• An investigation of GUI changes found in Windows Vista SP1
  This article takes a look at a few of the visible changes in SP1 and explores some of the advantages and disadvantage of these changes.
  (tags: Review SP1 )
• The Road to Know Where: Microsoft Releases System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista
  System Update Readiness Tool checks for inconsistencies in the Windows system resources which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software (i.e. file data, registry data, and in-memory data)
  (tags: Updates )

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The steps to troubleshoot performance-related issues in Windows Vista vary depending on the point at which the issue occurs. This article is intended to describe the steps that are used to troubleshoot performance-related issues that occur during startup. Keep reading →

When you start Windows Vista for the first time, the operating system appears to stop responding (hang) for several minutes during the device installation phase. After this wait, Windows starts as usual.

If you’re like me, you may block some of the programs that normally want to run at startup so they don’t eat all your RAM and processor. After doing this, you may consistently get notifications reminding you that a program is being blocked. Here’s why you might be getting them, and how to make them stop. Keep reading →

After you start the computer in diagnostic startup mode, you are prompted to activate Windows Vista even if you have already activated it. If you do not activate Windows Vista again, the system is considered non-genuine. Therefore, Windows Vista runs in reduced functionality mode.

This problem occurs only in diagnostic startup mode. When you restart the computer in normal startup mode, the problem does not occur.

Note: The activation prompt does not necessarily mean that you are using a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista.

A Windows Vista-based computer does not start because the master boot record (MBR) has been corrupted. When you try to use the Startup Repair tool to fix the MBR, the Startup Repair tool reports that no problem was found.

Note: You can access the Startup Repair tool on the Windows Vista installation disc.

Your startup sound may sound choppy, contain popping sounds, or pause while it is played. This issue occurs only with some hardware devices and drivers loaded. This issue does not affect the functionality of Windows XP or of Windows Vista.

When you start a Windows Vista-based computer, you receive the following Windows Defender warning message in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar:

Windows has blocked some startup programs.

Windows blocks programs that require permission to run when Windows starts. Click to view blocked programs.
Note: You can see a list of blocked programs and services by following these steps:

1. Click the Blocked startup programs icon that is in the notification area.
2. Point to the Run blocked program menu list. The programs and services that have been blocked from starting are located here.