Will Windows Vista Support Last?

Many people have not realized that Windows Vista will be superseded by a newer operating system in the near future. That means that the XP support and Windows Vista support may be at stake. The reason why support has not been cut for Windows XP is because of all of the problems that were associated with Windows Vista. The new operating system that is going to come out really only has one purpose. That is to fix all of the incompatibilities that were associated with Windows Vista. That means the moves from one operating system may be much faster than some people's transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista. What will this mean for Windows Vista support?

Well once possible outcome is the same thing that happened to Windows ME. Windows ME was short lived because so many people complained about too many things that were associated with Windows ME. So instead of spending a lot of time and trying to fix each and every problem, Microsoft decided to build an entirely new operating system to replace Windows ME. Not long after support for Windows ME was discontinued. Windows Vista has been found in a similar situation. There are so many things that are wrong with Windows Vista that it may also put Windows Vista support in jeopardy. Even though so many people have Windows Vista already installed in their desktops and laptop it will not change anything. Windows ME was discontinued almost right after its prime which stunned a lot of people.

If the new operating system that is suppose to replace Windows Vista is successful in getting rid of most of the incompatibilities that are associated with Windows Vista then you will problem not see Windows Vista support last version long. What does that mean for you if you are using Windows Vista?

If there is no longer any Windows Vista support then Microsoft will stop making updates and fixes for Windows Vista. Even if there is some new security threat you will probably not protect as well if you were using the new operating system that is supposed to be called Windows 7. This is the same thing that happened to Windows ME support. Windows Vista support could just suddenly stop and almost force people to upgrade to the new Windows 7 or any other operating systems that may be introduced in the near future to accompany Windows 7.

Automatic Repair Of Windows Vista Support System

Our beleaguered friend Vista comes with a surprising amount of diagnostics built in. Makes you wonder if they knew all along how difficult to work with it can be.

This tool is useful if you are having startup problems that you can't diagnose using other means. Start up Repair is a diagnostic tool that can be accessed via the Windows Recovery Environment. In order to start this you have to boot your computer from the Windows Vista DVD. Make sure you set up your machine to boot from CD/DVD and restart with the Windows disc in the drive. Boot into the Windows DVD and navigate to the main Vista setup screen.

As we are going to repair the computer, you should click on the 'Repair your computer' option. This will bring you to a new screen where the repair process will look for all Windows Vista installations on your computer. Occasionally users have hardware they need to add drivers for, but for most setup the defaults should be more than adequate. When ready, press the Next button to continue.

Depending on what the repair process finds, it will either display a list of tools, or just begin the Start up Repair tool for you. When the Start up Repair tool runs, it will scan your installation for any problems. If problems are found it will attempt to fix these problems automatically.

Once completed you may be asked if you want to send your information to Microsoft. Up to you really. You should now be presented with the summary screen. If all was repaired then the screen will say this. One final reboot should see you on your way again with a fully functioning computer. If it couldn't then it will politely inform you and give you some more options.

Advanced Tools

There is another layer of support built into the system which can be accessed from here. If you choose View Advanced Options while doing your system repair then you should now see a screen called System Recovery Options. These are the advanced tools.

Start up Repair is what we have just done.

System Restore is the same as the one accessed through the control panel. It will restore the system to a point set either manually or automatically. A useful tool, but not one that will fix everything.

Windows Complete PC Restore is not one you may have come across before. To enable this one to work you will need to have created a backup image, which currently only available for Vista Ultimate, Business and Enterprise. If you are fortunate enough to have made an image then this will help you a lot.

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. This is a built in memory checking tool that can quite comprehensively test your memory for faults. This may not be relevant for you use right now, but may come in handy another time.

Command Prompt just opens a CMD window which will allow you to use test commands to do things. Invaluable if you have Trojan issues that you can't fix while Windows is running. Also a great place to navigate from if you know your text commands.

Between them, these tools should be able to address most issues you will have with Vista before having to completely re-install.