Diappointed with Vista

I recently upgraded to Vista Home Basic, but it feels as if I rather "downgraded" because things which worked perfectly well in XP doesn't work any more.

1. When I do a search using text contents, Vista doesn't return any Word or Excell filenames.
2. Vista can't recognise my Sahara digital camera even if I install the driver. With XP it was plug & play.
3, When I try to clear the recently used list of documents (Right click Start - Properties- Customise - Clear) it does not work most of the time.
4. Each time I boot my PC, Vista tells me that a new driver has been installed, but I can't figure out what kind of driver - it only says "Generic Volume".

I would appreciate it very much if somebody can help me to solve any of these problems.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I made the change to Vista because I needed a new computer and the Vista was the only choice for new computers at the stores I was looking at.

But most of my fellow computer users said, DO NOT SWITCH TO VISTA if you're running XP. I was running Windows 98 SE, so it was a good move for me, but I think in your case, if you can switch back to XP, you'll be a lot happier with compatibility issues, like with your camera.

However, if you choose to stay with Vista, whenever you install a program try this:

a) log in as administrator
b) run the installer with administrator properties and...
c) run the installer with properties set for the operating system it's designed for... in your case Windows XP
d) after the stuff is installed, navigate to where any programs are installed.
e) set those programs to run also in XP mode and possibly even in admin mode (if it is a system type utility).

Drivers seem to be a bit more tricky in some cases, but it's possible that the installer isnt' installing the stuff correctly if it isn't in the correct operating system mode.

For searching text file contents, I use a freeware program called HDsearchAndStats. It can only look in text files, but it works some of the time. There are some better search programs at Freeware Nonags

that's all i know of what to try. Good luck

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did solve a Visual Basic installation problem by installing the way you suggest.
What is funny with the digital camera is that it is listed under Device Manager, but there is no way to access it otherwise.

I have two machines running Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit, and I am generally happy with the operating system. The only thing that has not worked correctly so far is the HP My Display software that came with my 22inch HP LCD w2207. The monitor works fine as long as I do not install HP's display software.

Does the pivot feature (either manual or auto) work without the My Display sofware?

One thing to look at also with the camera issue is to make sure that you check the vendor website for the newest drivers for Vista. Sometimes if you are using the CD that came with the camera, it is sent with XP drivers. Sorry to hear the troubles with Vista, which is does take a little more work to get a few things working correctly. Give it a little time and you will see the true greatness of the features. As far as the Generic Volume that is loading, sounds like that could possible be the flash card inside the camera. This can be solved by going to the vendor website and getting the drivers and software for Vista.

And don't have the camera connected to the the computer *before* you boot.

in general my kids r happy with vista home premium. there r 2 problems we are not able to solve since we upgraded from xp to vista.
1. our vedio card does not support the required level of hardware acceleration. HOW TO SOLVE IT?
2. soundmax integrated digital audio doesnt work properly. HOW TO SOLVE IT?
I

Curious as to why you bothered with Basic, it not much difference to XP, and you miss out on many system enhancements, in Premium.

Unless of course your system wasn't up to it.

I have soundmax integrated audio. I downloaded the appropriate drivers off my motherboard manufacturer website for them and works fine.