XP SP3 and Vista SP1 very unstable

Question

Hello,
I have a 24" Mid-2007 iMac, with 4GB of ram. I'm trying to setup Boot Camp with either XP or Vista so I can run some CAD software (Solidworks) for a class I'm taking.
I installed XP SP3 using media that had SP3 pre-applied, and installed the Boot Camp drivers that came with my computer, then downloaded the Boot Camp 2.1 update. However, applications frequently crash - windows update fails randomly, the solidworks installer crashed, internet explorer crashes, etc.
I then decided to try out Vista - formatted the partition, started from scratch, same deal. Ran the Boot Camp driver DVD, applied the Vista Boot Camp 2.1 update, then the crashed begin. Windows Update failed about halfway through the updates, internet explorer crashes, didn't even bother installed Solidworks.
What is going on? I have absolutely no problems in OS X, and I've never encountered anything like this in XP or Vista before on other computers. Jokes aside, a fresh install typically works for a while. It makes me think its a hardware issue - but what hardware failure would only manifest itself in windows?

Answer 1

Pewp wrote:
You are hilarious, I haven't even insulted anyone here, nor did I get personal.
Your arrogant approach in your very first post was indeed personal - and insulting in it's tone. Remember my cyber friend, we have no emotions behind the words we're posting here - and we all should keep in mind that communication is 90% NON VERBAL - the 90% filtered out via black letters on a white page...
Just my 2 cents on emails, forums, and the like.
I'm pretty unbiased in terms of the OS argument.
OK, I'll take that at fave value, however your words that follow (from an earlier post of yours) read as pretty biased, IMHO:
Would you prefer it if Microsoft were to call these service packs XP 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc and charge people for a new OS or an upgrade? Also, don't say Apple has never provided security updates for OS X or any of it's software. I just said, before you go bashing things (like you were), perhaps you should get a bit more informed about what you are bashing. You are the one that got all defensive about it.
That was quite a defensive statement from you. If someone "bashing" MS's decision to cap a limit on RAM usage upsets you, DON'T DEFEND MS by calling me defensive - contradiction isn't pretty.
I did offer up some advice in that you should give Vista 64-bit a try because it is not the evil OS that most make it out to, especially post SP1. So, due to that I viewed you as being misinformed.
Fairly judgmental of me "personally" since you do not know of my experience with Vista. I do know of my experience with Vista and wouldn't want to deal with it on a regular basis - or infrequent basis for that matter. Again, if my opinion threatens yours somehow, don't "defend" it. Live and let live - my choice, my experience - you're not walking in my shoes so don't tell me to/expect that "I should like Vista" as you do.
I guess what I don't get is how the lack of memory support in 32-bit XP would be a common frustration. People should know this fact and should prepare for it if they want to get the use out of all their memory.
A valid point. For the sake of clarity I did research it as best as I could under the circumstances and within the time which I had available. To think otherwise as you suggest is - well, an assumption - and an inflammatory one at that.
As far as wasting RAM: I specifically mentioned only wanting more RAM for SOlidWorks in the XP enviro... What I dind't mention is that I'm a heavy Photoshop user, and often have all sorts of CS4 apps open concurrently. So my RAM isn't wasted, it's just not being fully exploited in my humble PC experiment. Thank you for caring so about it.
If you say issues with Windows just working in general with boot camp then perhaps you shouldn't point the finger at windows and maybe boot camp?
Sir, re-read my previous posts, please. You'll discover that I never complained about Windows' functionality or it's "working in general with BootCamp". My specific gripe, rant, bloviation was entirely focused on Microsoft's decision (obviously a business-driven decision) to limit RAM usage IN WHATEVER hardware - to 4GBs. I'm merely experiencing it personally in BootCamp, although I've hit that frustrating limit when I tech'ed 130+ PCs for nearly two years...
Want to kiss and make up now?
Sorry, you're not my type But I will peacefully co-exist with you in a cyber space.