Will Adobe Premiere 6.5 work in Windows Vista?

Answer 1

Premiere 6.5 will run on Vista 32 bit version but will not run on Vista 64 bit version. It will not install on a system running Vista 64 even using compatibility mode. So if you want to use Vista 64 (which will allow you to use all your memory) be prepared to give up Premiere or spend $300 more to upgrade. Vista is not the demon it's been made out to be. Once you get used to it, you'll never want to go back to XP. Most of the problems reported early on about Vista were by idiots who installed Vista without bothering to also upgrade their RAM or CPU's. Since Vista runs a lot more processes, those with low resources to begin with had a lot of issues, and as is human nature, blamed Vista instead of the dummy in the mirror.

If you're considering a move to a Vista based machine, you should really consider getting a 64 bit system with the added RAM capability. Currently, I'm using an HP HDX 9300 20" notebook, with Vista Ultimate 64 and 8gb of DDR2 RAM, and with the CS4 Master Collection. Adobe advertises a 227% increase in productivity using Premiere on a 64 bit platform with added RAM. All of Adobe's programs are now 64 bit capable, with some like Photoshop and Lightroom having their own 64 bit editions. You can really see the difference with the added RAM.

Of course there's a reason for that - what Adobe "left out" is that it takes on average about 80% more RAM per process and operation in a CS4 program than it did on a CS3 program. Still, the difference is noticeable.

The world is going 64 bit in a big way very fast. Just last summer, new sales included 25% 64 bit systems, and with the advent of Windows 7 now in the final beta stages, 64 bit systems will become even more popular. You can run pretty much anything except the oldest programs on a 64 bit system.

For you, you can upgrade your 6.5 version to the new CS4 version for about $300. If you're really smart and have an Adobe Suite, or one Adobe and one old Macromedia, or even 2 Macromedia suites, you can parlay that into getting the Master Collection for around $1300. If you're a NAPP member (the discounts alone are worth the membership) you get 15% off all Adobe programs right off the top. I upgraded my CS3 Master to the CS4 Master, adding in Lightroom 2 (a fantastic program, BTW) for just under $1000.