed, my understanding is Vista is not compatible with the Delta 1010lt and isn't the best for a recording computer.

I do have an XP cd from my last pc. I haven't really done anything like this, but was wondering if it is easy to completely remove the Vista and replace my OS with XP, without f-ing up my computer?

I figure that way I would have the OS that is compatible, and can also remove all the pre-installed crap and just use what I need.

 

[pipelineaudio]

we just got a dell laptop loaded with all sorts of crap from the factory

F-Disk'ed it completely and installed XP SP-1

I would advise against sp2 unless you can do the firewire fix to it.

I would stay away from vista, so far

Make sure your purchase includes at least the online realtime chat support. Dell uses propreitary crap for a lot of their parts so its hard to get the right drivers without the tech help, and even then, the techs cannot clear all "unknown devices" from Device Manager on my PC....nuts

 

[fred s.]

Did yours have Vista too? Was it easy to remove?

 

[ikijapan]

Yeah, vista doesn't work with a lot of audio hardware right now...I would definitely wait a few months

 

[fred s.]

It really sucks for me, that I will be STUCK with an OS that I'm not interested in and doesnt work for my needs. I don't understand why they don't at least still offer XP as an option when you buy a new PC.

 

[talontsiawd]

I would guess that the majority of current software will have updates for vista very soon for obvious reasons. But that doesn't help you much for now. If i were you, my main concern about removing vista is getting it back if you want it. I've personally never actually got the OS cd's with my computer. You can always try a dual boot system but from what i know, they are a pain to set up, or my dad doesn't know how to do it well Oh, how i love living at home, lol. But that should be doable, then you can move to vista when it's supported if you want and make sure it's still going to be there.

Sorry, not a computer wizzard but i think that would work with little issues and retain everything you would want, with the ability to use either whenever you feel like rebooting.

 

[fred s.]

I'm not really interested in Vitsa, even if supported. I think XP is fine for my uses. Is it difficult to wipe Vista completely?

I would guess that the majority of current software will have updates for vista very soon for obvious reasons. But that doesn't help you much for now. If i were you, my main concern about removing vista is getting it back if you want it. I've personally never actually got the OS cd's with my computer. You can always try a dual boot system but from what i know, they are a pain to set up, or my dad doesn't know how to do it well Oh, how i love living at home, lol. But that should be doable, then you can move to vista when it's supported if you want and make sure it's still going to be there.

Sorry, not a computer wizzard but i think that would work with little issues and retain everything you would want, with the ability to use either whenever you feel like rebooting.

 

[tom18222]

theyll proabbly have a new driver sooon, just wait a little bit. vista is nice and fast. runs smooth from what i've seen so far.

 

[Newbie-Doo]

You might want to look for one that is QUIET. I decided to build one and it came out well. Only problem is it VERY LOUD. Now I'm wondering how I'm going to use my condenser mike in the same room.

If you are going to record with it, consider the noise factor when choosing your pc/latop.

 

[pacman9000]

I would guess that the majority of current software will have updates for vista very soon for obvious reasons. But that doesn't help you much for now. If i were you, my main concern about removing vista is getting it back if you want it. I've personally never actually got the OS cd's with my computer. You can always try a dual boot system but from what i know, they are a pain to set up, or my dad doesn't know how to do it well Oh, how i love living at home, lol. But that should be doable, then you can move to vista when it's supported if you want and make sure it's still going to be there.

Sorry, not a computer wizzard but i think that would work with little issues and retain everything you would want, with the ability to use either whenever you feel like rebooting.

lmao at this kid telling me I have to work harder, he's living with his parents at home LOL!

 

[urobolus.com]

I'd like to add that if you decide to go with a 64-bit OS in the future, you might want to check out XP Professional x64, instead of Vista x64- I've been hearing much better things about XP x64 than Vista x64, but then again it just came out.

I got my copy of XP x64 off of www.pricewatch.com for under $100, but unfortunately had to uninstall it because my Edirol DA-2496 doesn't have 64-bit drivers and never will. Something I should have researched before I got x64, but like many toys I'm interested in, I react before I research. I'll be going back to x64 once I get my RME HDSP9652, though.

 

[Bulls Hit]

Why not just put your own PC together. Then you can install XP on it and you're not paying for an OS that you cant's use

 

[fred s.]

I've thought about that, but I'm not really sure all the parts that I would need, or if I would be able to put it all together myself. Is it fairly easy? I'm not too much of an expert on computers.

Why not just put your own PC together. Then you can install XP on it and you're not paying for an OS that you cant's use

 

[billyshuler]

You could set it up as a dual boot, it's a little harder to do with vista than it ever was with the other operating systems though.