Windows Aero Disabled

When I first purchased my laptop and started running Vista, I was a big fan of the new GUI interface, especially Window Aero. As I began installing my applications, however, I began to notice some problems with the interface. I wrote this post originally on my writing blog, but I thought I’d post it on this site as it fits better here (with a few edits):

As I mentioned in my hard-drive recovery with Linux post, my P.C. died a few months ago. In it’s place I bought a laptop,which came pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium. I’m not one to be an early adopter for anything made by Microsoft, but I also didn’t want to get stuck with an operating system Microsoft was going to abandon in a few years (I’m talking about XP - I hope they don’t abandon Vista). Vista has performed well for me so far, except for a few gotchas (don’t get me started on hardware compatibility, though).

First of all, though, I like the new look and feel of Windows. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have a change. Also, if you have the proper graphics card and such (I do), you can run a version of Vista that includes Windows Aero which has such features as translucent windows and Window Flip 3D. See the pictures below.

Not too bad for Windows, right? Unfortunately, there is a problem. Some applications disable Windows Aero. For example, if you use applications such as QuickTime or iTunes, Windows automatically disables Windows Aero, which means no more translucent windows and no more Flip 3D. I haven’t found a list anywhere that describes which programs are incompatible with Aero, so it’s kinda hit and miss when you install something new.

If your version of Aero seems to have stopped working, use MSConfig to see what you have running at startup (type MSConfig at the Run Command). If you are having trouble finding the Run Command in Windows Vista, simply press the Windows key and “R” key together. It seems they hid the Run command by default in Vista.

Anyhow, I just thought I’d post this for all of you Windows users who wondered why their desktops weren’t as pretty as they used to be. You are probably just running something that doesn’t play nicely with Vista yet.

********************UPDATE****************************

After downloading the newest version of iTunes, I seem to have less of a problem with Aero. I’m still having problems with my Vista Sidebar, as it seems to be disabled on startup 50% of the time, due to software conflicts. As I’ve said before, though, I really don’t use it much anyhow.