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I'm keeping my fingers crossed that someone might know where I'm going wrong here. My old computer was working at a snail's pace and was completely outdated in terms of speed and capacity, so I purchased a new system and it arrived yesterday. Suffice it to say, my son and I set it up in about half an hour and I then spent the next four hours trying to install my AOL broadband. This morning I'm back on the old computer and almost tearing my hair out in frustration!
So, I've checked that the BT Voyager 105 modem is working okay by plugging it back into the old computer (I'm using it right now so there's nothing wrong with the set up). The old computer runs Windows XP Pro but the new computer runs Windows Vista Home Premium. I am completely unfamilar with the new system and can't find a blasted thing. That aside, it's telling me it can't install the drivers from the AOL broadband installation CD. I've been through the process time and time again and have tried using the 'Doctor105' facility. No luck. It has installed the AOL programme, included dial-up connections, which of course don't work on my broadband cable.
I've disabled the Windows firewall too, so that it doesn't interfere with the installation. The anti-virus software isn't operational yet, so that shouldn't be a problem.
The modem is only showing the power light when plugged into the new system.
I've copied the drivers' folder onto a new CD from my old hard drive and am going to see if copying that into the new pc will do the job .... presumably that folder has more updated information than the original installation disc. Fingers crossed, but I'm not holding out much hope.
I think this may drive me totally insane by about lunchtime today, so any advice would be gratefully received!
Apologies for hitting you with my technical problems first thing on a Friday morning!!! 
Hi Paula, I have Windows Vista, also, and it has been a pain. I love some things about it, but it has caused lots of problems. I got a six month free tech service from Dell, and it was a life saver.
Have you tried this site? http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Window … fault.mspx
I found this site on AOL and Vista. Maybe it will help. (I found with this new Vista I am always trying to figure out how to make something work, and I can type in the problem on Google and many times find an answer that helps.)
http://help.aol.co.uk/broadband/aol-90- … 4309990001
Good luck!
Hugs,
Ellen
Hi Paula,
Just been talking to my son, who know a bit about computers. he says the modem may not be compatible, so to ring your provider which should be a free phone number, and should be able to help you.
Hope that helps a little.
Love kayx.
Hi Kay,
Yes, AOL site says the only version that will work with Vista is AOL 9.0 VR (Vista Ready).
Hugs,
Ellen
Back Road BearsI HATE VISTA!!!!!!!! When our old PC died we had to replace it and of course you can't even BUY something with the XP operating system so we're stuck wtih Vista. It seems NOTHING works with it, the appearance is tough to get used to (perhaps old habits just die hard) and its really slowing down much of my daily cimputer work because of the learning curve or encountering programs I can no longer use that I used daily. Just because they update a version of software doesn't mean they have to make it so NOTHING runs with it, does it????? Buying a new computer ends up costing double the sticker price by the time you are done buying Vista compatible software to go with it.
I have no suggestions but it looks like you've gotten some good ones. I only offer my sympathy and a sledge hammer if you want it! 
Posts: 1,836Eeeek, don't get me started on computers, vista and it all! I've been dealing with these issues for nearly 3 months now. Our desktop died, was brought back from the dead (but works like a snail now). We got me a new laptop in November, it was great for about 3-4 weeks then had a "fatal error" that killed it too.....(I swear it was installing AOL with Vista, happened nearly right after!! honestly)
Dell sent us a new laptop (different model...actually a free upgrade to the more expensive system) and I hate it, so Dean took that laptop and I use it when I absolutely "have too". Now we're saving and building me a new desktop....and all you can get is Vista. Getting XP wouldn't even make sense at this point (as much as I'd like to stay with) becuase everything will soon be geared to Vista anyway. I've been using Dean's laptop with a few of the regular old microsoft office programs and I've never had to use the "help" index so much!! Change is a pain, it's made a thousand times worse when the change involves things that are out of your control...like bug filled software (grumble-grumble). OH!! Almost forgot...my camera software isn't totally compatable with Vista (that's always fun).
Good luck Paula, I TOTALLY feel your pain and send you big hugs!!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Little Bear GuyHmmmm Paula the only suggestion that I can make is, send back the new computer and purchase a MAC :crackup: :crackup: I'm really surprised the Mac users on TT haven't jumped on this already.
We currently have two pc's and they are slowly coming to the end of their lives. We will be going with MACS for sure as I have had enough with PC's.
Sorry can't help you with the VISTA problem but join the club with anyone who has bought a new pc and is having to deal with the biggest piece of crap the MS has ever designed.
My heart goes out to you (honestly it does) I know I'm no help and I don't mean to poke fun, I hope you are able to get it sorted out and quickly.
big hugs
Shane
Thanks for your support everyone. As you guessed, the modem wasn't compatible and so far today, this wretched thing has cost me another £150 in wireless networking stuff and I've only just found out that I had to download AOL VR ... which is how I've finally managed to get back online! My printer isn't compatible with Visa (of course!), neither was my scanner ... but hopefully I've downloaded new drivers for the scanner and resolved that at least. I haven't worked out what to do about the printer yet ... I'll get back to that later. I can't believe how hard this has been! I'm worn out with it all.
My next big problem is to work out how to relocate my website files back into the root folders on Dreamweaver .. at present it's all stored on my external hard drive and I can't for the life of me get back into my website online. I copied the settings to define the site exactly, when I closed the old computer but of course, now Dreamweaver looks slightly different and I can't work out where I'm going wrong. I've really had enough today! 
Swan Valley BearsI just read an article in PC World yesterday about the many problems with Vista. There is a petition going around with 100,000 signatures collected so far for Microsoft to keep XP on the market so we will have a choice. I'm going to be in the market for a new computer soon and I WANT XP ! ! !
Back Road BearsWhere is this petition??? I want to sign it! 
I loved XP! How I miss it already! My old computer was painfully slow and couldn't cope well with the photo side of things, which is why I retired it. Now I've just discovered my macromedia fireworks programme won't load either ... although thankfully Dreamweaver has ... website problem still unresolved though.
Posts: 8,574....Shane.... 
dilu
Seamore CollectiblesVista will go the same way as ME...And next year they are bringing out a new microsoft program.. My husband has experienced a few problems with Vista and he says at least it hasn't crashed on him......yet!!!!
Posts: 3,540I'm another who DESPISES Vista I've had nothing but problems, yeesh! the compatabilities problems it has!! 
I'd LOVE for them to bring Windows XP back ~ now there was a computer that worked!
Walnut Tree Corner Bears By GailSorry you are having such awfull problems Paula, and hope it can all be sorted soon.
I am afraid I am with Shane and Dilu.....Macs are Brill!!!, no nasty viruses written to hurt windows users, easy peasy to use and never any problems (so far)The only thing is, you have to wait a bit longer for mac versions of some programs to be available. I would never have a PC again I am afraid, but as I said ,hope it all gets sorted for you without too many further problems.
Tiny Hugs,
Gail
Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)Well, Shane, we tend to be a bit modest (dare I say 'smug' sometimes?). And we try stay out of kicking & swearing range of our PC friends.
We can't understand why persons with continuous Windows issues keep going back to purchase more PCs?
It such a non-issue with a MAC that we tend forget about their/your frustrations.
What can a PC do now that a Mac cannot do as well or better? The old differences have been buried for a decade.
I'm glad you've seen The Light, my Son - you'll be so pleased when you've made your first steps into MacLand.
Tongue-in-cheek,
Bobbie
Windows Vista must have been the greatest financial boost to all the people who work as in home computer techs. When our old computer died about 6 months ago, I purchased a new system with Vista as the operating system, had no choice. When I got it home and tried setting it all up - brick wall. Couldn't get anything to work. After getting to the stage of pulling my hair out in frustration, I called the local computer tech and said "Please come and get it working, I'm not going near it until it is working as it is aging me by the second".
Well, he did, and two hours later, and a bill of nearly $350 (needed) a new broadband compatible modem, I had windows Vista up, and then spent the next month trying to locate all my files. I must say, Windows XP was just brilliant for a amatuer computer dilly like me. I hate changing anything on the computer, as it always seems to mean lots of money and one giant headache.
Past Time BearsBoy, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and double-crossed that my computer with XP on it NEVER crashes! Don't know why Microsoft doesn't just pull Vista off the market and go back to XP. Doesn't seem like anybody is happy with it. So sorry, Paula. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Little Bear GuyBobbie we have a friend here who is a teacher and he teaches photography and music, but all the music is done a computer. He did dvd's for us when we did Toyfair a couple of yrs ago, it was amazing and he did it so quick. He has used Macs for a few yrs now and he commented that when it came to doing pictures or videos anything like that then you need a Mac as a PC is to cumbersome. So yes we have seen the light and that day is coming soon.
hugs
Shane
Newcastle, OntarioMy sister has a professional business doing pictures, websites and videos - she swears by MacIntosh computers. The work she does is absolutely brilliant.
hugs,
Brenda
Swan Valley BearsI've searched through my latest issue of PC World and can't find the article about Vista vs XP and the location of the petition. It must be in another issue. I'll keep trying to find it. I just read it yesterday.
Anyway, I spoke to my son-in-law, the IT guy, and he says Microsoft considered the petition and agreed to continue to make XP available on some computers. Dell still has XP available but not on all their models. Microsoft will continue to support XP for another 5 years.
My SIL says his Dell rep can get XP installed on any model for him (cuz he's such a special guy) so I'm going to have SIL order my new computer for me WITH XP ! ! ! I have enough frustrations in my life, ya know? 
Have woken this morning with a mega size migraine, so won't stop long:
Update: Aol - installed and working. Yippeeee!
Modem: wireless, working and what the hell to the cost, at least I'm back online. Also, on plus side, son will now be able to access internet from upstairs and half of neighbourhood will probably be able to piggy bank system too. Welcome to 2008 Paula.
Scanner: Appears to be okay ... have downloaded updated drivers but can't test until I have some photo editing software installed and dare I say it, working.
Photo editing software: Still no luck with my Fireworks programme. Groan.
Website software: installed and by some miracle (don't know what I did, but it eventually worked!) it has found my files and will access my service provider. Double yippeee!!!
Canon digital camera software: despite not saying it was Vista compatible, seems to be working fine. Have yet to plug camera in and upload to pc ... watch this space. Fingers crossed!
Printer: incompatible. Going to try see if I can download new drivers ... fingers now crossed to knotting.
AOL personal filing cabinet: can't work out how to import it back into AOL from hard drive. GRRRRR!!!
Excel/Word/Office: don't exist on this computer. Poor relation 'Microsoftworks' pre-installed instead. Question: will this software be compatible with my exisiting documents? Expection: not hopeful. 
Overall Diagnosis: Purchase of new Vista pc creates huge conflict with head, bank and emotional stability.
Prescription: Super strength migraine pills, taken four hourly. Alternatively, a decent bottle of brandy may help blur both physical and psychological pain. No remedy for bank pain ... guess I'll just have to sell some more bears.
Prognosis: At least a week of pure frustration, which should ease long term ... finger knotting and financial pain may take longer to resolve.
Back Road BearsGlad you are having a sense of humor about this, Paula. If I didn't have my laptop with XP which I will be handling with kidgloves to make it live for a looooong time still.... I'd be a wreck!
Yes, in the graphic design/photography/music industries there is no question but that a MAC is necessary. There is software for MACs that just blows away anything that could be run in Windows. Go to any design firm, most magazine publishers, etc. etc. and they use MACs. No messing around!
And yes, you CAN buy PCs with windows XP but you have to ORDER one and it costs a LOT more. And although you can BUY the XP software to install on your computer, if you buy a new computer that comes with Vista, the hardware in that computer isn't compaitable with XP... OF COURSE!
Downloading files from another drive/old PC takes FOREVER and a lot of the files end up being "read only", can't figure out a way around that. Very annoying. Supposedly Vista communicates with itself better... drivers, starting up programs, etc. so that it operates much faster. But I'll trade SPEED for FUNCTIONALITY and COMPAITABLILTY ANYDAY!!!
So Microsoft will suport XP for 5 more years. Will they come up with something better or worse than Vista in the meantime???
Update:
Headache still hovering.
Printer works! Way hay!!!!! No more pennies to spend!
Speakers however, don't.
Excel workbooks however, don't.
On the plus side ... (yes, I've found one at last!) the graphics are of fantabulous quality and the system operates so fast I hardly know myself! After pleading with my old system to open single photographs previously, files are now opening so fast I can't keep up with them!
I think aside from the obvious hardware incompatibility issues, my biggest irritant is now the lack of professional office ware to work with, which to be fair, is probably my own fault because when I purchased the pc, I was so busy looking at hard drives, memory capacity and so on, that it didn't occur to me the Windows 'HOME' Vista system might be tailored for family use, rather than business use. :doh: It's not the end of the world, but it's a pain. I'm sure I'll get round it somehow ...
If anyone is facing having to buy a new computer, I'd seriously suggest thinking all these issues through before making your choice ... I'm learning fast, the hard way (as usual!!!)
Newcastle, OntarioPaula,
Hubby is thinking about getting a new laptop - our son is coming home and going back to Uni for a specialist Linguistics degree in the fall. Hubby has volunteered to give our son his relatively new Dell, which means he gets a "newer" one! Always a method to his madness.
Hubby is thinking about a Mac, which would be fine, as I could learn how to use it, while still having the comfort of my own one to use for regular daily use. By the time mine needs to be replaced, I would be ready for the switch to a Mac, myself -method to my madness :crackup:
Thanks for posting about all your problems - it gives us all something to think about, so we can avoid some of your problems.
hugs.
Brenda
