The Chinese vendor displays OS suggestion of
VOLVO VIDA 2014D or other versions:
(1) System: Windows 7
(2) Browser: IE8
(3) Internal storage: more than 2G
(4) Hard disk required: C (need to have more than 40G)
(5) required NTFS formatting hard disk C
But is DICE VIDA only compatible with Windows 7?
It all depends on the version of VIDA you are planning on running.
The latest versions will run on 32 or 64bit but it still needs to be a Pro, Ultimate, Business or Enterprise version. I can't vouch for Win Vista but again as long as it wasn't one of the 'Home' versions it should be fine.
You can edit the .ini file if you move the contents of the VIDA DVD on to your HDD and then run the setup from there. You edit the .ini file to tell the installer that it only needs a smaller amount of RAM.
With the newer additions of .net versions in Windows update (.net 4 and .net 4.5) you need to ensure these are NOT installed. Up to .net 3.5 is fine.
So, the best way to get a working VIDA first time is to conduct the following:
Fresh install of Windows (if using XP (SP3) it needs to be a Pro or Enterprise edition and NOT a Home version. If using Win7 or Win8 then it needs to be a Pro, Ultimate, Business or Enterprise edition. If using 64bit you will also need the newest versions of VIDA. Lastly you only want up to .net 3.5 installed. You can get a .net 3.5 installer for Win8.
Here are a VIDA 2014A user feedback on their operating system experience:
User 1:
After seemingly endless time spent altering a variety of settings VIDA 2014A now runs on my Panasonic CF-30. 2Gig of memory so changed the MEM number in the Compinfo.ini file from 2760 to 1900 for Windows 7.
Windows Firewall changed to allow local networks to bypass the Firewall in Control panel security settings.
Java settings changed to permit VIDA to operate.
Ran the installation programs under a Windows 7 compatibility setting.
Chinese DICE provided the DVD software but no patch, however found that on the web with a search for ''VIDA 2014A patch"'.
This is using Internet Explorer 11.
User 2:
I have put a fresh install of windows 7. There are no other program's installed on it. Got it to install ok but I can't get past the login page. It won't let me enter a user name at all.
It's 2013D and windows pro 7 64bit.
User 3:
I have Vida running and installed on a Win7 pro laptop and using ie8.
Vida appears to be working fine
User 4:
Took delivery on a Chinese vida/dice 2013a unit today. Used these instructions and have it fully working on xp sp3.
User 5:
I'm running VIDA 2013 on Windows 7 Ultimate with IE10, didn't expect it to work but its working perfectly so far
User 6:
I have windows 8, and followed link on here somewhere, for running Oracle virtual box, and have a virtual XP OS running on that, no problems at all. (infact card games etc are better on XP than Windows 8) I have also disabled modem connections on my XP part, so system can't update, as some had problems.
User 7:
For info XP Home failed (thought it would but had to try!)
I had tried a Windows 7 Ultimate 32 OS running with 3GB of memory on an ACER laptop and just couldn't get the system work (many attempts many late nights) After successfully using XP Pro, returned to this and loaded the WIN 7 32 OS to a Compaq lappy with 3GB of memory and ran the updates. Installed VIDA and it worked first time.
Since then also have it as a backup on a Windows 8 i5 laptop with Oracle VM running XP with 3GB memory without issue. For information I have this on XP Pro SP3.
Basically having a new install of the OS where ever possible seems the least painful path!
re-do the following:
Fresh install of OS (XP, Win7 or Win8)
Install all relevant drivers (from manufacturers website e.g Dell, Sony, HP etc...) especially Chipset, graphics, LAN + relevant others.
Bring laptop fully up to date with Windows updates (EXCLUDING .net 4 and .net 4.5)
Ensure Internet Explorer is on newest version available
Install Adobe Flash
Install Adobe Shockwave
Install Adobe Reader
Install Java
Do a final reboot
Install VIDA (Usually copy contents of DVD to Desktop and run install from there).
Install Patch
Reboot
login to VIDA
Add VIDA to 'Compatibility View Settings' in Internet Explorer
Close VIDA/Internet Explorer
Re-Open VIDA
Enjoy!