@John... Heheh. I figured that might draw you out. I think you'll do just fine because you seem meticulous enough to get into all the nuances of such an upgrade. However it's gonna take a while for all the manufacturers to get their code in line and as we all know some companies don't even bother sometimes. My main thing is 7 works with all the crap I have now and I'm very cautious (as you know) in regards to new shiny things. The shine sometimes fades far too quickly. Also 8 seems like another experimental product from our friends at MS. Nothing wrong with experiments but I personally don't enjoy being a guinea pig seeing as how I'm the runt of the litter and more likely to succumb to the metaphorical toxic lipstick.

;-)

When I did a compatibility test on my system for Win 8 I was pleased to note that all the stuff I was using was just fine.

I really doubt that Microsoft has created a compatibility test that includes everything you are using. The basic computer hardware, quite possibly. But on many of  the hundreds of thousands of applications that are out there, few of which Microsoft has certified, it is highly unlikely they have done any kind of testing at all. It is unlikely that they even have driver data for many pieces of specialized hardware. I know you are a very sophisticated user, so I am sure you realize that the tests being done by Microsoft's compatibility tests will have to be confirmed by your own sweat and tears.

slartabartfast

When I did a compatibility test on my system for Win 8 I was pleased to note that all the stuff I was using was just fine.

I really doubt that Microsoft has created a compatibility test that includes everything you are using. The basic computer hardware, quite possibly. But on many of  the hundreds of thousands of applications that are out there, few of which Microsoft has certified, it is highly unlikely they have done any kind of testing at all. It is unlikely that they even have driver data for many pieces of specialized hardware. I know you are a very sophisticated user, so I am sure you realize that the tests being done by Microsoft's compatibility tests will have to be confirmed by your own sweat and tears.

You're absolutely right. As a matter of fact in doing that test the result was not coming from some MS testing lab but from what users had written to MS about different products.  Hardware wise I have already tested Win 8 and it passes with flying colors. All my audio hardware is supported just as it is in Vista. I don't need to wait for Win 8 drivers for anything I am using. 

Also keep in mind I am not going to replace Vista at all. It will reside on its own HD ready to be booted if needed. In other words I am not taking a risk in any way. This will be a completely clean install of Win 8 on its own HD. I will be spending a lot of time installing my plugins and other programs. All of which are going to work just fine with Win 8. it will also be an opportunity to get rid of stuff I don't need or want.  A spring fall cleaning if you will.  

I am looking forward to the challenge of creating a whole new system that meets my needs without having to buy a whole new machine. 

According to my tests with Win 8 preview, and this is just preliminary, I see an overall improvement in almost every area of my system. It would be silly for me not to upgrade at this time. BTW that was not the case when I tested Win 7. 

If I do run into an issue I will be able to revert back to Vista at any time. There really is nothing holding me back.

Besides in the end I have this forum on my side. I hope!

 

John... I like your style... and as I just ordered one of the few remaining Samsung 256 gb SSD's before the new units hit the shelves ($169!), I think I'll do the same... Definately have a ton of stuff cluttering up my system... which I'll never use again!

What I particularly like is the better workload distribution across cores... should really help a lot!  What the "Bleep", Beep?

Guess I'll end up doing some of Focusrite's troubleshooting... right, Matt?

Well how can I argue with your conclusions Vastman? Needless to say I agree with every point you make.

I am also looking at SSDs too. I'm not too happy with the prices for what I consider a minimum size. But I can get a huge HD for a third of the price. Oh well!

FWIW I just purchased and did an upgrade in place to Windows 8 Pro from Windows 7 Premium this morning. While the upgrade process took quite awhile, the end result was the computer booted up into Windows 8 and I was able to start Sonar X2 x64 without any issues. I loaded one of the demo projects, hit play and everything sounded great.

The built in Windows firewire driver worked with my PCI card and the m-audio Profire 620 driver worked with my audio interface without any messing with anything.

So far so good!

DON"T UPGRADE!!!!

Create a separate partition, or install a new disk, and perform a clean installation.

Why???

So your current, stable, happy system, continues to be available.

Putting w8 on its own partition means you can learn, configure, and test.

And most stupid:  MS is not releasing a stand-alone upgrade advisor. The advisor is available when performing the upgrade!!!   Way annoying.

Main problem here is cannot print from the w8 machines.
HP printer attached to w8, installs, is found, can be configured,  no printing.
Brother MFC on shared on w7 comp, w8 finds, installs driver from windows update, can be configured, no printing.

One user received a message from Canon that they will start providing drivers when w8 is released. 

Lots of messages at the MS forums about printers, and cameras, and other hardware issues:  the vista period??

That's the thing. I may be being a little harsh on Win8 and it could very well be the next great OS but it is too early to tell. Couple that with the fact it will take some time for third party manufacturers to get their act together it just makes sense to wait a while until you know it's gonna work with all your hardware. Especially on a crucial (and notoriously finicky) system like a DAW. The darned things are a pain to keep solid at the best of times. That said I am curious about 8 because of the performance enhancements but I'd like to try it out on something else first before tossing it on my DAW. It just looks awkward and more geared towards tablets. If I had the cash I'd consider getting a Win8 tablet. I think what they should have done is had two versions. One for tablets and one for more traditional PCs. At least have two modes to work in so old farts like myself can use an XP/7 style setup and leave the Metro weirdness to those who are more adventurous. It sounds like there is KIND of a setting like that but not quite as defined as I would prefer. Cheers.

I just bought the Windows 8 Pro download last night. I installed it and after getting over the shock of the different screens, I started Sonar X2 with my Focusrite Saffire pro 24 DSP. I had no problems what so ever. Now I'm wondering what the compatability upgrade is supposed to do? (When it comes out by Focusrite)

Danny

jm24


DON"T UPGRADE!!!!

Create a separate partition, or install a new disk, and perform a clean installation.

Why???

So your current, stable, happy system, continues to be available.

Putting w8 on its own partition means you can learn, configure, and test.

And most stupid:  MS is not releasing a stand-alone upgrade advisor. The advisor is available when performing the upgrade!!!   Way annoying.

Main problem here is cannot print from the w8 machines.
HP printer attached to w8, installs, is found, can be configured,  no printing.
Brother MFC on shared on w7 comp, w8 finds, installs driver from windows update, can be configured, no printing.

One user received a message from Canon that they will start providing drivers when w8 is released. 

Lots of messages at the MS forums about printers, and cameras, and other hardware issues:  the vista period??

This is good general advice. 


However, I am not running Sonar to make a living, so I upgraded in place this morning. So far I like Windows 8. Sonar X2 ran the demo project through my m-audio Profire 610 interface without any issues. Windows 8 recognized my HP network printer, installed the driver automatically and I printed a PDF. I am not saying people aren't having issues. There is no surprise that there are issues. Heck, read the issues people are having with Sonar X1/X2 with Windows 7.  However, I like taking some risks so I installed it and am happy.