Thanks to all who commented in my hour of need, think its time to bite the bullet and get vista x64, hope it all goes well.

Thanks again guys:up:

I run three different modded versions of SH3 and two of SH4 with vista 32 bit and they work fine.
The important things to remember for running them hassle free is to install outside og 'programme files' so as to avoid the safety restrictions, and to run each, as well as any mods such as SH3 commander and jsgme as administrator.
As long as your downloads are ok and you install any mods correctly and in the right order, it works fine.
Hardware with vista is important so best run 3gz processor if possible and at least 2gb ram with strong video card for best results.

:up:

Thanks AVGWarHawk for your reply on Bills First Build thread.
I tried to install on vista 64 using lots of advice on these threads - GWX instructions - using starforce tool etc.
Failure I guess must be down to my old starforce version of SH3.
Are all new copies of SH3 currently on the market Starforce free?
Is there any way of identifying this?
Regards,
U2222

Yes, I believe you need the SF free version. Sorry I was not more specific. I have not tried to run SH3 on Vista 64. My version is the SF version. There are versions out there without SF on it.

I have no problems with vista 64 bit premium. Install to a root folder like others have mentioned. The only thing with Vista OS is at first it is slow. After a couple of days it speeds up and runs smooth. Think its just the way it was designed. I'd recommend turning the UAC option off. In some cases its best to install programs by right clicking the exe and selecting 'run as administrator'.

Take my advise Vista is a real pain in arse :nope: some people can and some people can't get SH3 to work on Vista.

Thank goodness I still have my XP Pro :D:D:D:D

I am running Vista 64 on my new Gateway 7805u laptop. I went ahead and bought a newer version of SHIII with 1.4 patch installed. It works great!!! I have about 8 hours of playing time so far and not a problem. I had really bad problems a couple of years ago with my old desktop and the DVD-ROM so I stopped playing SHIII for the last 3 years. My install in vista is in the program folder, I tried installing it like I have SHIV in a new folder, but it just would not run. I also am running GWX gold with no problems (loving it).

Thanks again guys, lots of advice, going to splurge and get a nice new Vista (64) laptop with all the trimmings.

That is ofcourse if my wife wasnt pregnante again. There goes my disposable income.

Thanks guys.

My opinion on vista...
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5083/winvista.jpg
Thats my opinion...