Mindboards

Does anyone know of a way to get NXT-G to run on Windows 7 Starter? I know it isn't ideal, but it would be really nice to install it right on my son's netbook instead of him borrowing my laptop every time he wants to "write" a program. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lego do specify XP as a minimum and I have seen a reference in Lego support to it not running on Starter edition.

http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/whatisnxt/default.aspx

Even if you upgraded the OS, according to Lego, you need a 1024 x 768 screen.

Perhaps your netbook screen would be too small anyway?

Yes. I am aware of what Lego has to say on the issue, and of course it makes sense on their end to not support an environment that makes their software seem glitchy or clunky. It was just hoping that there are only minor conflicts with the system and that someone has come up with a way to delete a specific installation file (like I had to do to install it on my Mac) or to make a small registry change (like I had to do to change the wallpaper on the netbook), or even to install a patch that might allow me to get the program running even if the screen resolution is off or it runs a bit slower. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Try running as Administrator and XP Compatibility Mode (Right-Click NXT-G program shortcut, Properties->Compatibility). It's possible you can set these directly at the .exe file (although I haven't tried), and save yourself having to click the shortcut before opening an RBT.


If that doesn't work:

You can try using a XP Virtual Machine. Just install NXT-G on your VM, and it should work. You'll need to figure out a way to sync the RBT/etc files within the Windows 7 HD and your XP VM. Probably some kind of Shared Folders. Make sure you install the Fantom Drivers, and give your VM access to the NXT's USB device. (I'm not sure if all this has to done manually, or if it's automatic in Microsoft's Virtual PC.)

To adress the problem with the small netbook screen, you could download the config popup NXT-G addin from http://www.teamhassenplug.org/NXT/NXTGAdditions.html

Config popup
Show configuration panel in a floating window. Good for mini-PCs, with a resolution of ????x600. You must select the type of block in the window, before selecting the block in the editor.

-Tim