For VV3 Users: W2K versus XP

seanybear wrote on 3/26/2002, 1:35 PM
Like some input from VV3 users comparing Windows 2000 versus XP. I am currently using W2K on a Compaq PC (with VV3) and still having some crashing and print-to-tape problems. Have tried all sorts of remedies involving adding RAM, changing IRQ distribution, updating drivers, safe mode, etc. to no avail. So, I am looking at upgrading to XP, but would like some user input to see if the change is worthwhile?

Thanks

Comments

HeeHee wrote on 3/26/2002, 3:05 PM
Haven't used W2K with VV3, but I did migrate from VF2.0 on Win98SE to WinXP and then upgraded to VV3. I have not had any problems with WinXP. The core of WinXP and W2K are essentially the same. I would try a fresh load of W2K first before spending the extra cash to update to XP.
Cheesehole wrote on 3/26/2002, 3:28 PM
the fact that you are running on a compaq may be an issue too. they don't like to support you if you change your OS. there are lots of proprietary drivers that you have to find when you deal with an OS change on a Compaq.

I recommend installing XP on another partition. that way you can always boot up in Win2k if you can't get everything working in XP. it's a no risk solution (except for the time you put in :)
marioramsey wrote on 3/26/2002, 4:21 PM
That's funny, cause in my Win2K (SP2) workstation VV3 is solid like a ROCK !!!. I work day in day out in Vegas 3 and no problems so far.... Theres only one thing, I wish Vegas could print to tape faster ;)

Of course I built my Genuine Pentium 4 1.5 ghz, lots of ram and a nvidia card.

Regards
Cheesehole wrote on 3/26/2002, 4:36 PM
>>>Of course I built my Genuine Pentium 4 1.5 ghz, lots of ram and a nvidia card.

Win2k SP2 / dual PIII1Ghz / home built / solid as can be

I'm not surprised to hear that the Compaq is crashing for you though ;) good luck.
Karma2001 wrote on 3/26/2002, 7:17 PM
Cheesehole's answer is most likely the thing... For years Compaq=difficulties with Video/Audio.

I run XP on a homebuilt machine (Abit/Intel/WD drives/SBLive/Yamaha SW1000XG&DSP Factory, ATI AIW Radeon)... solid as a rock once I got good drivers for my ATI AIW Radeon)

Cheers,
Karma
seanybear wrote on 3/26/2002, 8:01 PM
Partial success! I loaded an "evaluation" copy of XP onto my Compaq laptop (E-500)tonight. So far, I am able to print-to-tape to my Sony PC-9 camcorder -- something I was not ever able to do with W2K(SP2). The output was always choppy/erratic. I had been forced to use the old VV2H version to get a final output. However, have not had time to test capture or regular program yet. I wonder if it is the combination of Compaq and W2K that is the problem? Any other Compaq/W2K users?

Thanks
Cheesehole wrote on 3/27/2002, 2:49 PM
>>>Compaq and W2K that is the problem? Any other Compaq/W2K users?

Compaq makes a lot of different hardware and it's all going to react differently in different situations. there is no Compaq + W2k problem. it's a Compaq + anything that didn't come with the PC problem. it's more a general problem where they try to do something 'innovative' but at the same time cause compatibility problems with lots of hardware and software. I prefer to let them do all the innovating, and then wait for the technology to trickle down and get integrated into an industry standard. when I buy parts for a PC they have to stick to standards and not try to do anything weird or I'll end up with an innovative computer that doesn't work with anything but itself.

if you want to buy a rack full of servers for your company, go for the Compaqs... but at the PC level... I'd avoid ALL the big brand names and get something custom built from a local dealer or I'd buy all the parts and build it yourself.

there is a user-forum style support system on the compaq pages where you might find specific issues for your specific model PC.

- ben (cheesehole!)
Chienworks wrote on 3/27/2002, 3:23 PM
For what it's worth, our standard procedure when we get in a new Compaq PC is to boot the thing up and make sure it works. Since warrantees are just about worthless after this point, i then immediately format the hard drive and install a genuine copy of windows from Microsoft instead of the recovery/install disc from Compaq. Compaq will no longer service or support the PC if you do this and you will also lose all the nifty (*barf*) hotkeys, but i consider that a non-issue. From this point on the PC will actually work. That's worth more to me than all the support in the world for a non-functional computer.

Note, depending the model and which video system is included, you may have to download a "softpaq" from Compaq to obtain the video drivers. Do not install any other patches from them.
Caruso wrote on 3/28/2002, 5:43 AM
Not to be ornery, here, but I run a Compaq, a 7994. I also upgraded the OS "through the chain", Win98SE that came pre-loaded to WinME to Win2k to XP. At one point, I had WinME, Win2k, and XP all loaded as multi-boot options. Win2k ran ok with Vegas, but I had other software compatability issues which kept me on the prowl for improvement. XP has solved most (not all) of those problems. I also had occasion to try a system restore using the supplied recovery CD's that shipped with my system.

I do atest to previous statements about Compaq's lack of support if you modify the system, but, then again, on the other hand . . . when I needed to restore my system to factory settings I discovered that . . .

the addition of two new operating systems had changed the partition structure of my HD so that, without using FDisk to recreate one partition and reset the Master Boot Record, the Compaq restore CD's simply would not run correctly. I spent the better part of a weekend trying to make them work before throwing in the towel.

Like an idiot, I had started the restore process without first creating a restore diskette, so I found myself trapped and almost convinced that I had, somehow, trashed my machine.

I contacted the Compaq "for pay" help desk, and, at around 5:00 PM on New Years Eve, there was a live person there ready, willing (and on duty until 11:00 PM that night) to walk me through the necessary steps to re-partition my HD and reset the MBR.

It cost me something like $40, which, for the instant service and piece of mind, I felt was well worth the money.

There are times when I wish I had something other than a Compaq, but, on balance, this machine has served me well.

On the other hand, I'm always surprised at how difficult simple tasks (like restoring your system from the MFR's supplied CD's) becomes simply because documentation is so scarce. The information I picked up for my $40 was not extensive enough for me to even have to write it down, and would have taken up about two paragraphs in a user's manual. Why do Mfr's of both hardware and software not do a better job of documenting?

More to the point, my machine now dual boots to Win98SE (its original OS), and WinXP. I have shelved Win2k. I run Vegas in XP only, as I find it manages my hardware resources better and gives me virtually glitch free results in the capture/print to tape stages. I never was able to achieve that with Win98SE or WinME. Win2k worked much better, but caused problems with other software that I need to use.

For me, XP is the best.

Hope this helps.

Caruso