OK, I didn't try reinstalling to see what messages I'd get before posting my previous question. I do see the Service Installation option now. Unfortunately, Service Installation seems to be incompatible with having no password on my computer. I don't need a password, as it's a desktop at home (i.e., physically protected from unauthorized access), but the service installation won't complete without a password entered, and of course if I enter a password, the BOINC startup process fails because a non-null password is incorrect. Suggestions?

Hi all,
despite of many controverse from MS maniacs, and some well marketed by MS about its new features and so on, from my point of view VISTA is an instable OS to be used by now.

The number of issues and complex solutions documented until now by users, to use VISTA with many other softwares became the product a "garbage piece" for many corporations (with thousand of microcomputers) and end users in general.

All weeks I read or listen some problem related with VISTA utilization, and even more it appear that VISTA is a show sttoper for many old comfortables computers usages that we have... mainly related with VISTA interaction with other Softwares vendors than Microsoft...

Due it, I downgraded two machines which came with VISTA to Windows XP just a week after start both... At least W XP have problems and issues more clearly known by all, and lot of support to help us.

I have lot of concerns about VISTA right now, and complexity to setup with other Sw is a bad one... and until Microsoft invest a lot of money to launch a smooth new product to end users, I will continue use W XP.

It is just my opinion. Best Regards. GIBA.

Without a service install, I am subject to the whims of Windows Defender.

This is a nonpassword system with me as admin.
What that means is that I have to tell Vista upon reboot to allow BOINC to run....once per reboot.....which isn't that big of a deal. The only time I really need to reboot is for Microsoft patch tuesday. Being in the startup doesn't help. You could probably keep your passwords or not have any. Yes, my BOINC directory is separate, and not part of the Vista program path. If it were there, it probably would not run at all.

Thank you. That seems to work well.

Security is always a balancing act between protection and convenience. The reality is that people who are looking to steal information off PCs aren't physically breaking into houses; they find it much easier and safer to attack via the Internet. I don't have a password on my computer just as I don't have a cable and lock on it; my assessment of the likelihood of problems is such that I think the inconvenience outweighs the protection. Things would be different if I had the formula for Coke or the identity of our man in Havana--or if I had a laptop. For that matter, things may change when my children become old enough that inquisitive fingers could cause problems. But for now, I'm not worried. Famous last words? Perhaps. But I doubt it. Having both hardware and software firewalls strikes me as far more valuable.

I got a hold of Rom Walton.

BOINC 6 will eventually be able to work on Windows 98, 98SE and ME. It will install as single user install only, since other options for permissions cannot be used. The OSes don't support permissions like that.

That it at presently doesn't install is because of the installer, which checks that the minimum OS is in place at which the boinctray module works. This module detects the mouse and keyboard activity.

There was also a bug which is fixed, so any next version of BOINC 6.1 will (hopefully) be able to install on Win98, but as said, as single user install only.