I haven't worked with Vista yet, but if i recall correctly, pretty much every version of Windows differed in appearance from its predecessor. So I wouldn't be surprised if there were differences between Xp and Vista as well. I think the default view you're talking about is simply called Windows XP.
It's true that images included in a user guide, be it for putting together a bookshelf or for using a computer program, ought to be ones that are useful to all. I can't see how having 5 images just for one function due to OS differences would be anything but a waste of space. If the user is familiar with the computer they are using, the text would be enough to help them figure out what to do anyway.
