This guide will built to aid users with getting Flash and Vista working happily, or to recommend whether it's a good idea at all. There have been a lot of questions concerning Vista, so this guide was built to answer those questions.
If you are considering upgrading to Windows Vista, there are several considerations you need to keep in mind. Follow these steps to make sure your system is set for Flash production on a Vista computer.
Do I Really Need Vista?
Do you? It's more a preferential thing. Vista is really cool to have and already significantly stable, but it will set you back a couple hundred bucks. I've been running beta Vista since last year, and it was working fine even then. If you have the money and time, I would say yes. The stability and lack of viruses at the moment, fused with the awesome backup utilities and anti-malware makes Vista a nice install. However, you'll be just fine with XP if you choose to stick there.
Vista retails for all different prices at different stores. Check prices online for more information.
Compatibility
Is your computer going to be able to handle Flash and Vista's OS? Make sure you have these minimum requirements.
*2 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
*1.5 GB of system memory
*80 GB hard drive with at least 20 GB of available space
*128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
For more requirements, visit Window's Self-Check Guide. Also check with your computer manufacturer for additional questions.
Take into consideration that Flash 9 will also be releasing soon, which may require higher specs.
Vista Version
You can use any version of Vista to run Flash 8, but I would recommend at least Home Premium. It will provide the backup services you need with Windows. Ultimate is great if you have the money, but you don't necessarily need it unless you like the features.
Upgrade of Full Install?
This version of Windows allows for you to either do a full install (wipe hard drive, start again) or an upgrade (overwrite previous version of XP). While the advantage of an upgrade is that you don't have to reinstall software and programs, I would NOT recommend the upgrade. It will mess with the performance of Flash, freak out previous drivers, and creating glitches and crashes unexpectedly with the Flash program. I would definitely create a fresh install.
You can fresh install Vista by inserting your install DVD, and restarting your computer. Make sure to boot from the DVD, which can be done by Holding F2 on startup, and changing the Boot settings to run from the DVD drive first, not the harddrive.
Remember to backup your files of DVD's or another hard drive!
Uninstall Previous Version of Flash
In order to reactivate your key, make sure you uninstall Studio and/or Flash from your computer. You can do this through Windows > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. If you have a studio license, you'll need to uninstall the entire Studio so your key will become able to activate again. Your program EULA will outline your Terms of Conditions if you have further questions regarding activation.
If you have problems reactivating, visit Adobe's Activation Center.
Running Flash on Vista
Flash runs fast in Vista, and it's a joy to have with the better UI that Vista provides Flash. You won't have any performance issues unless your computer is crunching too much from Vista.
To cut down on CPU and RAM, Vista will automatically start to disable settings. But you should do so as well, to insure good quality. Close programs such as Windows Media Player or I-tunes when you are not using them.
Flash currently has a bug where opening and closing symbols will take 1-4 seconds. Aero is the cool transparent/3d UI that is default with faster computers running Vista. To disable Aero and go back to Windows Basic:
1) Right click on the desktop, and hit "Personlize...."
2) Click "Window Color and Preference".
3) Click "Open Classic Appearance Properties and more options..."
4) Click "Windows Vista Basic".
5) Click "Okay".
Flash should be fixed. If you want a better fix for the situation, so that it autoswitches and back between aero if slowdown occurs, follow these steps:
1) Navigate to Computer > C:\ > Program Files > Macromedia > Flash 8.
2) Right click on 'Flash.exe', and hit "Properties"
3) Hit the "Compatibility" tab.
4) Check the box, to run it in compatibility mode for "Windows XP Service Pack 2".
5) Hit Okay.
Now it should autocorrect itself (sometimes, its hit or miss depending on your processor).
Wacom Tablet Drivers
Note that the XP Tablet Drivers will not work for your tablet. Wacom has fortunately built Vista drivers for their tablets.
You'll also soon find out that installing a tablet will activate and unlock the Windows Tablet features on your computer. This will allow handwriting recognition, quick pen tasks, and other features that are pretty cool. You can chat in AIM with your tablet :), hawt.
Some people will find these features to be somewhat annoying. Every time you put the pen down, you'll hear sound effects and see cursor effects. These can be disabled through the task bar, Right Click on the hand and disable the settings in the menu.
What About My Other Programs?
Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Fireworks all work in Vista. Fireworks will cause your computer to autorevert back to Vista Basic Theme, but will autorevert when you are done using the program. Your programs will work, they just might undergo some auto-tweaking from windows.
How Stable is Flash?
I only had problems with Flash when I did an upgrade over the previous XP. Now that I reinstalled, it really has no problems beyond what normally happens in Flash in XP. It's the same program, just with a new facelift in Vista. Just make sure you disable Aero before using to aid performance and to cut that 1-4 second symbol switch bug.
Thanks for reading, that's about it.
Below: Example of new UI colors/fonts for Flash 8 in Vista.
Hi there!
