3 quick reasons why I love Vista

Here we go:

1. Pre-calculated file copies: If you're copying files to a CD, DVD, flash drive, etc. Vista calculates the size of your copy and makes sure there is enough space before it begins to copy (remembered this after upgrading the last of my XP computers at work).
2. Subdirectory searching for drivers: Download some drivers for something and don't feel like figuring out the exact directory (or can't)?  When you tell Vista to search for drivers locally it can search subdirectories saving lots of time and hassle.
3. Clickable Folder Path: In Windows Explorer the directory path is clickable allowing you to go down a folder or back a few very quickly (see "Solution 1" here).  I'm pretty sure this is a feature of many Linux file explorers but I won't go into that now. :)

DVD Drive could not be started

Man I love the Internet (and Vista)!

Whenever you have a problem with something, a good Googling will get you the answer.

The DVD burner in my work computer basically out of the blue stopped working and I wasn't sure why.  I found this link that had me modify my registry to remove the lower and upper filters for the drive.  After doing that I uninstalled the drive in Device Manager and scanned for hardware changes and Vista reinstalled it for me.

Nasty virus going around

I have had a few people ask me about a virus/malware thing going around called "XP 2008" or something that changes your desktop wallpaper to be a warning about "viruses" it "found".  It also edits your registry to make it so you can't change your desktop background off of their warning message.

I did a search for "desktop missing 'Display Properties" xp' and it came back with this.

I ran msconfig to find what was starting up when the computer booted and went to delete those files while in safe mode (named something like "rhc3cwj0er1e.exe" and "lphc7cwj0er1e.exe").

So, if you're experiencing this (the computers are basically unusable unless in safe mode) I hope these steps help.