Vista and old Software

I am considering buying a new computer which will come with Vista installed. I have a whole bunch of fairly old but essential software such as Office 2003 and Photoshop 6, Illustrator, Premiere, Stop Mo Pro that kind of thing.

This software has been running fine on XP, but i was hoping someone would know if my installation discs will be compatible with Vista, or will I lose all the use of my software.

Anyone had experience of installing 'old' software yet?

Cheers
Cat

 

I don't have Vista (nor do I intend to get it, XP is fine for my system ), but some programs that worked in XP are not compatible with Vista. Here's a list:
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List

It is about the RTM version, but the results should be close to the final edition.
Additionally, Vista has an integrated compatibility wizard for XP programs (like XP had for 97,95 etc.) but it doesn't guarantee success.

 

Thanks for your quick reply.
It appears from the list at first glance that my software should be supported.

I have noticed that a number of different packages are available. Do you think it is worth going for the worth the extra money to go for the Ultimate Edition over the Home Premium Edition?

 

Scary, I have the new Vista system, I have installed office 2003, autocad, adobe 7.0, autodesk maya 8.0, project 2003, Microsoft student, resume maker, and have no problems with any of these programs running.
I think you will be pleased with the new version, but make sure you new system has plenty of memory...You can buy memroy cheaper than at best buy at this web site> www.4allmemory.com . You only need the premium version of Vista.

 

Great link, thanks, for everyone considering going to Vista.:major

 

Do you know if both Premium and Ultimate are 64bit. I gather there is a 32bit and 64bit version. I presume it is best to get the 64bit?
Sorry I am afraid that I am a novice when it comes to this kind of thing and what it could mean in practice!!
Thanks for all the lists and info. I am picking through them to make sure all my external devices will work as well.

 

Premium & Ultimate come with both 32bit & 64bit DVD's in the box, you need to be sure your machine is 64bit ready.
There's not much out there for the 64 bit versions on the software side, the machine is going to use the emulator for the 32 bit programs and this may slow your system down a little, yet I have had no problems with this. I have an AMD Athlon 64 X2
I'm running Vista Ultimate 64bit version. I have noticed that everything runs alot smoother, less hangups, and so far no system crashes or glitches.

 

whoa, didnt know they ever released a windows 97?, but yeah if you right click the installer or the .exe launcher then click compatibility, check xp sp2 and your laughing! :major i-CONICA :major

 

Thank you for the correction Halo, Ultimate has both the others do not.

 

Thanks for the advice.
I have spoken to Dell who I am looking to get the computers off and they say that when they install either Premium or Ultimate they are 32bit. He didn't think that I would get 64bit with Ultimate 'in the box' I guess I will have to see what happens