Vista with Windows OneCare miseries

So I formatted my laptop like 5 times over the weekend to make Vista work on my Sony Vaio. Reason for the 5 times - I really dont have the exact reason, but I do know it has something to do with Windows OneCare that comes with the Vaio install. Twice it got stuck at the point when Windows OneCare was getting installed. And once, it did complete the install, but upon 1st login, when I decided to do an online update, machine got stuck!
Eventually, I did a 'Erase Data' (setting all memory cells to '0') and completed the install, I was able to get to a stable state. 1st thing I did was save a 'System Restore point'. That done, I decided to do an online update for Windows OneCare again (this time I had the security of a System Restore point!). Update finished without any 'obvious' issue (I was still able to navigate around on my machine). What did happen though, is that my wireless connection would keep disappearing. I would be connected for a few minutes and then gone. Even the 'computer' icon from the tray would be gone. Trying to Repair would not show any issue with the connection...
Looked up online and found couple of related posts -
Here it gives a workaround of a known issue which has recently come to light -
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/onecareupdate/thread/297455ff-0484-4dd6-9627-ca1b0e30b015
"...
Yes, it has been confirmed by Microsoft to be a problem affecting the Windows Security Center on Vista. I'm awaiting official word to post here, but the current workaround that is valid is to open the Windows Security Center and select "change the way security center alerts" you by disabling alerts. The warning shield in the system tray and popups will cease, but the yellow status in the Security Center will likely still remain. However, as I noted in my earlier reply, OneCare monitors its own status. So, as long as OneCare is in green, the system is protected.
..."

I tried this and at that moment, my wireless connection did come back on. Although a little later(after machine came back from standby mode), I lost connection again.

Little more looking around and I found another post - not directly related to my issue, though I was able to reconnect when I followed the instruction;
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/onecarefirewall/thread/a63d56d1-6168-465f-83ea-b6919676d05b
"...

Open One Care firewall settings and uncheck "Automatically suspend all home or work locations when you are connected to any network in a public place".
..."

Connection hasnt been lost since then...if this doesnt work either, will post back on it.

-Elf.

America’s Undiscovered National Parks and Monuments - MSN Travel - Slide Show - 1

Havent reviewed the whole article yet - but yes, will make good travel idea for the summer!

America’s Undiscovered National Parks and Monuments - MSN Travel - Slide Show - 1

AOL Active Update pop-up

AOL is my work's preferred msnger service and I have had to use it even though I prefer GTalk to most other clients.
Annoying part about AOL is the Active Update popup that keeps popping up when something new is available, and it just wont stop until u actually install it. There isnt any option to disable in Preferences. Google to the rescue! I looked up the issue and yes, someone has already done extensive research to find where the issue is coming from.
I just went ahead and deleted both the problem folders! Dont see any popups now.

Thanks to folks who spent time on it! :)

-Elf.

Windows 7 and the Intel 855GM Video Driver "Solution" « Virtualization, Windows, Infrastructure and all that “stuff” in-between

Now that I have Windows 7 on my aging laptop, I have been looking for ways to improve on my usability with this configuration. My main issue - Video Graphic driver. The default that got installed gives a best resolution of only 1024x768. When looking around, I found this post - throws some light...I havent tried that tool either, will give it a shot when I have time for multiple installs some time later next week.

-Elf.

How to resize a partition in Windows Vista

I am getting a new machine with Vista on it. I was looking for ways to be able to partition in Vista and found this link that provides steps to be able to 'shrink' or 'extend' volumes. Will know next week if it works for me :)

-Elf.