which version of windows7 to use....

[babysilvertooth]

My current set up is: win server 2003, about 6 comps on Windows XP PRO, and getting 2 new comps in Jan which will run win7. Will be starting with OD in Jan once the new computers are up and running. For my personal Macbook Pro, I will install VMWARE, and run windows 7, but which version should I use? It will be to access OD, and quickbooks, but other than that, I don't use any window programs....OR should I stick with Windows XP? if so, can I get away with a home version?

[jordansparks]

One thing that I hate about home versions is that they don't have RDP. Another problem is that they can't connect to a Windows domain. Windows XP is so old that it's dangerous to run it. Much more likely to get viruses.

[B.Thomas]

Is Windows 7 Home adequate for the non-server computers?

[irfan]

Windows 7 Home works fine for me on workstations, I run Windows 7 Ultimate (professional is fine) for the server. I dont use a domain, though sometimes I wish I did since I get so tired of installing apps on different computers and setting permissions, updating stuff, etc. I think that would all be easier with a domain. But I dont feel like shelling out for server 03/08, CALs, and $560 to upgrade the workstations to 7 Professional.

[babysilvertooth]

SOOO, I should pick up a win7 pro?

[jordansparks]

It does seem like a better idea to not use a version labeled "home" if you can avoid it.

[B.Thomas]

Here is the Windows Comparison page

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/wind ... ts/compare

I think the feature needed most for the server computer is the networking so the pro version is best for the server. That being said I cannot get Open Dental versions 7.3 or 7.4 to work on Windows 7 home Premium. 7.2 and below work fine but 7.3 and up keeps crashing on opening. My guess is it's a security or firewall issue with MySQL but I'm still fishing.

[jordansparks]

Really? I know it works fine on Windows Home Premium. It shouldn't crash. Are you right clicking, run as admin?

[B.Thomas]

Yep, I tried all the Vista tricks. It's really odd. I got a good deal on a Dell but it had windows 7 home. I need to go through the crash log to figure it out. When opening opendental, it just crashes immediately. I'm thining it has more to do with MySQL and the firewall but why would older versions work?

[jordansparks]

http://www.opendental.com/manual/troubleshooting.html
describes a graphics error. But that wouldn't happen until after you click in the choose database window. I've never heard of a bug that would cause it to crash immediately.

[irfan]

i dont see how the firewall would crash it, it should just mention it cant connect to the database or find the AtoZ folder.

7.5.xx works for me just fine on Home Premium, so did 7.4

[B.Thomas]

Interesting. Would OpenDental crash on start if there was a problem connecting to the MySQL database?

The computer came with so much extra software that I think I might wipe the hard drive and start with a fresh install.

[B.Thomas]

One more caveat. It is Windows 64 bit.

[irfan]

no it shouldnt "crash" if it couldnt connect to the mysql database. By "crash" do you mean you start it and it automatically closes/freezes without you touching anything? Or do you click an error and then it closes?

[B.Thomas]

I just tested 7.5.23 and it worked fine. It's possible the crashes are because I left out the new DrTech dll.

[babysilvertooth]

If I pick up Win7, should it be 32 bit, or 64bit? What does that mean BTW? I am not familiar with Windoze......

[irfan]

biggest noticeable difference is that 64bit can support boat loads more RAM than a 32bit system thats limited to 4GB installed (3.2GB useable). It also provides more security but you wont notice a difference in that other than its sometimes more annoying finding drivers that work.

For a workstation thats still plenty of RAM. my workstations are 32bit with 2gb RAM.

[babysilvertooth]

My personal workstation is a Macbook Pro running VMWAre, I have 4GB RAM....Thanks

[jordansparks]

I would say 64 bit unless you need a special driver for some obscure piece of hardware.

[drmaximus]

I had the same problem, I just copied the directxdll's into the folder from my older versions directory and everything worked again. Hope this helps.