Color Calibration Color Management in Vista Question

[Goldilocks]

I've just recently moved and I'm using a CRT monitor, Photoshop CS2 for printing (utilizing softproofing methods), a Spyder 3 Pro for calibration, Vista operating system and an Epson 3800 printer. My prints appear darker than what I would expect based on my experience. All hardware is the same execpt for the CRT monitor. I had been using an Acer LCD monitor that was calibrated with the same Spyder.. I'm wondering if some things in Vista Color Management accidently changed or need to change.My monitor is a Dell M990 made March 2000 (not a Trinitron).( I think the M stands for mysterious, since I once had a Dell M990 of a different year and that one was a Triniton.)
My questions are:
In Vista color management advanced
tab:
 1  what should Device profile be set to?
 2. what should Viewing Conditions profile be set to?
Are there any other settings in Vista color management that should be checked, possibly changed?
Can you think of anything else that needs to be done differently?
Thanks,
Linda

[MBehrens]

Here is an excellent article on this web site on just this topic, by a leading expert in CM.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/why_are_my_prints_too_dark.shtml

[Goldilocks]

Thank you MBeherns. However, can anyone verify what the device profile and the viewing conditions profile should be set to in Vista Color Management?

[nkpoulsen]

Here is an excellent article on this web site on just this topic, by a leading expert in CM.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/why_are_my_prints_too_dark.shtml

That's an excellent article.  It's generous for professionals to share their knowledge in that manner.

You know, I read a fair amount a few years ago about Microsoft's attempt to implement their own color management system in Vista, and I decided not to have anything to do with Vista nor their CM system!  But as I vaguely recall, it's possible to bypass their system in Vista and still use the more traditional ICC-based approach.

[K.C.]

My primary job is as an IT manger. I've been doing IT work for 26 years. The best thing you can do with Vista is throw it away.

Upgrade to W7. If you value your time the cost of the upgrade with pay for itself quickly.

[Goldilocks]

My primary job is as an IT manger. I've been doing IT work for 26 years. The best thing you can do with Vista is throw it away.

Upgrade to W7.

If I plan on  using Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5, is there any version of Windows 7 that is better for me? I do not do photography for a living. Just want less frustration and will need to purchase new software for LR, PS and Windows 7 upgrade.