Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: OMG NOOOOOOO
  • Subject: OMG NOOOOOOO
Subject: OMG NOOOOOOO
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

I buy Vista and go to upgrade and it will not instal. It tells me my graphic card drivers are not compatable. The video card manufacturer has Vista drivers but they will not instal on my XP yet I can't instal windows Vista because of the xp driver. But i need that driver to do the upgrade. You can't do an upgrade if you're screen is black. Help.

  • 06.14.2007 4:33 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

What exactly is your graphics card?

  • 06.14.2007 4:39 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

he could just uninstall the driver then upgrade to vista then install the vista driver, because xp has a basic driver you just cant do much with it but at least you can see what you are doing to do the upgrade.

[Edited on 06.14.2007 4:45 PM PDT]

  • 06.14.2007 4:41 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

As someone said earlier, you can uninstall the driver. Some graphics cards may need you to put the monitor cable back into it's motherboard slot (If you don't know how to do this, get a parent or sibling that has computer knowledge. DO NOT attempt this by yourself if you don't know what you're doing.) Most times, the drivers just allow you to use the card for all it's graphical tweak goodness, otherwise windows will use a generic driver and simply display things at a large resolution. After that, go ahead and install Vista. If you're lucky, Vista will automatically detect what graphics card it is and set it up for you. (As it did for me)... If not, simply deal with the large resolution and install the driver. The computer should do the rest from that point.

  • 06.14.2007 4:56 PM PDT

Slaying noobs since 2007.

That or you could use your integrated set for the installation.

  • 06.14.2007 5:20 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Just remember to start you puter in safe mode or risk screwing something up.

  • 06.14.2007 5:23 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Posted by: TUI_Obi_Wan
Just remember to start you puter in safe mode or risk screwing something up.
??? You can still screw stuff up in safe mode. All it basically is, is starting windows with basic settings, basic resolution, basic everything. Good for getting rid of viruses, or other problems you got.

Try this:
Use your Vista disk as a boot disk, and boot with it. Install it from there, don't install within windows.

[Edited on 06.14.2007 5:48 PM PDT]

  • 06.14.2007 5:46 PM PDT

Posted by: brianv
Posted by: TUI_Obi_Wan
Just remember to start you puter in safe mode or risk screwing something up.
??? You can still screw stuff up in safe mode. All it basically is, is starting windows with basic settings, basic resolution, basic everything. Good for getting rid of viruses, or other problems you got.

Try this:
Use your Vista disk as a boot disk, and boot with it. Install it from there, don't install within windows.



He says he wants to upgrade. I dont think he wants to do a full install(even tho its the better idea)

  • 06.14.2007 6:10 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: Wakeboy1337
He says he wants to upgrade. I dont think he wants to do a full install(even tho its the better idea)


Well, depends on what he bought. If he bought the "upgrade" edition of Vista, he has to install it on top of XP. Microsoft was so gracious (/sarcasm) that they felt the need to take out the old compliance check which allowed for full installs with an upgrade edition.

(Admittedly, there IS a way to fresh install an "upgrade" edition of Vista it but it's complex and involves installing Vista twice.)

Anyhoo, echoing what others have said, the best option is to either uninstall the driver or manually set your XP Display Adapter to Standard VGA and then install Vista. After the Vista install, then install the Vista drivers for the video card.

  • 06.14.2007 6:38 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Safe mode disables all the extraneous programs running on your computer, including video and sound card drivers. So there is less chance he'll putz something up when he's doing his driver updates.

  • 06.14.2007 6:38 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

I took out the graphics card driver apparently I can use the card without it. I can even play games with it like that I just can't use many of the features on my video card. Even with that removed it still won't upgrade.

[Edited on 06.14.2007 6:57 PM PDT]

  • 06.14.2007 6:48 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Posted by: Captiosus
Posted by: Wakeboy1337
He says he wants to upgrade. I dont think he wants to do a full install(even tho its the better idea)


Well, depends on what he bought. If he bought the "upgrade" edition of Vista, he has to install it on top of XP. Microsoft was so gracious (/sarcasm) that they felt the need to take out the old compliance check which allowed for full installs with an upgrade edition.

(Admittedly, there IS a way to fresh install an "upgrade" edition of Vista it but it's complex and involves installing Vista twice.).
Its not that complicated. Just installing it without putting in the cd key, then installing it over that? I'm surprised Microsoft doesn't patch that.

  • 06.14.2007 7:21 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: brianv
Its not that complicated. Just installing it without putting in the cd key, then installing it over that? I'm surprised Microsoft doesn't patch that.


For the average user, that is pretty complex.

No offense to avmf8, but he's a good example. Trying to explain to him that he has to format, install Vista, don't enter the key, select the right version, then install Vista as an upgrade would probably be overwhelming.

And you're right, I'm surprised it's not patched yet. I wonder if it will be after the first major SP.

[Edit to fix the user's name due to my lysdexia.]

[Edited on 06.14.2007 10:23 PM PDT]

  • 06.14.2007 7:26 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

Exactly all of that stuff to me is over whelming. I got my first PC when I was 19 I am now 24 so I have not had or used a PC that long. I do not know how to format so I do not know how to fix this. I can instal a actual copy but this is an upgrade much different. No where on the box doees it say instalation can be very complicated. Plus the guy I was speaking to at microsoft asked me how it started and I talked about the buying Halo 2 thing. That guy even tried to say it can run on XP even though I know this is not correct info. So if the guy cannot even get his facts straight how is he supposed to help me? I tried a safe mode instal but that did not work. I ran the utility to see if you're PC can run vista and it says mine can. All it does is it gets around 98% then it restarts gets to the black screen that says it is starting up Vista. Then it goes into a blue screen saying windows Vista can not finish installing and it is turning it back into XP. I even was asked my MS to run a diagnostic they sent me in email. It says a software is conflicting but it will not tell me what is. When it comes to this it would take forever to figure out what is causing the issue. I already removed all non Vista compatible drivers. Really there was not that many only 2.My video card and sound card driver.

The video card one is removed and the vista 1 for the sound card installed on my XP and can instal so all non vista compatible stuff is gone. I not long ago had to re instal XP so not much is on it. Just Halo CE, Suppreme Commander, Half life 2, Homeworld 2 and, empire earth 1 and 2. That is all I have for software installed on my PC. I am actually going to try and get MS to send me a non upgrade version for my upgrade Vista version as I can fix it if it is not a upgrade disk. If its the full copy I would simply reformat the C drive and instal Vista. But I cant do that because it was an upgrade. I think it may be do to the fact that something seems to be not quite right with my windows XP CD. XP was working fine when I had a built in partition. But when I bought an XP copy when I lost my partition XP worked like a buggy piece of crap. I wanted to get a full version of Vista and not an upgrade but it was too much money. I barely had the money for the upgrade version. i spent my lat 150 bucks I had in cash on a Vista upgrade because otherwise I would have had to put it on a credit card. since it would take me 2 months to get more money that was not the best idea but now I wish i did. Sometimes paying more money is worth it for convenience. I spore with MS on the phone before I bought Vista and asked them what version I should get they told me the upgrade was just as good.

Well I just proved it's not. I decide to get Vista after thinking about it and now this happens. This is why Iwas really afraid to get vista to start with. The whole if it's not broken don't fix it. It was'nt broke but I tried to fix it anyway and now it actually is broke. Cannot re formatt and instal if something is wrong with my XP disk which I think there is. Because i cant just reformatt and instal Vista directly I need to instal XP first..

to anyone who reads this don't buy Vista as an upgrade it really sucks if you have an instal issue. It is like MS kicked me in the junk and then when I fell over kicked me in the head. I can just see bill gates watching me from a hidden camera laughing at me.

  • 06.14.2007 8:08 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Reading the manual might help. You know, that little booklet that tells you how to use the program? I haven't once heard you mention the manual, with it's installation instructions, and troubleshooting guide. And why are you asking an OS question on a gaming forum, wouldn't posting on an MS support forum yield better results. Or you could even call Leo Laporte.

Oh, and please don't bash Microsoft for creating a program that's too advanced for you. Not everyone is a moron.

  • 06.14.2007 8:44 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

I have you know I read the whole manual cover to cover and really saw no point mentioning it. I did also post on the Ms forum about this. Trying everything I can to fix this. Good luck calling that show Call for Help and get actually get though. As for the moron thing who the hell do you think you are. The only moron here is you. Don't take it out on me just because you are pissed off about being an --blam!-!-. How about you kiss my ass oh wait you would enjoy that too much since you are most likely a --blam!-!-.

[Edited on 06.14.2007 9:04 PM PDT]

  • 06.14.2007 9:02 PM PDT

Slaying noobs since 2007.

Calm the -blam!- down, don't make stupid remarks and you don't get flamed. Stop disrespecting people that have been here way longer than you have. You have your answer, I suggest you leave it at that.

  • 06.14.2007 9:14 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Wow, you sure you're 24? Because anyone with half a working concept of computers can read the manual and follow the instructions. They don't make it hard buddy. I installed Windows 98 myself when I was 13. You know how I did that? I READ THE MANUAL. Now we have a "24" year old man who can't follow simple instructions, and asks for help on a video game forum instead of the proper channels. He then makes an immature, and ignorant shot at MS for making a program he doesn't get. So you know what you can do with your problem? You can take your goddamn computer downtown and get someone who actually knows what the hell he's doing to take a look at it.

PS: The Call For help comment was a joke. Pity it was lost on someone such as you.

  • 06.14.2007 9:33 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

Hey you were the one who started out insulting me for no reason. And i know it was a joke the leo leporte but it was not a good joke. I read the manual cover to cover there is not help for this issue. The manual has no info about my issue at all. Furthermore i could not find anything in the MS help pages. I spent enough money on this why would take it to a Pc repair shop. If they can get it working or not they still charge you. The leo leport may be a joke but insulting me is not. I have also installed an Os with no help but this is different this is an upgrade. I followed the manual exactly and still cannot get this to instal. the manual does not really say that much about this. Just because it does not work does not mean that I am a moron. Lots of thinks can go wrong that has nothing to do with smarts. If for instance the DVD rom Vista is on may be defective. there is nothing I can do. If something is corrupt in XP there is nothing I can do about that either. I tried a fresh instal using the disk as a boot medium and tried to instal. it asked me to put the XP disk in I did. Then it asked me for the Cd key I put it in. It kept saying my XP CD key was invalid even though I put it in properly. Just because this did not instal when it should have does not at all make me a moron. i do not know what you're problem is about insulting me when I did nothing to you. You expect me not to get pissed off when you start insulting me?

  • 06.14.2007 9:52 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

Posted by: TUI_Obi_Wan
Wow, you sure you're 24? Because anyone with half a working concept of computers can read the manual and follow the instructions. They don't make it hard buddy. I installed Windows 98 myself when I was 13. You know how I did that? I READ THE MANUAL. Now we have a "24" year old man who can't follow simple instructions, and asks for help on a video game forum instead of the proper channels. He then makes an immature, and ignorant shot at MS for making a program he doesn't get. So you know what you can do with your problem? You can take your goddamn computer downtown and get someone who actually knows what the hell he's doing to take a look at it.

PS: The Call For help comment was a joke. Pity it was lost on someone such as you.



Well I found out the issue windows messenger is getting in the way of the upgrade yet i can't remove the stupid. Last time i checked that is amicrosoft product so it is microsofts fault not mine so I have a right to be mad at them. But you try to make it sound like i can't follow a simple instruction I ahve done that same simple instructions over 8 times. In fact I have been up all night trying to fix this thing. I have now spent 12 hours looking up info and trying to fix this thing. That is pretty bad that after pulling an all nighter I still can't get the thing to upgrade. Then you try to make it sound like i am a total retard who can't understand simple instructions. did I act mature earlier sure but I get a little angry when someone calls me a moron when I have spent hours trying to fix the issue. Really you have no idea about this problem nor do you know anything about my degree of intelligence. Nor do you have to be be so hostile about it.

  • 06.15.2007 12:55 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Hmmm, if Messenger is getting in the way you can remove it from the computer by removing it from the Software list of Windows features (Left in the Add or Remove programs panel), or you can stop the service by right-clicking on My Computer, selecting manage, then click services and stop the windows messenger service and disable it for future startups, this should help... i hope...

  • 06.15.2007 1:49 AM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

Posted by: Baronnetje
Hmmm, if Messenger is getting in the way you can remove it from the computer by removing it from the Software list of Windows features (Left in the Add or Remove programs panel), or you can stop the service by right-clicking on My Computer, selecting manage, then click services and stop the windows messenger service and disable it for future startups, this should help... i hope...


Nope it does not show up in the add remove programs list. I disabled it from startup and yet the upgrade advisor still says its a issue. I get so close to getting the stupid vista to boot up and then it messed up forcing my Pc to dump the memory and put it back to XP. No matter what I do this thing will not work. I even tried to boot from the disk and instal it I can't. If I try it tells me to start up windows to upgrade. Do to this thing only being an upgrade disk I ahve many partitions on my hard drive and decided to use an empty partition to install vista so I would have a dual boot PC that can boot either xp or vista. That won't work. The only way i could fix this is to be able to reformat that partition and install Vista directly onto it. But this is an upgrade disk i cannot do that . i know i tried it asks me to startup XP to instal it. I am going to during buisness hours call Microsoft up and ask them to exchange my upgrade disk with an actual version. i should not have to pay more money to get a full copy of Vista.

It is not my fault I cannot upgrade so I should not have to buy a whole version. I cannot fix this thing without a full version copy of Vista. Normally this would not be an issue for me but it being an upgrade makes it a huge issue. Unless this Vista disk is just defective which is possible as this is not normal. It always screws up in the same spot when installing so maybe some important files are missing from this disk. It has to be a defective disk I have tried everything else that I can think of or info I have been told on forums or info I have gotten from help files. I do not see hoe microsofts tech support could ever get this working for me. I could see Microsoft even being a multi billion dollar company not accepting my request for a whole copy without paying the difference.

Really with all this crap I have gone through i should get a copy of Vista and get my money back. I should not have to pay for something then have this crap to deal with. Then as further insult to injury a poster on here tries to make me look like a retard because I cannot get this to work. I honestly wish I could get that guy over where I live and see if he could get this upgrade to work. i bet he would be unable too just like I am unable too. I am starting to think of calling future shop where i bought this and asking them to let me return both Vista and halo 2 and if I want to play games get a x box 360. At one point i spent half an hour swearing at the vista box as if it was a person. I think i am literally loosing my mind either that or I need to get some sleep. I have over the duration of the night i ahve attempted installing 10 times. i am getting to the point where I just do not want to do this anymore.

I am about to go into a Pc store with my Pc and the Vista disk and saying fix this. I may have to do that just to keep my sanity.

  • 06.15.2007 2:48 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Try removing it in the windows features or whatever it's called list. That is where it is most likely stored.

  • 06.15.2007 4:11 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Can't the guys at the store you got it help you out? I mean the only thing we can do on a forum is give you a few tips.

  • 06.15.2007 7:37 AM PDT
  •  | 
  • Veteran Heroic Member

my roflknife goes sliceslicesliceslice

Posted by: Baronnetje
Can't the guys at the store you got it help you out? I mean the only thing we can do on a forum is give you a few tips.


Actually about that I figured out the exact issue. The video card I have is preventing the Vista from starting up and that activates vistas fail safe to put it back to XP. That card is compatable with Vista so that means my video card is defective. I also bought the video card from future shop 3 months ago. So really they should be able to help me fix this by replacing my deffective video card. This explains why some high end games I own run slower then they should. there reason I know this is the issue is the research team for MS called me and they showed me how to access the logs on my Pc about the vista instal. The last thing it mentions is my video card by name. it is a Vision Tek Radeon X1600. It has drivers for both Vista and XP so it should support it. turns out the company I really should be pissed at is the one who made my vid card. All this trouble over a video card with a flaw. Guess some companies need to learn a thing called quality control. I am going to try and get Futureshop to let me get a card with a different manufacturer in return for the one I have. I do not even care if the card costs more I would pay the difference. I am also thinking of calling the makers of the vid card and giving them a piece of my mind.

  • 06.15.2007 3:27 PM PDT