1) Right off the bat, let me tell ya'll that I am not the best computer person....
2) O.K., I recently bought a new Gateway with the Vista operating system. I'm not sure if there are things that I was supposed to have done to it in the beginning to "configure" it, or if I'm really just this stupid...
3) I can't download any software that isn't from Microsoft/Windows
4) My internet connection is shaky at best
5) I repeatedly have Internet Explorer close itself, just to open again shortly and seem to be fine
6) I had problems with my modem driver?? at first, but I finally got that figured out-- perhaps I messed with the wrong thing?

Anything that might help would be great... if I wasn't 3 days past the 14 day return policy...it would be back at Best Buy!

Thanks!

Hello,

I think that the vista OS in general could be to blame for the driver problems that you have been having, vista has added security features that mean all drivers before bieng installed must be signed for otherwise they are refused, causing problems. the same really goes for the software downloading.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic82330.html gives a couple of links to say what can or can't be installed on vista.

hope this helps

Try an alternative browser (such as Firefox) to see if the issue is with IE or with Windows. If it's IE, I'd suggest staying with Firefox and only using IE for Windows Updates. If not, then we can work the issue out with some more details about your system and internet connection.

Firefox was fantastic! For about 5 minutes... I am at the end of my rope with this thing. I can't download Java for the love of god! $1700. is alot of cash for something that does nothing but plays solitaire... I am getting pretty good though

Java doesn't officially support Vista (although it can be made to work).

Try this link for the download: http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

Close all open browser windows, then, right click on the installer and select Properties, then select the compatibility tab, then select to run as XP SP2 and to Run as Administrator.

I have Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 on my Vista Business. It's the latest update from Java:

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

Download then install offline

O.K.! Java is downloaded... thanks. Am I having so much trouble because I've got Vista and these other programs aren't ready for it? Or is there some other reason? I'm sorry if I sound completely stupid

mvervair, what other programs have you downloaded, that don't or won't work?

jacee- just about everything I have tried to do with this computer has been met with issues- from downloading and running firefox, installing office software, azureus, etc. I bought the computer new and never imagined I would have the trouble I am having- firewall issues (it is now OFF), OS freezing...
Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start looking to fix any of this...

I feel your pain and exasperation.....
Let's see if this article can help you a bit:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...a/aa905073.aspx

edit ...more information using "Microsoft Management Console:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/e...4c22891033.mspx

By the way, there are also books that you can buy. Sometimes a 'visual' really helps!

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Vista-Plain-...n/dp/073562268X

The easiest way to force most apps to install is to right click on the installer and select "Properties", then select the Compatibility tab. On this tab, instruct the installer to run in compatibility mode for XP SP2, and to Run as Administrator.

If there's still problems after it's installed, find the executable for the program and do the same thing for it (create a shortcut if necessary).