XP SP3 or VISTA SP1 ??

[Cool G5]

I want to install XP SP3. I had installed it before, but it made my pc damn slow. The next time I formatted my system, installed SP3, the system refused to boot. Then again I had to format it.

Now I am left with Xp sp2 on my pc. Is it advisable to install SP3? I have heard you should not upgrade sp2 to sp3, you should directly install SP3 over fresh xp install. Is this right?

Also my current XP:SP2 is running very slowly. What can I do with it? I just freshly installed xp a few weeks ago.

I plan to install vista. But for that I will have to remove Xp. I am utterly confused which one to go xpsp3 or vista sp1.
I will use system for carbide theme designing, playin old games like cs, nfs mw etc. Will vista be able to run smoothly on a p4 2.0ghz,768mb ram & 512mb agp zebronics 7300Gt.

[Amir.php]

Originally Posted by Cool G5

I plan to install vista. But for that I will have to remove Xp. I am utterly confused which one to go xpsp3 or vista sp1.
I will use system for carbide theme designing, playin old games like cs, nfs mw etc. Will vista be able to run smoothly on a p4 2.0ghz,768mb ram & 512mb agp zebronics 7300Gt.

It will be best for you to install both os as Dual boot system. You Not need to remove xp for vista.
In My sense both os are best and need of anyone is occures any time.

[realdan]

u can forget about running vista efficiently in your current system...

i installed sp3 over windows xp sp2 and has no problem with pc becoming slower or other things

the system becoming slower after a few weeks ago is another issue

look like windows xp is the OS for you given your needs.

[MetalheadGautham]

XP SP3 is your best bet for the rig you have.
I recommend trying to slipstream SP3 into your CD before installing the OS. It can save lots of time.

[adi007]

There is a really a false notion that vista is slow but it isn't....
i have been using vista since months...and i have disabled all eye candies(just left the theme) and many many services which i don't need..
It is more stable than XP SP3 IMO..
Internet ftp access via command prompt is very fast and effective compared to FF
And the most important thing is i am using vista in a 3 year old system with just 256+512 MB RAM,P4,80GB HDD,Asrock MB
No part in my system is supported by vista but even i am happy

[Cool G5]

I am thinking of installing vista(not installing xp), & tweak it to it's max. I can't keep both vista & xp, as I need space for my linux on my small 40gb hdd.

If I left gaming, will vista be productive?

Also if I ditch vista, then should I install SP3 in XP?

And is it possible to slipstream SP3 in an already XP SP2 CD ??

[zyberboy]

Originally Posted by Cool G5

I am thinking of installing vista(not installing xp), & tweak it to it's max. I can't keep both vista & xp, as I need space for my linux on my small 40gb hdd.

even if u tweak vista it will be slower for gaming in ur specs

Originally Posted by Cool G5

Also if I ditch vista, then should I install SP3 in XP?

yes

Originally Posted by Cool G5

And is it possible to slipstream SP3 in an already XP SP2 CD ??

yes,and its the right way...

[Cool G5]

Again can vista 64 bit be installed on a P4?
I have heard it doesn't get installed. Anyway I can run 64 bit on 32 bit?
Sorry for the laundry list of queries.

[axxo]

Originally Posted by Cool G5

I am thinking of installing vista(not installing xp), & tweak it to it's max. I can't keep both vista & xp, as I need space for my linux on my small 40gb hdd.

If I left gaming, will vista be productive?

Also if I ditch vista, then should I install SP3 in XP?

Give up vista and go for xp sp3.
Vista Installation consumes 15-20GB and imagine what will be left after you install office photoshop and few other goodies. On the otherhand XP occupies 1-3GB at max that leaves enough room for most apps and games.

And for the games you have chosen to play(most of them are directx 9 I guess) XP is the best bet with max fps.

But Vista has its own features, ex more stable than its predecessor & launches apps more quickly. Get a system that could maximize its output otherwise end up saying vista - a hogger.

Originally Posted by Cool G5

Again can vista 64 bit be installed on a P4?
I have heard it doesn't get installed. Anyway I can run 64 bit on 32 bit?
Sorry for the laundry list of queries.

To realize the power of 64bit you need atleast 4GB of physical RAM to be installed on ur system. If am not wrong p4 D and onwards comes with EM64 arch that supports 64 bit oS. You can run 32 bit on 64 bit but not the other way.

[Cool G5]

Thanks for the info axxo.

[aytus]

id say go for xp sp3. just install xp sp2 and immidatly install sp3 from live update. that is b4 u install ur av. or nything. i think ur rig is adequate to run vista . but u will be spending more time tweaking it to ur liking then really working on it. heck i got a northwood p4 2.4 and 845GL wit 512 ram and onboard and i can still run vista on it.. and to be fair vista dosent slow down the system and supports everything out of the box.. btw vista install will take about 7GB and xp sp2 +sp3 will be nything between 4 to 5 Gb..