GRE powerprep software

NERD ALERT


I searched for directions on how to run the GRE powerprep software on Windows Vista online, but I didn't find any that worked in their entirety. Most instructions seemed to be on forums that were full of unhelpful "solutions". So, I'm posting some improved instructions here.

Directions for how to run GRE PowerPrep software on Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit):

1. Log in with an administrator account.
2. Download the software from the GRE site. I tried using the setup file on the CD, but it didn't work.
3. Run the PPGRE31.exe file in Windows 98 compatibility mode (right click, properties, compatibility)
4. The setup file can take a really long time to load. Go put on a pot of tea or something.
5. Run the setup file as you usually would.
6. Go to the PowerPrep folder that's been installed in your Windows start menu.
7. Right click on the PowerPrep program, and change the compatibility mode to Windows 95. It doesn't work properly in other compatibility modes - the program starts but then will hang if you try to run it in Win 98 for example.
8. Open program (it may take a long time).
9. If you have problems accessing the practice files - like if they hang or the program stops responding - try closing the program and changing the compatibility mode to another setting. I found that Windows 95 worked best for me.

NOTE: The software does not work in Windows Vista 64 bit. You can install the setup file from the CD, oddly enough, but when you run the program you will encounter an error. Needless to say, it also doesn't work on a Mac.

There you have it. Software from people who charge $140 to test you, but are incapable of upgrading their software past 1995 standards.

GRE

Studying for the GRE to take this Saturday. I'm a little sick of vocab flashcards and 30-60-90 triangles. 

Today's "This really grinds my gears" moment - The PowerPrep GRE cd. You could say it makes me feel, hmm, what's a good GRE word? Irascible. There ya go. The CD (or the version of the program on the website) doesn't work on a Mac or on Windows Vista 64-bit. And when it does work, the screen resolution is like 640 by whatever. If I have to pay $140 to take a test, I deserve a forwards-compatible program to practice with. Luckily, my roommate is letting me borrow her computer tomorrow to use the CD. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will actually work.

Also, my neighbor is really, REALLY loud. Loves to shout at his TV while watching sports games. Occasionally I hear banging on the wall. He's a nice enough guy, but he's mentally/developmentally challenged, so I think he has no idea how loud he is. Which stinks, because I understand the situation and wouldn't want to get him "kicked out", but at the end of the day (literally - the noise often continues past midnight), he's still way too loud.  That's the dilemma - do you continue to try to be compassionate and understanding about it, or do you take the insensitive approach and complain about it to the landlord? It's times like these when the "quiet and comfortable living environment" clause in a lease just doesn't help out. 

In other news, things are going really well. I went to a really good Power Yoga class earlier this week, have been making more delicious recipes from my new cookbook, and am getting closer to finishing that sweater I've been knitting off and on for about a year now. WOW, that was the biggest dose of estrogen I have ever injected into a sentence. I also successfully wired some virtual reality equipment with a sound system this week. There, I feel better.