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Updating Software for Windows Vista

Updating Special Software Applications for Vista

Updating Media Applications

Updating Vista OS using Windows Updates

Updating Special Software Applications

 

Getting Manufacturer's updates and patches

You may discover that not all of your older applications will work with Vista. Many software vendors are working to release Vista-compatible versions or have posted patches and updates on their Web sites. We suggest that you visit each manufacturer's site to see what they advise.

 

Using Compatibility mode for applications that aren't updated

Many applications that have not been updated, can be run in Compatibility Mode. You can use Vista's Program Compatibility Wizard or configure compatibility mode manually.

Program Compatibility Wizard
Most applications written for Windows XP will also work in Vista. If you have a program written for an earlier version of Windows that is not working correctly, try running the Program Compatibility Wizard built into the Vista OS.

  1. Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Click the Start button, and select Help and Support from the list on the right.
  3. Under the section labeled: Information from Microsoft, select number 2: Get your programs to work on this version of Windows.
  4. On the new page that opens, select Run the Program Compatibility Wizard and follow the wizard's instructions.

Manual Configuration

  1. Locate the applications executable. The file is usually in your programs folder and has the .exe extension. Make sure it is the actual .exe file and not an shortcut (alias) to the application.
  2. Right-click the applications executable file and select Properties.
  3. Select the Compatibility tab.
  4. Select Run This Program in Compatibility Mode.
  5. From the drop-down list, select the operating system you ran before upgrading to Vista.
  6. If necessary, select the option to run the program as an administrator.
  7. Click OK.

Updating Media Applications

 

Updating iTunes
  1. Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  3. Open iTunes: Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then click iTunes.
  4. From the Help menu, click Check For iTunes Updates.

 

Updating QuickTime
  1. Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  3. Open QuickTime: Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to QuickTime, then click QuickTime Player.
  4. When you open QuickTime, you may immediately be prompted to upgrade. Click Upgrade Now. If you are not prompted, from the Help menu, click Update Existing Software.

 

Updating RealPlayer
  1. Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  3. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Real, and then RealPlayer.
  4. Select Check for Real Player Update.

 

Updating Windows Media Player
  1. Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  3. Open Windows Media Player: Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then select Windows Media Player.
  4. From the Help menu, click Check for Updates.
    If your menu bar is not visible, click the Layout Options icon (to the left of the search field) and select Show Classic Menu.