Re: replacing Vista with XP/w2k and possible problems with drivers

Thanks, Bruce, for detailed feedback.
HP Support exactly say two things:
1. Removing VISTA or even installing XP for dual boot willinvalidate the
warranty. I do not worry about this for with VISTA I am not using the
machine anyway. If some hardware breaks down, I will remove XP and reinstall
VISTA. Or just swap the HD for I awyas store my date on a separate drive or
at least on a separate partition.

2. They do not guarantee I will find ALL the drivers for XP. The answer is
quite ecasive, but I could not get from them anything else

First and foremost, if the specific computer model in
question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no
WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse
components work properly

That was exactly the source of my worry. They now have a stick on all the
computers Recommended for VISTA or something like that. If MS do not sell
them a licence for XP, manufacturers have little point in developing XP
drivers

Also do you know if it is legally OK to buy, say, on ebay that OEM XP ? Will
MS give support to such an installation?

"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:#sUstDr#JHA.1376@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
aa wrote:
On a year old HP Pavilion/Vista I would like to remove Vista, format the
disk and install w2k or XP. But HP support refused all the support in
this
respect saying they are not sure I will find all XP/w2k drivers for this
machine.


*Exactly* what did HP Support say? That they definitely don't provide
WinXP device drivers for that model computer, or that they just wouldn't
help you find them?


Has anybody here had difficulties finding XP/w2k drivers for relatively
new
machines, and for HP Pavilion in particular?




There could be a couple possible adverse repercussions of which you
should be aware. First and foremost, if the specific computer model in
question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no
WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse
components work properly. Consult the computer's manufacturer about the
availability of device drivers. Secondly, removing an OEM-installed
operating system and replacing it with another will almost invariably
void any and all support agreements and, in rare cases, possibly even
the warranty. You would, at the very least, have to re-install Vista
before getting any support from the manufacturer. Again, consult the
computer's manufacturer for specifics. Thirdly, there will be the
additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP license for this new
computer.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then, assuming you were successful in obtaining WinXP-specific
device drivers so that the computer can be made to work with WinXP, the
backed up data can be restored and applications (those that are
WinXP-compatible, that is) re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
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http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot



.

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