Today, Joe writes:

Hi Matt, i just wanted to know if my PC could run Windows Vista. My PC is using Windows XP Pro, processor is AMD Athlon 64, FAT32. I don’t know what to do when I am trying to install Windows Vista and I get to the part where it asks me where I want to install it — no matter which disk I pick, it still doesn’t work. please help!

My first question would be whether you had a minimum of a gig of RAM? Short of that, I suspect much of your problem comes from using a FAT32 partition. I have heard that Vista can be installed on FAT32, but it involves a mystical process through dancing leprechauns and magic mushrooms. Besides, there is no reason whatsoever to use FAT32, even if you are dual booting Linux. It offers zero benefit to the end user, short of backwards compatibility of course.

I would go ahead and follow the advice listed here to convert the drive; after backing up critical data of course. Always assume the worst. Then verify that you have tons or RAM and give it another shot. Another thing to consider is a clean install. I never, ever upgrade operating systems on any platform. It always turns into a mess. Do yourself a real favor and do a clean installation. Also keep those old XP discs handy. To this day I am running my Vista install with an old Windows 2000 NIC driver and have had zero success installing “Vista supported” drivers for my Kensington bluetooth dongle. If I was you and felt like I could do without the 3D effects, add more RAM until you have at least 2 gigs, then download the trial of Parallels. Run Vista in this first, just to make sure this is really what you want to do after enjoying an operational XP system. My advice is if XP is working for you, only upgrade with a machine that has Vista pre-installed.

Do you have an IT-related question? Perhaps you are just burnt out on writing on the walls with crayons? Whatever the comments may be, drop me a line and you, too, can “Just Ask Matt!”

Also, don’t forget to check out “Just Ask Matt,” Linux Edition!

[tags]vista, vista problems[/tags]