Installing Vista on a new laptop with no OS

I've been looking into laptops on Xotic, and I saw the option to get one with no operating system installed on it. I've got my own copy of Vista Business Edition (64bit), and I'd like to use that as opposed to paying for the OS on the laptop.

However, this will be the first time I've ever installed Vista, and the first time I've ever installed an OS on a computer that I didn't build myself. Are there any complexities I should know about installing Vista, or dealing with Xotic, before I go ahead and make the purchase?

Xotic claims they'll send driver disks with the laptop, but will these drivers (and the components in the laptop itself) be compatible with the 64bit version? Do I ask Xotic, to be sure? Or is that not actually an issue with Vista nowadays?

 

although driver support is an known issue with all 64bit OS's, from my experience, I'd say that 64bit drivers are common enough to support most hardware. All my computers are 64bit and none of them have any issues. Most hardware is automatically recognized, the the few that Vista didn't play nice with all had 64bit drivers posted on their website.

 

I'd definitely ask them to make sure they're compatible with 64bit, but im' sure they'll have versions of the drivers that will be. Vista does have many drivers, however it still won't have the specifics (Ie video card), and even if it did, you'd want to update to the latest one (from laptopvideo2go) or directly from nvidia or ati.

Installing vista is very easy, and you really shoulden't have much problem doing so.

 

It's pretty straightforward... but if your copy of Vista does not include SP1, I suggest installing that immediately afterward. I suggest using the standalone SP1 updater (Google it). You'll need the 64-bit version.

As for drivers, Vista usually finds a lot of them automatically... but anything it doesn't find, you can install off the disc they're giving you. You need 64-bit drivers with 64-bit Vista.

 

You really need to ask this specifically of Xotic. The key to the reply that hehe299792458 gave you is the words "most hardware". The last thing you want to discover AFTER the purchase, is that there is ONE driver that keeps you from using the machine. Call Xotic and BE SURE!

Gary

 

I do not believe that it does. Will I be able to actually use the laptop so that I can get to the SP1 update, if something goes wrong with the drivers?

Do you know if it's possible to put that as a side note as I place the order? (as opposed to ordering the laptop, then telling them as they build it that I need whichever piece of hardware)

 

You will have to ask them that question. Call them. Assume NOTHING.

Gary

 

Yes, you can use the machine with Windows' default drivers.