do i really need a 1 gig hard drive for vista business?
Posted by admin on Sep 17th, 2006
I have a 512 MB hard drive now, and I got Vista Business for free at college because my school is part of an academic alliance thing that gets it for free. Do I really need 1 G hard drive for it to work properly? When installing, is there any kind of option where you do a custom install so you can just pick the components you need? I really really really want Vista (especially since I'm a CSC major) but I can't exactly afford to upgrade to a 1 G or higher hard drive. I have a Dell, and it says to upgrade to a 1 G it would be $179.
Sep 20th, 2006 at 11:27 am
You are probably confusing RAM with drive space, and have 512 MB of random access memory, which is barely enough for Vista Basic. If you select Basic from among the options, it ought to install, but it Vista will not perform as well as it would with a GB or two. It might be sensible to hold off on the upgrade until after the end of this semester, when finals are over and you have time to cope with it."emily86"
Sep 21st, 2006 at 12:25 pm
"emily86" Might you be talking about RAM? (memory) Surely your hard drive is larger than 512MB. If it indeed is memory you mean than it depends on how your 512MB of RAM is currently configured. Likely your computer has 4 slots for RAM. Hopefully you have two 256MB chips in there now. (or even better one 512MB chip) Then you have physical room to add another chip to get you to 1GB of RAM. Download Belarc advisor and note how many RAM slots you have and how many are filled. I'm guessing you can get to 1GB for less than $179. belarc.com/free_download.html
Sep 25th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
You proably need RAM. 512 is minimum. 1 GB is recommended. But, I won't build a PC without at least 1.52GB of RAM.But, 512MB will run it, and it will be fine. You will complain about it being slow, though. But, when you do get an upgrade, you will notice a big increase in speed. Also, you might check Newegg.com for better prices on RAM. 1 GB for $179 seems outrageous! Dustin Harper dharper@vistarip.com vistarip.com "emily86"
Sep 29th, 2006 at 01:13 am
You are right, I have 512 MB of RAM"Michael Jennings" wrote:
Oct 1st, 2006 at 02:10 am
do you think you could direct me in the right direction about what i'm looking for when upgrading my RAM? i looked on that website you suggested but i have no clue what i'm looking for! i don't know anything about this stuff! thanks"Dustin Harper" wrote:
Oct 3rd, 2006 at 12:04 am
My next guess is that you've got a laptop, not a desktop computer."emily86"
Oct 7th, 2006 at 06:09 am
You had better have a drive a lot larger than 1 gig for any modern operating system since Windows 2000. Vista needs a minimum of 15 gig. I would suggest a minimum of 30 gig. Regards,Richard Urban MVP Microsoft Windows Shell/User "emily86"
Oct 10th, 2006 at 04:12 pm
correct once again!"Michael Jennings" wrote:
Oct 14th, 2006 at 03:35 am
Hi EmilyYou're of course talking about RAM memory sticks, not real estate on your HD.If I were you I'd do this. Run it with 512 MB and see how it suits you. One tip up front. Go to www.raxco.com and download the free trial full functionality defragger. Defragging organizes files on your HD so that they are easily retried/written toand doing it often (at least once a week or more) will do a lot to help your speed. Vista has a defragger simply accessed by typing defrag in the search box above the Start button. You can compare what it does to one of the better onesPerfect Disk by Raxco with the 30 day free trial. It's here: raxco.com/products/downloadit/ But run it "smart"the majority of users don't because they don't know how. I'm going to show you. It's a little like the general population and flossing their teethperhaps not the best metaphor. If after you do a few of these "speed steps" 512 MB is not fast enough, then upgrade RAM but remember you are not obligated to buy the RAM from Dell. You can walk into any place like Fry's or you can go to a website like Tiger Direct, New Egg, or Crucial and comparison shop for your RAM. The stores and the sites have charts and pulldowns to make sure the RAM is compatible with your model of Dellmy point being Dell may not be the best dealand if it's a new model RAM is much cheaper so go for higher end RAM with a "lifetime guarantee."As everyone has indicated, the "sweetspot" of RAM for Vista is 12 GB. If you decide you need more speed after defragging regularly and trimming down the processes and services you don't need running that Vista default starts up with, and you can afford it after shopping you can make that box move plenty fast with 1GB RAM. This is all dependent on how it performs at 512MB and Emily's budget. The campus book store probably has significant discounts as well, including possibly RAM.Doing some of these the most important are the first seven or sowill help you get the maximum speed out of the 512 MB on that Dellsee how you like itthen if necessary add more:Speed PC and Control CPU Tips/StepsSPEED AND CPU:_______________1) Trim processes you don't need in TM. Google them or "search engine ofyour choice them" if you have to.2) Go toservices.msc in run box and turn off services not needed and there are some.SERVICE CONFIGURATION REFERENCES**Vista Services*Part Onetweakvista.com/article38662.aspxPart Twotweakvista.com/article38664.aspxWindows Vista Services Tweak Guide v1.0msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=87443 3) Run System File Checker.SFC: updatexp.com/scannowsfc.htmlIn Vista run it from an elevated command prompt. Right click command onstart and run as administrator.4) Run 3 or so spyware scans Windows Defender, , Adaware, and Spybot5) Probably the most important for speed consistently and efficient resourceuse DEFRAG with www.raxco.com or www.diskeeeper.com with 15% free space ondrive if DK and or >5% if Raxco's Perfect Disk.groups.msn.com/windowsxpcentral/spyware.msnw Download Adaware andSpybot from here.GOOD Overall Review for Defending Your PC:defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/MSFT Defense Site MSFT Security:microsoft.com/security/default.mspxProtect Your PC from MSFT Security:microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspxMSFT Windows Defendermicrosoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspxMSFT MSRT: (Malicious Software Removal Tool)microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspxMSFT "Windows One Care" in Wings (AV and Spyware Scans)microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/may05/0513WindowsOneCarePR.mspx6) Unck items from msconfig start tab you don't need starting and somewon't startpeoiple who think just uncking for many are naive because thereare 12 places things can be started including several reg keys like Run Oncekeys and there are serveral.7) Turn off Messaging serviceit's a security vulnerability and it slowsyou8) Defrag very often every other day actually.9) Turn off indexing.10) Clear TIF and %temp% files (delete) and go to safe mode to get as manyas u can.10) Do troubleshooting with msconfig.11) Do Clean boot with msconfig utility and search for the directions here:Vista RTM Tweak Guide (Tweaks to Improve Performances)google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:200647,GGLJ:en&q=vista+rtm+tweak+guide1) Task Manager lists the services on the services tab in Vista.2) Type services.msc in run box and using the list of services, click theservice and you'll get a description of services.3) There is a list here of the default services and a description>>click"default settings for services" in the left pane.technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/3c5945eeafb843ceb39d50e6d5b89bf81033.mspx?mfr=true4) To view service dependencies1.Open Services.2.In the details pane, rightclick the service that you want to viewdependencies for, and then click Properties.3.Click the Dependencies tab.4.To view services that are associated dependencies of the selected service,in the list on the Dependencies tab, click the plus sign next to theservice.Many of the services but not all in Vista are the same as in XP, so in thatcontext:mvps.org/winhelp2002/services.htm Also see the extremely helpful site:Black Viper's Service Listdeadeye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm Black Viper's Site (Many of the same services in Vista)deadeye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm z123.org/techsupport/xpservices.htm geocities.com/ziyadhosein/xpserv1.htm pacsportal.co.uk/startup_content.phpThis will be helpfulweb.archive.org/web/20041128084144/www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm______________________________________________________________________________________________How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XPsupport.microsoft.com/kb/310560/Resources for troubleshooting startup problems in Windows XPsupport.microsoft.com/kb/308041/How to perform advanced cleanboot troubleshooting in Windows XPsupport.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;enus;316434How to perform a clean boot in Windows XPsupport.microsoft.com/kb/310353/How to Disable a Service or Device that Prevents Windows from Startingsupport.microsoft.com/kb/310602/Also ck out these references:extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,5155,00.aspspeedupyourcomputer.windowsreinstall.com/index.htm andextremetech.com/search_results/0%2C2426%2C%2C00.asp?qry=how+to+speed+windows+xp&filterapp=&site=4P.S.Defragging with a decent defrag every day will make a huge dent inefficient resource/CPU use.Perfect Disk has a 5 month full functionality trial on now for Windows Vista. It can be found at www.raxco.comGood luck,CH"emily86"
Oct 19th, 2006 at 02:43 am
RichardShe was obviously confusing MB and RAM.CH "Richard Urban"
Oct 21st, 2006 at 05:51 pm
What kind of Dell do you have? Dimension, Inspiron? Model #? Dell uses standard RAM, so you should be able to save some money on an upgrade. Dustin Harper dharper@vistarip.com vistarip.com "emily86"
Oct 25th, 2006 at 07:33 pm
I have a Dell Inspiron 5150. I got it in July 2004."Dustin Harper" wrote:
Oct 27th, 2006 at 08:04 pm
Try telling Kingston what your Dell model number is kingston.com/branded/notebook_memory.asp?id=1You're just interested in getting some prices. Try Crucial too crucial.com/index.asp"emily86"
Nov 2nd, 2006 at 01:36 pm
EmilyAgain if I were you I'd try 512MB defragging and using my speed tips regularly to trim services and processes, and then if you want to buy RAMuse Crucial to find out what RAM you have or download www.belarc.com and it will tell you. You can also go to support.dell.com and they will give you a profile of your hardware if you put in your service tag or your model there will be a category to profile your pc. Belarc does a great job.Some decent places to price RAM besides perhaps your campus book store with the student discount are:www.crucial.comwww.outpost.comnewegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=17&name=Memorytigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=10www.pricegrabber.comCH "emily86"
Nov 5th, 2006 at 09:18 pm
Wow, thanks so much! When I install Vista I am wanting to reformat the hard drive (or it seems like they're calling it "partitioning" now...) so I am hoping that will free up some space. It's hard telling how much junk I've got on here since I'm hooked to the school network."Chad Harris" wrote:
Nov 10th, 2006 at 02:52 am
I just parted one of those out. It uses DDR SODIMM's. You should only have one slot under a cover on the bottom of the laptop. You're looking at about $80 $90. Any of those should work. :)newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170381%201052907864%201309121113&name=1GB Dustin Harper dharper@vistarip.com vistarip.com "emily86"
Nov 13th, 2006 at 07:10 pm
EmilyClick on this link, and then print the webpage.. it gives you info on the RAM type required..crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Inspiron+5150 "emily86" Mike Hall MS MVP Windows Shell/User msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/
Nov 15th, 2006 at 02:40 am
emily86 wrote: Uhoh. You need a lesson in geekspeak ;o) A geek would say that you format a partition, not a drive. One physical drive may be artificially divided up into several partitions so you can use each partition for a different purpose just like you had several drives instead of just one. The usual reason for 'partitioning' a disk is so you can install more that one version of Windows and still keep them separate.After partitioning a disk, you can choose to install Windows on one partition of the disk, but you need to 'format' that partition first.
Nov 20th, 2006 at 02:33 am
Well I've got Vista up and running now. Thanks everyone for your input. I can't tell yet whether or not the 512 MB of RAM is going to cut it or not. Seems to be running just fine so far, but I haven't installed any programs on here yet. I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of getting used to though."emily86" wrote:
Nov 22nd, 2006 at 03:30 pm
Emily1) There are countless websites that are Vista help sites. Just google for them.2) Vista has a guided tour that comes up on that welcome page. Use it.3) Vista Help and Support on the start menu has a search that goes to a server/data base that explains how to do most things, (just search by the term you need help for) and the MSFT web site has articles that are how tos on vista www.microsoft.com/windowsvista and technet.microsoft.com/enus/windowsvista/default.aspx4) Buy a decent book on Vista like the ones by Livingston and Thurott, David Pogue, or Ed Bott on any large bookstore shelf.5) Finally MSFT has a Knowledge Base which eventually will be hundreds of articles on Vista and right now has thousands of articles on their software you can search at support.microsoft.comGood luck,CH"emily86"
Nov 25th, 2006 at 12:35 am
Ok, I ran the Belarc advisor and under "Memory Modules" it says:512 Megabytes Installed MemorySlot 'DIMM_A' has 256 MB Slot 'DIMM_B' has 256 MBso does this mean I have room for more or not?? is there something else I need to look at?"DanR" wrote:
Nov 28th, 2006 at 07:42 pm
Ok I found another program that ran it that made more sense. Apparently I have 2 slots, and each has 256 MB in it. If I were to replace one of those slots with 512 MB, how much RAM would I have? What I replaced one with a 1 G? How much RAM would I have then?? Thanks."emily86" wrote:
Dec 2nd, 2006 at 09:03 am
Ram normally comes in 128 MB, 256 MB, 512MB, and 1GB sizes. Note some forms may not be available in 1GB due to supply, type, design.RAM is additive. Some mobo require matched pairs..meaning that the same type and size needs to be installed. Without knowing specifics on your mobo or pc its impossible to tell all/any possible configurations or max ram.Generally speaking if you don't need matched same size ram chips a current system with two 256 MB(total 512) if one removed a 256 then add a 512 you'd have 768. You need to identity your mobo and machine specs and limitations before considering a Ram purchase...once understood, the necesary math will be easier.Since you asked about Vista, imo and not knowing your system more is better.Download, install, and run the Vista Upgrade advisor. microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx ....winston"emily86" : Ok I found another program that ran it that made more sense. Apparently I : have 2 slots, and each has 256 MB in it. If I were to replace one of those : slots with 512 MB, how much RAM would I have? What I replaced one with a 1 : G? How much RAM would I have then?? Thanks. : : "emily86" wrote: : : > Ok, I ran the Belarc advisor and under "Memory Modules" it says: : > : > 512 Megabytes Installed Memory : > : > Slot 'DIMM_A' has 256 MB : > Slot 'DIMM_B' has 256 MB : > : > so does this mean I have room for more or not?? is there something else I : > need to look at? : > : > "DanR" wrote: : > : > > : > > "emily86" : > > : > > >I have a 512 MB hard drive now, and I got Vista Business for free at : > > >college : > > > because my school is part of an academic alliance thing that gets it for : > > > free. Do I really need 1 G hard drive for it to work properly? When : > > > installing, is there any kind of option where you do a custom install so : > > > you : > > > can just pick the components you need? I really really really want Vista : > > > (especially since I'm a CSC major) but I can't exactly afford to upgrade : > > > to a : > > > 1 G or higher hard drive. I have a Dell, and it says to upgrade to a 1 G : > > > it : > > > would be $179. : > > : > > Might you be talking about RAM? (memory) Surely your hard drive is larger : > > than 512MB. : > > If it indeed is memory you mean than it depends on how your 512MB of RAM is : > > currently configured. Likely your computer has 4 slots for RAM. Hopefully : > > you have two 256MB chips in there now. (or even better one 512MB chip) Then : > > you have physical room to add another chip to get you to 1GB of RAM. : > > Download Belarc advisor and note how many RAM slots you have and how many : > > are filled. I'm guessing you can get to 1GB for less than $179. : > > belarc.com/free_download.html : > > : > >
Dec 3rd, 2006 at 09:01 pm
Dell says that there are two slots, which should accept Gig sticks. The listing of a 512 MB capacity seems to be for the Ispiron 5100. See your owners manual, which is available online: support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/en/i5100om.pdfExamine pages 100, 101 and 102 to see how to install memory.Page 115 indicates that the 5150 has 2 GB maximum memory. 2.5V DDR SODIMM, clocked at 333 MHz is specified.Your computer can tell you how much memory it sees. You must decide how much you want, where to get it, and whether you want to install it yourself or not, knowing that 2 GB is the limit."emily86"
Dec 9th, 2006 at 12:57 am
I have had absoltutly no problems runnning VISTA utltimate and Media Center on a 512 MB system. However the shared memory graphics chip onboard my MOBO can use up to 128MB of main memory if needed. However, I did have to add more memory to get Aero to work becuase of the shared memory graphics chip 128MB allocation.
Dec 9th, 2006 at 03:32 pm
You write that you are a "CSC Major". If this stands for Computer Science why don't you ask your class instructor for help? And, if this is a computer course and you have attended for more than a week and don't know the difference between Ram and a Hard drive, ask for your money back.mi"emily86"