My notebook came with 64-bit Vista... Should I return it?

Well, I just got a new HP dv9000t ( fully loaded) with Vista Ultimate on Monday and within the first hour I had it there was a problem. I found out after trying to install a few programs that HP is sending out Vista 64-bit ( without telling you) with their dv9000t notebook.

I called them right away and after speaking with 17 tech (non of which could help me or understand english) they said they would open a ticket and call me back in 2-4 business days ( which has come and gone).

I really like the laptop but I really don't want to run Vista 64-bt. I have already had problems installing software. Onecare would not install at all and a few other programs forced me to go to a website and download a 64-bit version of their code instead of the default.

I'm scared that if I keep the laptop the software issues are just going to continue.

I use the laptop for photoshop, dreamweaver, IE, and other web dev programs.

So, what do you think?

I'm thinking of returning it for a Dell E1705 although I don't like that case as much as the HP.

Thoughts? Is there something about Vista 64-bit that I should know? Is it a fluke that I have had so many software problems so early or should I expect more?

I'm still totally floored that HP would do this without telling you or noting it on their website. Even the Best Buy laptop had 64-bit on it and the techs had no idea.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

Using 64bit Vista Enterprise here, you need to download the 64bit versions of drivers you need for hardware and 64bit versions of software that will need access to the kernel, such as Antivirus or Firewall. Other "outer ring" software such as 32bit web browsers will run at full speed as long as they are compatible with Vista. The support will get much better in the upcoming months...remember Vista just launched, and us software guys really need time and a few kicks in the butt to finish up the migration to MS's new flagship OS.

 

Well, Microsoft Onecare was the first program I tried to install so that makes sense that it wouldn't install based on what you said. But I also have a 64x copy of IE on my system (came with it) and I had to download a special version of my FTP program (Smart FTP).

I guess my concern is that when Photoshop CS3 comes out or other programs I NEED to work to do my job they wont. I'm downloading a 2 day trial version of CS3 now so I guess that will answer that question.

So, based on what yoru saying most programs will work fine on Vista 64-bit (Ultimate) and only antivirus and firewalls will have problems? That would be good if that was the case because I really like this new HP.

Thanks

 

My laptop came with a 32bit version, and I kind of wish it had been 64bit!

If anything, yours is future proof. Although I'd hardly call my rig obsolete or anything but anyway.....

 

download the latest free version of avast - it supports 64bits and vista

leave the firewall to the built in vista for now. it works efficiently enough to protect you, along with the built.in defender

u r fine

cheers ...

 

I'd definitely keep it, unless you need drivers for some peripheral that you can't replace and the manufacturer won't write them. I'd be very surprised if Adobe doesn't do a 64-bit port of Photoshop since that app ought to benefit from a 64-bit recompile (AMD did a significant amount of cleanup when they designed the x86-64 extensions that Intel was finally forced to copy).

I'm annoyed that HP isn't giving me the option to get the 64-bit Vista Home Premium version instead of 32-bit for my "free" upgrade. Oh well, as often as I upgrade notebooks (just because) I'll get 64-bit soon enough.

 

The 32-bit version of SmartFTP should definitely work. Otherwise it's a crappy piece of software that you shouldn't use. (The only software that *should* encounter any issues due to 64-bit are drivers and kernel-mode software. If SmartFTP needs any of that... well, it shouldn't)

Usually, a 64-bit version is available as an option, but only rarely will the 32-bit version refuse to work.

And yeah, I'd keep it. If HP sells it, they're going to have to support it. And the few compatibility problems with it are going to get fixed over time.

 

Well, I'm not worried about drivers or HP supporting it since it came with their laptop (unless my printer isn't supported). The only thing I'm worried about is software support so I hope what you guys are saying is correct. I guess I got thrown because the first thing I tried to install was an antivirus program.

SmartFTP did require me to download the 64-bit version and wouldn't let me use the 32-bit version but at least they had a 64-bit version.

What really threw me (and still is) is this review: http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_06.asp

About half way down he has a list of software and how it works on vista. He has a column for 32-bit and a column for 64-bit. Several programs (including Adobe) is n/a under 64-bit support.

 

BTW, I just downloaded the trial/beta version of Photoshop CS3 and it works fine. Maybe it won't be a problem.

 

64bit vista is more secure than 32bit. So thats a plus but with my top of the line toshiba model they dont have drivers so im running 32bit vista . Games still runs slower but hopefully nvidia gets performance equal as to xp.

 

Well, you guys have been very helpful THANKS!

I was going to return it and get a Dell E1705 but I don't like it nearly as much as this HP DV9000T so I'm glad to hear I can keep it. This new HP is slick!


Thanks guys.

 

n8ster:

I get what you are saying about support for the apps you use. Be happy you do not use QuickBooks. That software is beyond foobar'd right now. QB folks refused to follow the MS guidelines for years and now has been bit by that...it's a mess.

Best thing to do is contact the software providers for the apps you use and ask them point blank what probs they have found so far and when fixes will be out. You might find they are already ready to download.

I have one very important app that I need everyday that simply has not been tested in Vista period. So I have no choice but to wait on moving up to Vista (let alone Vista-64.)

Most of the "name brand" apps will likely work FINE in all versions of Vista...except for the noted issue of QuickBooks which is an awful mess for sure.

My biggest concern would be being forced to BUY an update in order to gain any benefit from Vista-64. I imagine it will be that way with most applications though. They will consider the 64-bit versions a completely new package and charge for it even it it was just a simple re-compile. Gotta love marketing slight of hand...

 

Well, I run a small business and do use Quickbooks... I just haven't installed it yet. Sounds like I'm headed for trouble.

 

oh, boy...yeah, there are, well, issues...I dig up some links...

 

here is a pretty to the point article on the whole QuickBooks/Vista issue:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=413

 

I'm buying a new copy of Quickbooks for this PC (QB Pro 2007). I didn't think there were issues if you ran the most recent version?

 

oh, ya dint mention thaaat...yeah QB07 should be fine under any version of Vista...