Software installation using vista basic

Very strange.

Do you get any error messages?
Are you able to download the programmes?

Vista works differently to previous versions of Windows, because of much improved protection. In essence you can no longer install programmes anywhere you want and you can no longer install programmes unless you have permission to do so.

There is a service called UAC which stands for User Access Control, which prevents normal users from installing software - only administrators are allowed to install software.

Even if you are the only user, you are not regarded as the administrator unless you say I am the admin.

When you click on something to download, at the top of the page a small wide yellow box will appear, right click on it and download the file.

Then when you run the installer another box will open asking if it can make the changes you want - you may need to give your password to continue.

Then install everything as their defaults. and all should be well.

Some older programmes do have problems - download them and SAVE then to your documents, then right click on the installer - you have a number of new options...

Run as Administrator (which may solve your problems)

Trouble shoot compatibility - which can resolve some older programme problems - you can set the system up to emulate Windows XP etc... which will solve most problems.

And if the installation fails it will ask if you want to re-install using default settings - say yes.

Finally, make sure you are downloading Vista compatible software and that it is the right software for your Operating system. You can not install 64bit (x64) software on a 32 bit (x86) machine.

If this helps you at all please vote!