Originally posted by: mmx
The only way I could install vista was throught upgrading a fresh install of XP PRO ---> business ----> Ultimate
That's fine, the upgrade to Ultimate is simply a new product Key. Everything is on the same disc that you installed business from.
If I get a FULL version ultimate - do you think my system would run better?
If you are having performance issues it could be legacy XP stuff if you did an inplace upgrade. If you want to do a full install, you can still use your upgrade disk.
First boot to the DVD and install from disk. when it asks you to enter a key leave it blank. Once Vista installes you will then do an inplace upgrade using your CD key. When you are done you will have a fresh pristine copy of Vista running. I've done this on a couple of machines now and it works great.
I also want to go 64 bit. I don't game too much - I have xbox 360/ps3 for that. Is the 64bit stable enough for most business applications: Quickbooks, office 2k7, adobe web bundle, etc...
It's definately stable enough. The only real problem with the 64bit version are with drivers. Make a list of your hardware, go to the manufacturer's web site and see if they have 64-bit Vista drivers. See what is supported and what is not. If anything critical is missing then 64-bit isn't quite for you yet.
I'm running 64-bit Vista Ultimate on my Media Center. It works with everything on that particular system including a Hauppauge Dual Tuner (pvr-500) and an ATI-HDTV Wonder. All my business applications work perfectly fine on that machine. I admittedly haven't tried any games on that box since I do all my gaming on my main rig.
I just upgrade my dell 9200 to a e6600, 8800gts640mb, 4gig ddr2.
I expect everything on that system will run fine with Vista-64. Just check with Dell to be sure. It's a good idea to visit the tech support forums for any games you play and ask about it as well. The only problems would be with compatability, but stability will be just fine.